Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, savory, and absolutely irresistible dish featuring juicy seared chicken breasts in a rich, garlicky parmesan sun-dried tomato cream sauce. This dish is so delicious, it’s said to be “marriage proposal-worthy!” Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a meal that will impress anyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
  • Easy to make in just 30 minutes!
  • Perfect for date nights or special occasions.
  • Pairs well with pasta, rice, or low-carb sides.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt & black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Olive oil
  • Butter

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Season & Sear the Chicken:

  • Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  • Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  • Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  • Stir in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Return Chicken & Simmer:

  • Place chicken back into the skillet and let simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F).

4. Garnish & Serve:

  • Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
  • Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or veggies.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
  • Extra Cheesy: Stir in more Parmesan or shredded mozzarella.
  • Mushroom Lover’s Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
  • Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great—just adjust cooking time.

2. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer longer or add a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.

4. What’s the best pasta to serve with this?

Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well.

5. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sear the chicken using the sauté function, add the sauce ingredients, and pressure cook for 8 minutes.

6. How do I make it even richer?

Add a tablespoon of butter at the end for extra creaminess.

7. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes give the sauce more depth of flavor.

8. What wine pairs well with Marry Me Chicken?

A Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully.

9. Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Use a larger skillet to accommodate extra chicken and sauce.

10. Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely! Store it in portions and reheat as needed.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken is a quick, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make but feels gourmet. Whether for date night, family dinner, or meal prep, this savory, cheesy, and garlicky chicken is sure to impress. Try it tonight, and get ready for rave reviews!

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Marry Me Chicken

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Description

This Marry Me Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s so good, it might just inspire a proposal! Tender pan-seared chicken is coated in a luscious sun-dried tomato parmesan cream sauce, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or an easy weeknight meal. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a truly irresistible dish!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Combine & Simmer

  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it.
  2. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
  2. Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Extra Flavor: Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
  • Make it Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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