When I first tried Marry Me Chicken, I thought it couldn’t possibly live up to its romantic name. But as that rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce enveloped each tender morsel of chicken, my skepticism melted away. Imagine the warm, herb-infused aroma wafting through your kitchen, beckoning friends and family to gather around the table. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transforms a simple dinner into an occasion worth celebrating.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, Marry Me Chicken comes together in just 28 minutes, yet it feels indulgent enough for those moments when you want to impress without the fuss. Its luscious creaminess and subtle kick from red pepper flakes make it a crowd-pleaser, even for those who think they’ve had it all when it comes to chicken. Join me in making this delectable dish that’s sure to win hearts—and maybe even a proposal!
Why is Marry Me Chicken so irresistible?
Simplicity and Flavor: This recipe is a breeze to prepare, marrying tender chicken with a mouthwatering sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Rich, Creamy Sauce: The sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan create a luxurious, creamy texture that elevates any weeknight meal.
Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 28 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something special without the hassle.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With its aromatic blend of herbs and spices, even picky eaters will fall in love with this dish.
Versatility: Great on its own or paired with a side of pasta, rice, or vegetables, you can customize this dish to fit any meal occasion.
Make sure to grab all the ingredients for this delicious recipe and prepare to impress your loved ones!
Marry Me Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Ensure they’re tender by pounding them to uniform thickness for even cooking.
• Salt to taste – Essential for enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
• Black pepper to taste – Adds a touch of warmth to the overall dish.
For the Sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic – A fragrant addition that infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma.
• ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth – Use this to create a rich base without overpowering sodium.
• ½ cup heavy cream – Provides creaminess to the sauce, making it irresistibly rich.
• ½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese – Adds depth and a nutty flavor that complements the sauce beautifully.
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes – Gives bursts of sweetness and tanginess that elevate the entire dish.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – A fragrant herb that pairs wonderfully with chicken and tomatoes.
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – A hint of heat that balances the creamy sauce.
For Serving (Optional)
• Chiffonaded fresh basil – A fresh touch that adds color and flavor right before serving.
• Grated fresh parmesan cheese – Additional cheese for topping if you really want to indulge in that creamy goodness.
Get ready to enchant your loved ones with this stunning Marry Me Chicken in Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
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Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board, trimming as needed. Gently pound them flat until they’re uniform in thickness, ensuring even cooking throughout.
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Season Generously: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a nice sear—season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
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Heat the Skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat until it shimmers, signaling that it’s ready for the chicken.
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Sear the Chicken: Sear the chicken breasts in the heated skillet for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they’re lightly golden brown. Flip them carefully to maintain that beautiful crust.
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Set Chicken Aside: Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Don’t forget to leave the drippings in the skillet; they’re packed with flavor!
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Preheat Oven: While you’re prepping the sauce, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for the baking process.
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Sauté the Garlic: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 to 60 seconds until it becomes fragrant—this will infuse the oil with delightful flavor.
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Add Chicken Broth: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds depth to your creamy sauce.
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Whisk in Cream: Allow the skillet to cool slightly for 2 to 3 minutes, then whisk in the heavy cream until fully combined, creating a rich and luxurious base.
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Incorporate Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated fresh parmesan cheese into the mixture and whisk until it melts beautifully into the sauce, enhancing the creamy texture.
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Reheat the Sauce: Put the skillet back over medium-low heat and continue stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is warm, but don’t let it boil.
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Mix in Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is well blended and allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer.
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Coat the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, flipping them to coat in that luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
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Bake Chicken: Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 13 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
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Rest the Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the residual heat to bring it to a perfect 165°F (74°C).
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Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the chicken to serving plates, generously top them with sauce, and garnish with chiffonaded fresh basil and additional parmesan if desired. Serve immediately!
Optional: Serve with pasta or a green salad for a complete meal experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Marry Me Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize this dish to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich, non-dairy version. This swap will still deliver that luscious texture you love!
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Spicy Kick: Elevate the heat by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. Perfect for those who crave a fiery experience with their dinner.
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Veggie-Loaded: Toss in some spinach or artichokes along with the sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of color and added nutrition. This not only enhances flavor but also makes it a heartier dish.
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Herb-Infused: Change up the dried oregano for fresh thyme or rosemary to give the sauce a fresh and fragrant twist. Their aromatic qualities can create a whole new experience.
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Pasta Lovers: Serve over cooked fettuccine or penne for a comforting pasta dish that brings a new layer of satisfaction. The pasta perfectly absorbs the creamy sauce.
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Chicken Swap: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful alternative. Thighs can provide a richer taste that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
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Umami Boost: Incorporate a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce into the sauce for an added depth of flavor. Just a little can change the whole profile!
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Low-Carb Option: For a lighter meal, replace the pasta side with sautéed zucchini noodles. Your dish retains all the creaminess while being veggie-packed and guilt-free.
With these delicious variations, you can personalize your Marry Me Chicken to delight your taste buds each time you whip it up!
Make Ahead Options
These Marry Me Chicken (In Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) are fantastic for busy weeknights, allowing you to savor delicious flavors without the last-minute rush. You can season and sear the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in the refrigerator. Additionally, the sun-dried tomato cream sauce can be prepared ahead, cooled, and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce on the stove while the chicken is baking. When ready to serve, combine the chicken and sauce, bake until heated through, and enjoy a heartwarming meal with minimal effort, just as delightful as when you first made it!
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken?
Looking for the perfect accompaniments to complement this creamy, flavor-packed feast?
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Creamy Risotto: Its velvety texture enhances the richness of the chicken while balanced flavors make every bite memorable.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, it’s perfect for soaking up that luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce left on your plate. Enjoy a piece with each forkful of chicken for pure bliss!
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Fresh Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch, cutting through the creaminess and brightening the entire meal.
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Roasted Asparagus: Tender, slightly charred spears bring an earthy element to the table, complementing both texture and flavor.
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Buttery Mashed Potatoes: Classic comfort food that provides a creamy base, perfectly cradling that delightful chicken and its sauce.
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Chilled Sparkling Wine: A bubbly and refreshing sip that pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish, making your dinner feel extra special.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, the light and airy texture of mousse is a sweet way to end a deliciously indulgent meal.
How to Store and Freeze Marry Me Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the sauce with the chicken to maintain moisture.
Freezer: To freeze, place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Ensure the sauce is included to keep the chicken tender upon reheating.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
Room Temperature: Don’t leave Marry Me Chicken out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid foodborne illness.
Expert Tips for Marry Me Chicken
Pound Evenly: Ensure chicken breasts are uniformly pounded to guarantee even cooking and tenderness throughout, avoiding chewy bites.
Don’t Rush the Sear: Allow the oil to heat properly before adding chicken; this will create a beautiful golden crust instead of steaming the meat.
Cool Before Cream: Let the skillet cool a few minutes before whisking in heavy cream to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, luscious sauce.
Taste as You Go: Always taste the sauce while cooking to adjust seasonings, especially with the crushed red pepper flakes for heat—get it just right!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for freshly grated parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor and creamy texture in your Marry Me Chicken.
Marry Me Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for Marry Me Chicken?
Absolutely! I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook evenly and remain juicy when pounded to a uniform thickness, ensuring a tender final dish.
How do I store leftover Marry Me Chicken?
Store leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and sauce together is vital for maintaining moisture and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat gently!
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?
Very! To freeze, place cooled chicken along with its sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. A splash of chicken broth or cream can help keep the dish moist.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
If you prefer a lighter option or need a dairy-free adaptation, you can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a creamy texture without dairy. It provides a different flavor profile but complements the sun-dried tomatoes nicely. Alternatively, using half-and-half or a mix of Greek yogurt and milk can also work, but be cautious not to boil it once added.
How can I ensure my sauce doesn’t curdle?
To prevent curdling, always let the skillet cool for a few minutes before whisking in the heavy cream. Continuously stirring while adding the cream and keeping the heat low when reheating is essential, as boiling can cause curdling. This way, your sun-dried tomato cream sauce will remain smooth and luscious!
Is it safe to eat chicken that hasn’t reached 165°F internal temperature?
No, it’s important! Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat. Using a meat thermometer can help you gauge that perfect doneness. While the cooking instructions state the chicken should reach 160°F when coming out of the oven, letting it rest for 5 minutes will allow the residual heat to finish cooking it to the safe temperature of 165°F. Enjoy safely!
Marry Me Chicken in Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board, trimming as needed. Gently pound them flat until they’re uniform in thickness, ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Season Generously: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat until it shimmers.
- Sear the Chicken: Sear the chicken breasts for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.
- Set Chicken Aside: Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the Garlic: Lower the heat, add minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
- Whisk in Cream: Allow the skillet to cool slightly, then whisk in heavy cream until combined.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Sprinkle grated fresh parmesan cheese into the mixture and whisk until it melts.
- Reheat the Sauce: Return the skillet to medium-low heat and continue stirring until warm.
- Mix in Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, flipping to coat in the sauce.
- Bake Chicken: Slide the skillet into the oven and bake for approximately 13 minutes.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the chicken to serving plates, top with sauce, and garnish with basil and additional parmesan.