This Easy Marry Me Chicken is a delicious dish that features juicy chicken breasts in a creamy, dreamy sauce. It’s simple to make and perfect for impressing dinner guests—or that special someone!
You won’t believe how quick this is! Just cook the chicken, stir in the creamy sauce, and watch everyone fall in love with each bite. It’s like magic, I swear! 💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use thighs for more flavor and juiciness. Just adjust cooking time slightly!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a lovely flavor and texture to the sauce. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, diced fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers work too, though the taste will vary a bit.
Heavy Cream: Using heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you want a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce may not be as thick. Vegan options can use coconut cream instead!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a delicious cheesy flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can be a good substitute for a cheesy taste. Grated Pecorino Romano is another great cheese option.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Just Right?
Cooking chicken can be tricky! You want it juicy, not dry. Here’s how to do it:
- First, season your chicken well; this helps with flavor.
- When searing, avoid moving the chicken too much. Let it develop a nice brown crust, which adds flavor!
- Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- If your chicken is thick, you can cover the skillet while simmering to help cook it through.
With these tips, your chicken will be perfectly tender and full of flavor every time!
Easy Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Creamy Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Marry Me Chicken recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the chicken, and then another 20 minutes simmering the sauce and chicken together until it’s extra creamy and ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Sear the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Once they’re browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, turn down the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Add the Flavors:
Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Stir everything together and let it cook for about a minute to blend the flavors.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now it’s time to make it creamy! Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine and bring up any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let this simmer for a minute.
5. Mix in the Parmesan:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. You’ll love the aroma!
6. Simmer the Chicken:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them in the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken, then reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened a bit.
7. Garnish and Serve!
Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve this creamy chicken dish with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or pasta to enjoy that luscious sauce!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken in creamy sun-dried tomato sauce—everyone will love it!
FAQ for Easy Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or place in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quick thaw. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to achieve better browning.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken in advance. Just refrigerate them separately for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce together in a skillet over low heat until heated through!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
What Can I Serve with Marry Me Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or pasta! For a lighter option, serve it over steamed veggies or with a fresh salad to complement the rich sauce.
