If you’ve been on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm hug in dinner form, then look no further than this Marry Me Chicken Recipe. This creamy, flavorful delight is packed with juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of spice. Every bite feels like a special occasion, making it perfect not just for a weeknight feast but also for impressing someone you love. Trust me, this recipe is so irresistible it could inspire a spontaneous proposal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this Marry Me Chicken Recipe simple is the key to letting every ingredient shine. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s adding richness, depth, brightness, or that perfect touch of heat and herbs.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken to golden perfection and adds fruity notes.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds creaminess and depth to the pan sauce base.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers an aromatic punch that brightens the whole dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: A subtle kick for a little warmth and excitement.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Builds a flavorful, savory foundation for the sauce.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety texture that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and a pleasant sharpness to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): Contributes a sweet and tangy burst of color and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties everything together.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all flavors.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: A fresh, herbal finish that elevates presentation and taste.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and sear for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through. This initial sear locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust that makes every bite delightful. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, keep those wonderful browned bits that are brimming with flavor and add the minced garlic along with the red pepper flakes. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they release their aromas, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—this is where the magic begins. Let the broth simmer to concentrate the flavors, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Allow everything to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens up into that luscious, creamy texture you crave.
Step 3: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the seared chicken breasts back to the skillet, nestling them into the rich sauce. Spoon the creamy mixture over each piece to coat them beautifully. Let everything simmer together for another 3 to 5 minutes to ensure the chicken soaks up the sauce, melding all those incredible flavors. Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top to add a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are more than just decoration here; they add a bright, fresh balance to the rich, creamy sauce. For an extra touch of elegance, consider sprinkling a little extra Parmesan on top just before serving. This small finishing touch really makes the dish pop.
Side Dishes
This Marry Me Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up all that delicious sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered pasta noodles. Light steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans also make wonderful accompaniments, offering a crisp contrast to the rich main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try slicing the chicken breasts and fan them out over a bed of your favorite pasta or mashed potatoes, then ladle the sauce generously on top. Serving it in a shallow casserole or cast iron skillet right at the table adds a rustic charm that’s as inviting as the flavors themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though this dish rarely lasts long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy that creamy goodness all over again without losing a bit of flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. After cooking, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly after thawing, but the flavors will still be outstanding.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help restore the sauce’s silky texture. Microwave reheating is convenient too but do it in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs work well, especially if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut. Just adjust the cooking time until the thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes are hard to find, roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes make great alternatives to add color and a burst of flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the chicken. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and chicken together gently on the stove.
How spicy is this Marry Me Chicken Recipe?
The red pepper flakes provide just a mild warmth without overpowering the dish. You can always adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and a little bit romantic about this Marry Me Chicken Recipe. It’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, which makes it perfect for any occasion where you want to impress yourself or others. So go on, make this dish soon—you might just find yourself delightfully surprised by how quickly it becomes a favorite in your home!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful chicken dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts smothered in a savory sauce of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner and pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the skillet bottom to release any browned bits for extra flavor. Bring to a simmer.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat and continue simmering for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken and simmer together for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to reheat the chicken and let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley leaves before serving. Serve warm with your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
- This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
- For a lighter cream sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Slicing the chicken before returning it to the sauce makes serving easier and allows the sauce to coat more pieces.
