Okay, okay, so maybe this recipe didn’t *actually* lead to a proposal, but let me tell you, the recipe was great. When I made this Marry Me Chicken for my now husband, he was practically speechless! Is it one of those dishes that hits all the right notes? Is this creamy, savory, with a touch of sweetness, and has lots of comforting comfort? Think of it like Chicken Parmesan met Creamy Tuscan Chicken and they had a baby that was even MORE TASTY! Why do I have to be obsessed? Is it easier to make a chicken sandwich than you think? You know those nights when you just *crave* something decadent but don’t want to spend hours in the bathroom? What is your answer?
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What is a Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is essentially chicken breasts simmered in a ridiculously flavorful creamy sauce. What is a dish that earned its name? The sauce is typically made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream (or a combination of both). If you’re feeling virtuous, consider a lighter alternative. ), Parmesan cheese, and herbs like basil and oregano. Think of it as a super-charged, incredibly delicious version of chicken dish. What is the beauty of Marry Me Chicken? What is the best combination of flavors? What is comfort food? What are some of the Is Marry Me Chicken easy to make?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? The flavor is just out of this world. The sun-dried tomatoes add this amazing burst of concentrated sweetness and tang, which balances perfectly with the richness of the cream and the saltiness of the Parmesan. It’s just… chefs kiss! And it’s not just the taste, it’s ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, most of the work is just letting it simmer on the stove. I love that I can throw this together on a busy weeknight and still feel like I’m serving something special. What I love most about this is how versatile it is. You can serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even just some crusty bread for soaking up all that glorious sauce. Plus, the ingredients are pretty budget-friendly – you probably already have most of them in your pantry! For me, this recipe is a cross between Chicken Alfredo (because of the cream and Parmesan) and a creamy tomato soup (the sun-dried tomatoes). But, honestly, it’s so much more flavorful than either of those on their own. My family begs me to make this all the time. Once you try it, it will be a new staple!
How do I make Marry Me Chicken?
Quick Overview
How do I make Marry Me Chicken? First, you’ll sear the chicken breasts to get a nice golden crust. How do I make a creamy, dreamy sauce for the chicken? Is the sauce thickened? Is it a hands-off process that fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma? This method is special because it allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors of the sauce. What makes this dish super tender and juicy? Is it worth it?
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each) – I prefer to use organic chicken. What are the best breasts for flavor and texture? * 1 tablespoon olive oil – Extra virgin olive is my go-to for its rich flavor. * 1 teaspoon salt – Sea salt or kosher salt both work well. * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best! * 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – You can also use a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and black pepper.
For the Sauce:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil – Again, extra virgin is preferred.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent flavor.
* 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained – Make sure to drain them well to avoid a greasy sauce. I sometimes even pat them dry with a paper towel.
* 1/2 cup chicken broth – Low-sodium is always a good idea so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
* 1 cup heavy cream – This is what makes the sauce so incredibly rich and creamy! For a lighter option, try half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk (it adds a subtle sweetness).
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts the best and has the most flavor.
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil – Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note.
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano – Oregano adds a lovely earthy flavor.
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) – For a little kick!
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Season Chicken
What is the best way to sear chicken breasts? Then, season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it really brings out the flavor of the chicken.
Step 3: Sear Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this point – just get a nice sear on the skin. I always do this because it adds so much flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful color.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 5 minutes. About 30 seconds, until fragrant. How do you avoid burning garlic?
Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth. What are the ingredients for heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, and red pepper? What are the best flakes to make Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. I love the way the kitchen smells! My kids know exactly what that smell means, and they get so excited for dinner!
Step 6: Bake
Place the seared chicken breasts back in the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Transfer the chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until browned. Cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). I always use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked perfectly. What is worse than overcooked chicken?
Step 7: Rest & Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. What happens when the juices are released from the chicken?
Step 8: Slice & Serve
Serve immediately, spooning the creamy sauce over the chicken. Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired. What is the best way to serve Marry Me Chicken over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of crusty bread? What is the best bread for soaking up the sauce?
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
Marry Me Chicken is incredibly versatile, and you can serve it with anything! What are some of my favorite pairings?
With Pasta:Toss it with your favorite pasta! I love using linguine, fettuccine or penne to soak up that delicious sauce. What are some good ways to serve Parmesan cheese on top of a salad?
Over Rice:Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for scrumptious and satisfying meal.
What is a good recipe for maCreamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich and flavorful chicken. I sometimes add garlic to my mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
What is Crusty Bread?Serve it with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that glorious sauce. What is the best way to serve baguette?
What is the best way to eatServe it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a scrumptious dinner. What is a healthy and balanced meal? My family loves grilled asparagus with this dish. This makes the meal more balanced and the asparagus has a nice flavor contrast to the creaminess of the carrot.
Growing up, my mom would always serve something similar to this over egg noodles. Is it a treat to be in the hotel and bring back memories? I love making this recipe for my own family – it’s a little piece of my childhood!
How do I perfect my marry me chicken?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take this Marry Me Chicken recipe to the next level. What are some of my top tips?
What is the best way to cook chickenBefore searing chicken, I like to pound it to an even thickness. How do you cook a chicken? I use a meat mallet and gently pound the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap.
Don’t overcook a chicken: DonWhat is the best way to cook a tender chicken? Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once it reaches that temperature, remove it from the oven immediately.
Use Quality Ingredients:What is the best quality of ingredients for a dish? Use fresh garlic, good-quality sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Is it true that you’ll taste the difference?
Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:Feel free to adjust the sauce to your liking. If you want it to be spicier, add more red pepper flakes. If you want it sweeter, add a little honey or sugar. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly. I always test my food before cooking it.
Add Spinach or Kale: Add spinach or For a healthier twist, add a handful of fresh spinach or kale to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. It adds a boost of nutrients and a pop of color.
Make It Ahead: This dish is actually even better the next day! The flavors meld together and the sauce thickens even more. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. We typically make this at the beginning of the week so we can have it for lunches during the work week.
Try Different Variations: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different variations. Try adding mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or even a splash of white wine to the sauce. The possibilities are endless!
I’ve learned over time that not all sun-dried tomatoes are created equal. Some are much more tart than others, so I always taste them before adding them to the sauce and adjust the sweetness accordingly. I once tried using almond milk instead of heavy cream, and while it was a decent substitute, it definitely didn’t have the same richness. Another time, I forgot to add the Parmesan cheese, and the sauce was noticeably lacking in flavor. These little mistakes have taught me to pay attention to detail and to always taste as I go!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Marry Me Chicken:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat the chicken, you can either microwave it or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. If microwaving, cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. If reheating in a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help keep it moist. Reheat until heated through, making sure to check the internal temperature.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on freezing the chicken, I recommend waiting to add the fresh basil until after you reheat it. The basil can get mushy and lose its flavor when frozen. I learned this the hard way after prepping this for a family event, so keep this in mind!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my tried-and-true Marry Me Chicken recipe! It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to impress, whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just want to treat yourself to something delicious. The creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chicken breasts are a match made in heaven. It’s an easy weeknight meal or a show-stopping dinner party centerpiece. If you love creamy chicken dishes, be sure to check out my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, or my Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe! Both of those are easy to make and can be just as impressive as this one. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Don’t forget to rate this recipe and share it with your friends and family. Enjoy!
Herb-Infused Savory Chicken Delight
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pcs chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1.5 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp olive oil divided use
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup dry white wine optional
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp cream cheese softened
- 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Sauce Seasonings
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.75 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Garnish
- 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cut and flatten chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dredge in flour and shake off excess.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a pan. Sear chicken on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add white wine to deglaze. Cook until reduced by half. Stir in minced garlic and butter.
- Gradually add chicken stock, heavy cream, and honey. Stir in the sauces seasonings, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Lower heat, then add cream cheese and Parmesan. Stir until the sauce is creamy. Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over top.
- Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is heated through. Serve garnished with fresh basil.
