You know those recipes that, the moment you taste them, you just feel a surge of pure happiness? Which ones smell so good while cooking, that they practically draw people into the kitchen. Do kitchen magnets really work? Is this Marry Me Chicken a good recipe? It was a Tuesday night, I was exhausted, and honestly I almost just ordered pizza. I remembered this recipe, and thought, “Okay, let’s give this a shot.” What happened next was pure magic. What makes a chicken tender? My husband took a bite and his eyes widened. I can’t believe it. He looked at me, then back at the chicken, and said, “I’d marry you all over again for this. How did Marry Me Chicken get its name? Is it a must-have for any special occasion? What are some great weeknight treats? Is it better than Mac and Cheese?
What is a Marry Me Chicken?
What is this dish that has got everyone talking? What is your new favorite weeknight indulgence, Marry Me Chicken? What is essentially Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts, cooked until they’re golden and juicy, then nestled in a tin. a ridiculously creamy, luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and some fresh herbs. What is Parmesan It’s rich without being heavy, comforting but sophisticated. What is the name of a food that melts in your mouth? If you want to propose to the person who made it, why? Is it complicated? What is it about transforming simple ingredients into something truly special, something that makes you feel special? pause and savor every single bite. What is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you have pulled off something amazing in the kitchen? Even if you have only been cooking for 30 minutes, it will be worth it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
What are some of the best reasons to cook Marry Me Chicken? I know you’re going to fall in love with it too. First and foremost, the FLAVOR. Oh my goodness the flavor! That creamy sauce with the slightly tangy sun-dried tomatoes, the savory chicken, and the hint of garlic. What is the best basil flavor? What is it like to eat a chicken breast? What I love the most is how simple it is to make. Is it possible to whip this up after a long day and still have time to put my feet up? The ingredients are mostly pantry staples, which makes it cost-effective and easy to throw together. When the craving strikes, you can feel it. Plus, it’s so VERSATILE! Serve it over pasta, rice, Mashed Potatoes, or even with a side of crusty bread for dipping into. What is that glorious sauce? Is it good with roasted vegetables? What is your favorite recipe for Marry Me Chicken? What is the difference between comfort and elegance? What is the kind of dish that makes you feel good about what you’re eating, and it’s guaranteed to make you happy. How do I impress a kid to impress him/her? Is it really a lifesaver on busy nights when you want something special without much fuss?
How do I make Marry Me Chicken?
Quick Overview
How do I make a quick Marry Me Chicken Recipe? I’ll start by searing the chicken breasts until they’re perfectly golden, then set them aside. How do I make a creamy sauce in the same pan? The chicken goes back into the sauce to finish cooking, and a touch of cream and Parmesan cheese. Is it divine? Is it a one-pan wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, proving that delicious, delicious. Do impressive meals have to be complicated?
Ingredients
For the chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total) are cooked.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon water, and 1
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
For the Sauce:
What is 1 tablespoon butter?
1 tablespoon olive oil. 1 teaspoon salt.
4-5 cloves of garlic, minced.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped.
1/4 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc – optional, but adds great depth!)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth. 1 cup a day.
1 cup heavy cream is enough for 1 person.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 1/4 cup melted Par
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish.
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, let’s get our chicken ready. What is the best way to pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels? It helps them get that gorgeous golden-brown sear instead of steaming. What is the best way to season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. What is the best skillet to use for this recipe? What is a skillet? Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a skillet and place it over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering, not smoking. Get everything else prepped and nearby because once this starts, it moves pretty fast!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
This step is pretty simple for the chicken itself, but super important for that perfect sear. We’ve already seasoned the chicken with salt and pepper. Make sure you have a good coating on both sides. If you’re using any other dry seasonings like garlic powder or paprika directly on the chicken, if you can, add it directly to the meat. Before searing, now’s the time to add them. Just make sure they’re evenly distributed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
While the pan is heating up, you can prep your sauce ingredients. Mince your garlic, drain and chop those lovely sun-dried tomatoes (reserving a little of their oil). If you like for extra flavor in the sauce, but not essential), and measure out your broth and cream. If you’re using wine, have that ready too. Is it always best to have everything measured and within reach before you start cooking the chicken? How do you prepare a sauce?
Step 4: Combine
Now, place your seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet with the shimmering oil. If you’re in a hurry, don’t overcrowd the pan. You’ll hear smoky si If your skillet is too small, cook the chicken in batches. How long does it take for chicken to brown on both sides? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. How do you keep a tent warm?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out – those browned bits are pure flavor! ), reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and another tablespoon olive oil. Once the butter is melted, add your minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes. If the garlic is fragrant, sauté for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it! If using white wine, pour it in now and let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits. What are bits from the bottom of the pan? What is the best deglazing step?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The Parmesan cheese is salty, so taste before adding more salt.
Step 7: Bake
Now, nestle your seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of that glorious sauce. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can pop the whole thing into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. How do you cook chicken for 5-10 minutes? If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, you can simply cover the skillet on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes. How do I cook chicken in the sauce for 5-10 minutes?
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once the chicken is cooked through and coated in the rich sauce, carefully remove the skillet from the heat. The oven or stovetop. Let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices in chicken to redistribute, making it even more tender. How do you make a creamy sauce? If it seems a little too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for another minute or two, or whisk it. Is Parmesan a good substitute for Parmean?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Serve the Marry Me Chicken immediately, spooning plenty of that decadent sauce over each piece. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. What is the best way to serve it over pasta, polenta, rice, or with crusty bread? What is the best sauce ever?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best ways to dress up a Marry Me Chicken? I love serving this over white rice or mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting meal. My kids absolutely devour it this way, and it’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. If you’re looking for something more elegant, serve it over a nest of angel hair pasta. Is linguine always a winner? The delicate pasta catches the creamy sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, try it with quinoa or even cauliflower rice. What are some good side vegetable recipes? What are some good salads to serve with asparagus, sautéed spinach and garlic? All pair beautifully. What are some good crusty bread recipes? What is that divine sauce? Is it necessary to eat a whole meal? Is it a real treat to have it for Sunday dinner?
How do I perfect my Marry Me Chicken?
I’ve made this Marry Me Chicken more times than I can count, and through the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate it. First, about the sun-dried tomatoes: using the oil-packed ones is key for flavor, and you don’t need to drain them completely if you want a little extra richness in your sauce. Just chop them up and toss them in! When it comes to the chicken, that initial sear is everything. Make sure your pan is hot enough and don’t move the chicken around too much until it’s ready to flip. This gives you that beautiful golden crust. Also, don’t skip patting the chicken dry! I learned that the hard way when I first made it and ended up with pale, sad chicken. For the sauce, if you’re not using wine, just add a little extra chicken broth or even a splash of water to deglaze the pan. And about that creaminess: sometimes, depending on the brand of chicken broth or Parmesan you use, the sauce might be a little thinner than you like. If that happens, just let it simmer gently for another minute or two, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency. A little trick I learned after making it a few times is that you can whisk in an extra tablespoon or two of Parmesan cheese right at the end if you want to thicken it up and add more cheesy flavor. For ingredient swaps, if you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half can work in a pinch, but it might make the sauce slightly less rich. Also, if you love a bit more tang, a tiny squeeze of lemon juice right at the end can brighten everything up beautifully. Trust me on that one! And finally, remember to taste and adjust seasoning throughout the process. That’s the golden rule of cooking!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
What are some of the best things about Marry Me Chicken? If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house! ), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. What is the best way to keep it fresh for 3-4 days? What happens if your sauce thickens up in the fridge? When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of options. For best results, I like to gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Is it necessary to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce? Stir it frequently until it’s heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it, but try to do it in short bursts, stirring in between. Between, to ensure it heats evenly and doesn’t dry out the chicken. For reheating, it’s usually best to add the glaze (if you made a separate glaze) *after* cooking. Since this recipe has the sauce integrated, you don’t need to worry about it. If you’re freezing portions, wrap them really well in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil or place them in the freezer. What are some ways to store them in a freezer-safe container Is it safe to store it in the freezer for up to 2 months? How do you thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating?
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my beloved Marry Me Chicken Recipe! It’s truly a dish that embodies everything I love about cooking: incredible flavor, simple techniques, and the ability to make ordinary weeknights feel a little bit special. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of why it earned its name; that rich, creamy sauce is just irresistible. It’s a recipe that brings smiles to faces and often leads to requests for seconds (and thirds!). If you’re a fan of comforting, flavorful meals that are surprisingly easy to whip up, you absolutely have to give this a try. It’s one of those recipes that becomes a treasured part of your collection, the one you turn to again and again. For those who love this kind of rich, creamy chicken dish, you might also enjoy my Creamy Tuscan Chicken or my Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken. I’d absolutely love to hear how your Marry Me Chicken turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know your favorite ways to serve it, or any delicious variations you try. Happy cooking!
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until cheese is melted and sauce has thickened slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
