Introduction
Marry Me Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that has taken the internet by storm. With its combination of tender chicken, a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce, and a hint of sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe is bound to impress. The name suggests that this dish is so delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Flavorful: A velvety sauce with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes elevates the dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses kitchen staples but delivers gourmet-level taste.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Simmer
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Return Chicken to the Pan
- Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh basil over the dish before serving.
- Serve hot with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Variations
- Mushroom Marry Me Chicken: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach or bell peppers for more nutrients.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly as they may take slightly longer.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes. Alternatively, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and stir it in.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken ahead of time, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables all pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sear the chicken first, then place everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this dish is naturally low-carb! Serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream provides richness, but you can use whole milk with a little flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use fresh cherry tomatoes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, concentrated taste.
How do I prevent my chicken from drying out?
Use a meat thermometer and cook chicken to 165°F. Also, letting it rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain moisture.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Absolutely! A splash of white wine adds depth to the sauce. Just let it cook down before adding the cream.
Conclusion
This Unique Creamy Marry Me Chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and see why it’s called Marry Me Chicken!
PrintUnique Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe: Your New Favorite Dish!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this Unique Creamy Marry Me Chicken recipe! A rich, Parmesan-infused cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes makes this an irresistible dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Simmer
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Return Chicken to the Pan
- Place seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh basil over the dish.
- Serve hot with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Mushroom Marry Me Chicken: Add sautéed mushrooms.
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, creamy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, Parmesan chicken, sun-dried tomato chicken