Marry Me Chicken recipe: If you’re searching for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress, look no further than the Marry Me Chicken recipe. This irresistible dish combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with a rich, velvety parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Whether you’re making a special dinner for two or feeding a hungry crowd, this flavorful main course is bound to become a favorite. It’s easy to see why it’s called “Marry Me Chicken”—one bite might just make someone fall in love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a luxurious sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create this masterpiece. Most items are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.
- Quick and Easy: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- Versatile Pairing Options: Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Marry Me Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step enhances the flavor of the chicken and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
Using the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean—you want all those delicious browned bits!), sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy, and the cheese has melted into the mixture.
4. Combine and Bake
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure they’re well-coated. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top. Serve the chicken breasts with generous spoonfuls of the creamy sauce. Pair it with your favorite side dishes for a truly memorable meal.
Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Pasta: Toss spaghetti or fettuccine in some of the extra sauce for a restaurant-quality meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a fresh and healthy touch to your plate.
- Crusty Bread: Use it to mop up any leftover sauce—it’s too good to waste!
Tips and Variations
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free version of this dish.
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach before baking.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.
FAQs
1. Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from its reputation as a dish so delicious that it could inspire someone to propose marriage! While it’s just a playful name, there’s no denying that this recipe is love at first bite.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well in this recipe and tend to stay even juicier during cooking. Adjust the baking time as needed since thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken in advance. When ready to serve, combine them in the skillet and bake as directed. This makes it a great option for entertaining or busy evenings.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to thin out the sauce.
5. Is Marry Me Chicken gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free certified. Always double-check labels if you have dietary restrictions.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Here’s what you can expect per serving (1 chicken breast with sauce):
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 35g (Saturated Fat: 15g)
- Carbohydrates: 10g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g)
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience that brings people together around the dinner table. With its tender chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, and bold flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or simply treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to delight.
So go ahead—grab your skillet and get ready to fall in love with Marry Me Chicken!
PrintMarry Me Chicken
This crowd-pleaser takes juicy, tender chicken breasts and marries them with an incredible parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil for a rich, flavorful main course everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on each side, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce is well combined and the cheese has melted.
Combine and Bake:
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure they are well-coated.
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), approximately 15-20 minutes.
Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the chicken and sauce.
Serve the chicken breasts with the creamy sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side of steamed vegetables.
Variations: For a dairy-free or paleo-friendly version, consider using coconut cream and nutritional yeast as substitutes for heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, respectively.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
