why make this recipe
Marry Me Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that can win anyone’s heart. With tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, savory sauce, it’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a family gathering. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan gives it a rich flavor that leaves everyone wanting more. Plus, it’s simple to make, so you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
how to make Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to mix in any brown bits.
- Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the parmesan cheese, oregano, and thyme. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once cooked, garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.
how to serve Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken is best served warm, straight from the oven. You can pair it with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables. A simple salad can also complement this meal well. Don’t forget to drizzle some of the delicious sauce on top of your side dishes for extra flavor!
how to store Marry Me Chicken
Let any leftovers cool down to room temperature before storing. Place Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last up to 3 days. If you have a lot left over, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Marry Me Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an hour before cooking.
- If you prefer a bit more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- To make it lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- If you’re avoiding dairy, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk and the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a lactose-free version.
variation
You can customize Marry Me Chicken by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the sauce. For a different protein, try using turkey or even shrimp cooked in the creamy sauce. You can also substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken first to ensure it cooks evenly.
2. What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes if you prefer a different flavor.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for an extra kick.
4. Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Yes! You can use evaporated milk or a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream.
5. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender.
Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy, savory sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to mix in any brown bits.
- Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the parmesan cheese, oregano, and thyme. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once cooked, garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an hour before cooking. Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter or lactose-free options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chicken, creamy chicken, romantic dinner, easy chicken recipe, Italian cuisine