Marry Me Chicken: A Rich and Flavorful Dish

Marry Me Chicken is a deliciously creamy and savory chicken recipe that will win over your heart—and your taste buds! With tender chicken breasts seared to perfection, smothered in a flavorful garlic, sun-dried tomato, and Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is perfect for special occasions or an elegant weeknight dinner.

Why Make This Recipe

Rich and Creamy Flavor

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce creates a rich, savory flavor that’s hard to resist. The red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat, balancing the richness of the sauce.

Simple and Quick

Despite its elegant taste, Marry Me Chicken is easy to make with simple ingredients. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and bake, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a dinner party.

Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing

This dish is versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables. Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Boneless skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe because they cook evenly and quickly. You can use chicken thighs for a juicier version, though they will need a slightly longer cook time.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: These basic seasonings bring out the flavors in the chicken and the sauce. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs that brings an earthy, fragrant flavor. You can substitute with a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme if you don’t have Italian seasoning.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use any cooking oil you prefer, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Unsalted butter is ideal here to control the amount of salt in the sauce. You can swap it with ghee or another butter substitute.

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for the depth of flavor. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh garlic really enhances the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat to the sauce. You can omit this for a milder version.
• 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor. You can use vegetable broth for a non-meat alternative.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Heavy cream creates the rich, velvety texture of the sauce. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes bring an intense, slightly tangy flavor. You can use regular tomatoes if you prefer, though the flavor will be less concentrated.
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty element to the sauce. Freshly grated cheese works best here for a smoother, more flavorful result.
• Fresh basil (optional for garnish): Basil adds a fresh, aromatic touch. You can skip this if you prefer, but it enhances the presentation and taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Sear the Chicken:

• In an oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat.
• Once the butter melts, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
• Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

• Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Bake the Chicken:

• Add the chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm. Enjoy!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

This chicken is perfect on its own or paired with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a side salad or pasta for a more substantial meal.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish due to the creamy sauce, as the sauce may separate upon reheating.

Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken

1. For faster cooking: Slice the chicken breasts into cutlets for quicker cooking.
2. Omit the red pepper flakes: If you prefer a spice-free dish, simply leave out the red pepper flakes.
3. Check the chicken: Always ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F with an instant-read thermometer.

Variations

• Make it creamy: Add a splash of cream cheese or heavy cream to the sauce for an extra creamy texture.
• Swap the chicken: You can use chicken thighs for a juicier, richer alternative.
• Add veggies: Incorporate spinach or mushrooms into the sauce for added flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe and will provide more juiciness. Just ensure they cook through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store the chicken and sauce separately in the fridge, and then reheat them when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
This dish goes great with steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or pasta. A simple green salad or grilled vegetables would also make a perfect side.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken is a decadent and flavorful meal that combines the creaminess of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a smoky garlic sauce with tender, seared chicken breasts. This dish is guaranteed to win over everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, it’s a dish that’s easy to make and simply irresistible!

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