There's something magical about the combination of tender chicken, rich cream sauce, and bold flavors that makes this Marry Me Chicken irresistible. The name alone hints at its romantic reputation—it's so good, it might just inspire a marriage proposal!
The first time I tried this dish, I was blown away by how quickly it came together, yet how elegant it looked on the plate. Whether you're planning a cozy date night at home or a family dinner that feels a little special, this recipe will win hearts and taste buds alike.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken
Get ready to meet your new favorite recipe! Marry Me Chicken is a show-stopper that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve.
First off, it’s incredibly simple. You can go from fridge to table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
The flavor is out of this world. With its creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant garlic, every bite is a symphony of taste that’s hard to resist.
Plus, this recipe uses pantry staples like chicken broth and heavy cream, so you might already have everything you need.
And don’t forget how versatile it is. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, or even pair it with a fresh side salad for a lighter option. Whatever you choose, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of Marry Me Chicken lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the dish’s signature flavors and textures.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here, as they cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier option.
- Heavy Cream: This forms the luxurious base of the sauce. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, but the result won’t be as indulgently creamy.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the cream. Look for the oil-packed variety for added flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Provides depth and balances the creaminess of the sauce. If you want to intensify the flavor, use a low-sodium broth and adjust the salt to taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty kick. Pre-shredded varieties don’t melt as well, so stick to the fresh stuff!
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic base. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your garlic-loving heart.
You’ll also need a large skillet for searing the chicken and creating the sauce in one pan—minimal cleanup for maximum flavor!
How to Make This Marry Me Chicken
Creating this dreamy dish is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to bring it all together:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika for color and flavor. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—this step only takes about 30 seconds.
- Build the Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to simmer for a minute or two. Their tangy flavor will infuse the sauce beautifully.
- Return the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce, spooning some over the top. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
This dish is best served immediately. Expect a total prep-and-cook time of about 30 minutes—a small investment for such a rewarding dish!
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), Marry Me Chicken stores beautifully.
- Refrigerator: Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
When reheating, warm the dish slowly over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. This prevents the sauce from separating while ensuring the chicken stays moist.
Variations and Substitutions
The best part about Marry Me Chicken is how adaptable it is to your preferences and pantry. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap the Protein: Try this recipe with pork chops or even salmon for a delightful twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Herb It Up: Stir in fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavor even more.
- Use Alternative Tomatoes: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, diced cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers are excellent substitutes.
- Lighten It Up: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that’s just as luscious.
Feel free to get creative—this recipe is forgiving and practically begs for experimentation!
Ready to impress with this Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken? Whether you’re cooking for love, family, or yourself, this dish is sure to make a lasting impression. Give it a try tonight and see why so many are head over heels for this recipe!
PrintEasy Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe
This Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, making it the perfect comfort meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Cover and cook for 7-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Adjust the spice level by adding or omitting red pepper flakes.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer before adding the chicken back in.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
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