Marry Me ChickenMarry Me Chicken

This Marry Me Chicken is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. Featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a sun-dried tomato sauce, it’s a luxurious dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken is a dish that checks all the boxes: creamy, flavorful, and comforting. The rich sun-dried tomato sauce, with its depth of flavor from the Parmesan cheese and the bite of garlic, elevates simple chicken breasts into something extraordinary. The combination of creamy sauce, tangy tomatoes, and fresh herbs like basil and parsley will leave you craving more. This recipe is easy to make yet feels indulgent and special, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Ingredients

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

• ½ tablespoon ground pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 ½ cups chicken stock

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese

• 7 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped (you can use this oil in place of the olive oil for added flavor)

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• ¼ cup chopped basil

• ¼ cup chopped parsley

• Cooked pasta (for serving)

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with half of the salt and pepper.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm.

3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Add the chicken stock, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.

4. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, half of the Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, approximately 5 minutes.

6. Serve: Slice the chicken breasts across the grain and serve with the sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Garnish with chopped basil and parsley. Serve over pasta, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, you can substitute the chicken with pan-seared tofu or another plant-based protein.

• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes for a spicier sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.

• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or skim milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

• Add Veggies: Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers in the same skillet for an extra burst of flavor and texture in your dish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a little chicken stock or cream to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but it will take longer to cook. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can make the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat and assemble when you’re ready to serve.

3. What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. A side of sautéed vegetables or a crisp salad would also be great.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a different flavor profile.

6. Is the sauce very thick?

The sauce should be creamy but pourable. If it’s too thick, simply add a bit more chicken stock or cream to achieve your desired consistency.

7. Can I use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes adds extra flavor and is a great substitute for olive oil in this recipe.

8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should read 165°F.

9. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work perfectly, and they tend to be even juicier than breasts. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

10. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, you can add more red pepper flakes or even a chopped fresh chili pepper to the sauce.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, savory, and absolutely irresistible dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s quick enough to make on a busy weeknight but elegant enough to serve for special occasions. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your dinner rotation!

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