Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, dreamy dish that combines chicken with a luscious sauce of sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. It looks fancy but is easy to whip up!
Trust me, once you taste this dish, you might just want to pop the question! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or impressing someone special. Enjoy with pasta or rice for a full meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for alternatives, boneless thighs work well too and can be even more flavorful.
Heavy Cream: The cream gives a rich texture. If you’re avoiding dairy, try coconut cream or a cashew cream for a lighter, vegan option.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a lovely sweetness and tang. If you can’t find them, canned diced tomatoes can be used, but consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a nice salty kick. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast is a great substitute to add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but it helps to follow a few key steps. The goal is to have your chicken moist and juicy without being overcooked. Here’s how:
- Start with medium-high heat to achieve a nice golden crust on the outside.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side—resist the urge to flip it too soon!
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; it should read 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for added spice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Marry Me Chicken recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to cook, giving you a total of around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. A quick and easy meal that feels gourmet!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This will give your chicken a lovely flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and fully cooked. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Aromatic Base:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about a minute. Then, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the chicken to the skillet, making sure to coat it well with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the chopped basil and, if you like a little spice, add some red pepper flakes. Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes until it’s heated through.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Marry Me Chicken is now ready! Serve it warm, drizzled with the creamy sauce, and don’t forget to garnish with extra basil. Enjoy your gourmet meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking! The best way to thaw is overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing the sealed chicken in a bowl of cold water for about an hour. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure it sears nicely in the skillet.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, or even use a combination of milk and a couple of tablespoons of butter for a homemade alternative. Just keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick, so add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to help with consistency if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally for even heating.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just sauté them along with the garlic in step 3, or add them with the cream and sun-dried tomatoes to ensure they cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
