Marry Me Chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish that features juicy chicken cooked in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. It’s super easy to make, perfect for impressing someone special!
This dish is so good, you might just get a marriage proposal right there at the dinner table! 😄 I love to serve it with pasta or rice to soak up that tasty sauce. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results. You can substitute with thighs for juiciness or even use tofu for a vegetarian version!
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and flavor. If you’re out, avocado oil works nicely too. Just keep an eye on the smoke point!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These give a rich, tangy flavor. You can use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers if you’re in a pinch, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and rich. If you want a lighter option, try half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is the classic choice for this dish. Nutritional yeast can be a great vegan alternative to achieve similar cheesiness.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the chicken just right is key to this dish! Here’s how to ensure it’s perfectly cooked without drying it out:
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance flavor.
- Use medium-high heat for the first cooking phase, browning each side for 5-7 minutes until golden.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—165°F (75°C) is the goal for doneness.
- If uncertain, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano or basil)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Marry Me Chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, so in total, you’ll need approximately 30 minutes to enjoy this wonderful dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will help to bring out the flavors as they cook. Make sure every side is well seasoned!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and cooked all the way through (check for an internal temperature of 165°F / 75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another minute to combine the flavors.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Add the dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Finish Cooking the Chicken:
Now, take the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken to coat it well. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes just to warm the chicken through and let those flavors meld perfectly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delightful Marry Me Chicken with your favorite pasta, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables. It’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, reduce the cooking time for the chicken breasts and focus on preparing the sauce. Simply sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then add the chicken to warm through and absorb some of the sauce flavors for about 3-5 minutes.
What Other Herbs Can I Use Besides Italian Herbs?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or sprinkle in some dried herbs like basil or thyme. Adjust the quantity to your taste, but keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option. Be aware that this might alter the taste slightly but will still deliver a creamy texture.
