Marry Me Chicken is a deliciously creamy, flavorful dish that has gained quite the reputation as an irresistible meal—so much so that it’s rumored to inspire marriage proposals! While that may be an exaggeration, the combination of tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of fresh herbs is undeniably enticing. This easy-to-make dish has a balance of bold flavors and is perfect for a romantic dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests.
The creamy sauce clings to the chicken in the most delectable way, making it ideal for serving over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even alongside a simple green salad. Whether or not it leads to marriage proposals, this dish will certainly win over anyone who tastes it.
Ingredients:
To prepare Marry Me Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and roughly chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
- Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce later. Once both sides are seared and golden, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Making the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté them with the garlic for another minute or two, allowing them to release their flavor.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add incredible flavor to the sauce.
- Stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, and thyme. Let the mixture come to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, so the flavors can meld together.
Step 3: Adding the Parmesan
- Once the sauce has simmered and slightly thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Step 4: Returning the Chicken to the Sauce
- Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure each piece is well coated.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the chicken to simmer gently in the sauce for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
- Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of freshness and color. The herbs complement the richness of the dish beautifully.
Tips for Success
- Use Chicken Thighs if Preferred: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used in this recipe, chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. They offer a juicier, more tender result. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
- Control the Spice Level: The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat to the dish, but if you or your guests prefer a milder flavor, feel free to omit them. Alternatively, you can increase the amount if you enjoy a spicier dish.
- Serve with a Side: Marry Me Chicken is best served over something that can soak up all that delicious sauce. Try serving it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Be sure to use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, as they are softer and more flavorful than the dried variety. Drain them well before chopping, so they don’t add excess oil to the sauce.
- Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving. The flavors actually improve as the dish sits, making it a great option for meal prep or a dinner party where you want to save time.
- Adding Vegetables: If you want to add some vegetables to the dish, spinach is a great addition. Simply stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach toward the end of cooking, allowing it to wilt into the sauce.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is a perfect dish for those who love creamy, flavorful meals with a hint of elegance. The combination of tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce makes this recipe a standout. Whether you’re looking to impress a loved one or just want to enjoy a satisfying dinner, Marry Me Chicken is sure to leave a lasting impression. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!