This Easy Marry Me Chicken is a creamy delight that will make anyone fall head over heels! It features tender chicken cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s simply irresistible.
If you’re looking to impress on date night or just want a cozy dinner, this dish has you covered. Plus, it pairs perfectly with your favorite mashed potatoes—or just some bread to soak up that delightful sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook evenly and stay tender. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use chicken thighs, which add more flavor, but they will need extra cooking time.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The sun-dried tomatoes provide a delicious burst of flavor. If you don’t have them, you could use cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead, or just skip them for a simpler dish.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could substitute half-and-half or coconut cream. Just keep in mind that it might not be as thick or rich.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for its superior flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can be a good substitute, adding a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Get Juicy Chicken Breasts?
To ensure your chicken breasts stay juicy, proper cooking is key. Start by seasoning generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in a hot skillet. This helps lock in moisture. Don’t forget to let them rest briefly after cooking—this makes a big difference!
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot enough to sear the chicken. This creates a nice crust.
- Avoid moving the chicken around too much in the pan while it’s cooking to allow even browning.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) when done.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your Marry Me Chicken!
Easy Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed
This delicious Marry Me Chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes to cook. In total, you can have this heavenly dish ready in about 45 minutes!
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This will give them a lovely flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them until they’re golden brown on both sides, which should take about 5 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until they become fragrant but be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. This will enhance the flavors in the sauce.
5. Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as you go. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to let those wonderful flavors meld together.
6. Mix in Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken slightly, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
7. Combine Chicken with Sauce
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over each piece. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (you want an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
8. Adjust Seasoning
Give the sauce a taste! Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary to suit your taste buds.
9. Garnish and Serve
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil and serve immediately. This Marry Me Chicken goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or some crusty bread to soak up that rich, creamy sauce.
Enjoy your deliciously creamy and flavorful Marry Me Chicken!
FAQ for Easy Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can, but make sure to thoroughly thaw the chicken before cooking. The best way to defrost chicken is to place it in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method: seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a couple of hours. Pat it dry before seasoning and searing.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken ahead of time. Simply cool, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the sauce over low heat until heated through, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with a Lighter Option?
Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick or rich as it would be with heavy cream. Adjust cooking times as needed to achieve your desired consistency!
