Marry Me Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or just a cozy weeknight dinner. With tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy Parmesan sauce, topped with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs, this dish is as delicious as it is indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or feeding the family, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken is a comfort food classic with a gourmet twist. The creamy, cheesy sauce is a perfect complement to the perfectly seared chicken, and the sun-dried tomatoes add an extra layer of richness and depth. The combination of Parmesan, heavy cream, and garlic gives the sauce a luxurious texture, while the herbs and red pepper flakes add just the right amount of seasoning. It’s an easy-to-make dish that feels fancy enough for a special dinner, but it’s simple enough for a weeknight meal. You’ll be hooked after the first bite!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, packed in oil)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Season the Chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. - Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 4–5 minutes per side until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Sauté Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. - Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan to deglaze. - Make the Sauce:
Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors. - Cook the Chicken:
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil and serve with your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Serve the chicken with gluten-free pasta or mashed cauliflower for a gluten-free meal.
- Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh instead of chicken, and adjust the cooking times accordingly.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra spicy punch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but reheating on the stove helps preserve the sauce’s texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken typically takes longer to cook, so be sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a lighter cream option, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes provide a more intense flavor, but you can use fresh tomatoes in a pinch. Just chop them up and add them to the sauce, but they won’t give the same depth of flavor.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat and garnish with fresh basil.
5. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
6. Can I make this without chicken broth?
You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or even white wine for a different flavor profile.
7. Can I use grated Parmesan instead of shredded?
Yes, you can use either grated or shredded Parmesan, but freshly grated Parmesan will give you the best flavor and texture.
8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.
9. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
10. Can I use another type of cheese?
Parmesan is a key ingredient in this dish, but you could try other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago if needed.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to win hearts and stomachs alike. The tender chicken, rich sauce, and aromatic herbs create a mouthwatering combination that’s perfect for any dinner occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a special night or just looking for a comforting meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, and get ready to fall in love with every bite!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy Parmesan sauce, topped with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs. This indulgent recipe is perfect for any special occasion or cozy weeknight dinner. The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and rich sun-dried tomatoes will have everyone asking for the recipe. Impress your guests or loved ones with this easy yet gourmet dish!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, packed in oil)
Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Season the Chicken:
-
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
-
-
Sear the Chicken:
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
-
-
Sauté Garlic:
-
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
-
-
Deglaze the Pan:
-
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
-
-
Make the Sauce:
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Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
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Cook the Chicken:
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Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Serve:
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Garnish with fresh basil and serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
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Notes
Gluten-Free: Serve with gluten-free pasta or mashed cauliflower for a gluten-free meal.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and adjust cooking time.
Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Pan-Seared, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
