You know those dishes that just make you want to propose to them? What is Marry Me Chicken? Is it the kind of meal that’s so decadent, so utterly comforting, and surprisingly simple to pull together? Is it a culinary love affair? I remember the first time I made this for my partner; the look on their face was pure bliss. Is it like a perfectly executed lasagna or Chocolate Cake? How do I get more satisfaction with my life? What is the best thing to do in the kitchen without making you sweat? For hours, this is it. What’s your go-to meal for special occasions? Is there a little bit of magic? When baking, the aroma alone is enough to bring everyone to the kitchen, and that creamy, smoky aroma is just as good. What is sun-dried tomato sauce Is it poetry?
What is a Marry Me Chicken?
What is that one dish that has people swooning? Think of Marry Me Chicken as tender, Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts nestled in a velvety, luscious, and tangy sauce. This isn’t just any sauce, mind you. It’s a symphony of sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sometimes hints of pepper. What are the ingredients that create this incredibly rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile? What is the origin of the name “Marry Me Chicken”? What kind of meal would you marry into a family? Is it elegant enough for a romantic dinner? Perfect for any night of the week when you want to treat yourself or your loved ones. What is that perfect blend of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly unique?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin with why you’ll fall head over heels for this Marry Me Chicken? First and foremost, the flavor. It’s an explosion of creamy, savory goodness with that bright tang from the sun-dried tomatoes. Each bite is like a warm hug for your taste buds. Then there’s the sheer simplicity of it. I know, I know, sometimes “Creamy Chicken” can sound intimidating, but this recipe is a lifesaver. You can have this on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something special. And the cost? It’s surprisingly budget-friendly! The ingredients are mostly pantry staples, and the chicken breasts are usually quite affordable. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. I’ve served this over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, and even just with some crusty bread for dipping into that glorious sauce. It truly stands out because it delivers restaurant-quality taste and presentation without the fuss. What I love most about this recipe is that it always feels like a treat, a little bit of luxury that you can whip up at home anytime you crave it. It’s just pure comfort food elevated!
How can I make Marry Me Chicken?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to get maximum flavor with minimal effort? I’m going to sear some chicken breasts to get them beautifully golden, then create a recipe for this. How can I make a creamy sauce in the same pan? We’ll let the chicken finish cooking in that sauce, absorbing all the incredible flavors. What is the whole process of cooking that is designed to be straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to achieve a perfect meal. What is a show What is the kind of recipe where the cooking smells alone will make your home feel instantly cozier.
Ingredients
For the Chicken: What are some of
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied or pounded to an even thickness.
1 tablespoon olive oil
What is garlic powder? 1 teaspoon per teaspoon.
1 teaspoon onion powder. 1 tablespoon garlic powder .
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
For the Sauce:
What is 1 tablespoon butter?
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped.
1 cup chicken broth for 1 day.
1 cup heavy cream for 1 day.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 14 cup par
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Chicken
How do I get my chicken prepped? If your chicken breasts are super thick, I always like to butterfly them or pound them gently. Even thickness. Which means they cook evenly and quickly. How do you pat dry your sears with paper towels? What are some good ways to season potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder? Is it important to have everything ready before cooking?
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. You want to hear that satisfying sizzle! Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet, letting it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Give them a quick sauté for another minute, just to release their flavor into the pan.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s where all the flavor is! Let it simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 5: Combine & Simmer
Return the seared chicken breasts (and any juices from the plate) back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure it’s well-coated. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking. The chicken should be tender and juicy.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning & Serve
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like, for a pop of freshness and color. Serve the Marry Me Chicken immediately with your favorite sides.
What should I serve it with?
This Marry Me Chicken is incredibly versatile, so pairing it with the right sides can elevate it even further. For a classic, comforting meal, I always reach for creamy Mashed Potatoes. They’re the perfect vehicle for soaking up every last drop of that glorious sauce. Pasta is another fantastic option; linguine or fettuccine are my go-to choices. You can even toss the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken and sauce for a one-pan wonder! If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, a side of roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli adds a nice touch of green and a slight crunch that balances the richness of the chicken. And don’t forget a good crusty baguette to mop up all that delicious sauce – it’s non-negotiable in my house! For a more elegant presentation, especially if you’re making this for a special occasion, serving it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can be lovely. My kids also absolutely love it over fluffy white rice. It’s one of those dishes that just works with almost anything!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Marry Me Chicken
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make this Marry Me Chicken Recipe even better. First, don’t skip patting the chicken dry! Seriously, it’s the secret to getting that beautiful golden crust. If the chicken is wet, it will steam instead of sear, and you won’t get that lovely color and flavor. When you’re sautéing the garlic, keep a close eye on it. Garlic can go from fragrant to burnt in seconds, and burnt garlic is a flavor you definitely don’t want in your sauce. I’ve definitely learned that the hard way! For the sun-dried tomatoes, draining them well is important, but don’t discard all the oil! A little bit of that oil can add even more flavor to the sauce if you want to be extra decadent. If you find your sauce isn’t thickening quite enough, you can always make a quick slurry with a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce. Just be careful not to make it too thick; you want a luscious, coating consistency, not a gloopy one. Also, using good quality chicken broth makes a difference; low-sodium is great so you can control the salt level yourself. And finally, don’t be afraid to adjust the herbs! While basil and parsley are lovely, a pinch of dried oregano or thyme can also add a nice depth of flavor if that’s what you’re feeling.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This Marry Me Chicken is so good, you might actually have leftovers, though it rarely happens in my house! If you do, store any cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the best way to maintain that creamy texture is on the stovetop over low heat. You might need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce a bit. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can sometimes make the chicken a little rubbery, but if it’s your only option, reheat in short intervals, stirring frequently. I haven’t tried freezing this dish myself, as cream-based sauces can sometimes separate or change texture after thawing, but if you do, ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as described. For the glaze, if you’re making it ahead, it’s best to store it separately and drizzle it over the reheated chicken just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s going to make you feel like a culinary rockstar without all the stress, Marry Me Chicken is it. It’s rich, it’s creamy, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel special and impresses guests without requiring you to be chained to the stove. I truly hope you give this Marry Me Chicken a try; it’s become a cherished recipe in my home, and I have a feeling it will in yours too. If you love this, you might also enjoy my Creamy Tuscan Chicken or my Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken for more comforting chicken dinner ideas. Don’t be shy about sharing your own twists or letting me know how it turns out in the comments below – I love hearing from you all!
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in half horizontally
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 0.5 cup chopped shallots
- 4 clove garlic minced
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add shallots and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Stir in the fresh basil. Serve immediately.
