Marry Me Chicken is a luxurious dish that combines succulent chicken breasts with a velvety, creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. This indulgent meal delights the senses with its rich flavors and irresistible aroma, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting family meal.
The creamy garlic sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, enhanced by a blend of herbs and a subtle kick of red pepper flakes. Once you try this dish, it’s no surprise it earned its charming name – it might just inspire a proposal!
- Rich, creamy sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan ensures bold, savory flavors.
- Simple yet elegant, perfect for impressing guests or a special loved one.
- Versatile serving options with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes make it a crowd-pleaser.
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients for a fancy dinner in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Four tender chicken breasts, the perfect protein base for absorbing rich flavors.
- Salt & black pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
- Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a subtle depth of flavor to the chicken seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile with a gentle garlic aroma.
- Italian seasoning: A herb blend that brings fragrant notes of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken, creating a golden, flavorful crust.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds pungent, aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes provide a tangy, sweet, and chewy texture burst.
- Heavy cream: The silky foundation of the sauce, delivering luxurious richness.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory umami and helps build the sauce base.
- Freshly grated Parmesan: Cheese that melts into the sauce for nutty, salty creaminess.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional heat to add a lively kick and balance richness.
- Dijon mustard: Introduces subtle piquancy and complexity to the sauce.
- Oregano: Extra herbal note to complement the Italian-inspired flavors.
Instructions
- Season the Chicken
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Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry to ensure they sear properly. Season generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning for a flavorful crust. This step is key to developing a crispy exterior and deliciously seasoned meat.
- Sear the Chicken
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook each side for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Searing locks in juices and creates a beautiful caramelized surface that enhances the final dish.
- Create the Flavorful Sauce Base
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In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté briefly, about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom to capture every bit of flavor.
- Simmer the Creamy Sauce
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Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken and marry the flavors, creating a luscious and aromatic base for the chicken.
- Incorporate the Parmesan Cheese
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Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. The cheese enriches the sauce with a nutty, salty depth essential to the dish’s signature taste and texture.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce
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Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over to coat. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce thickens to a perfect consistency, binding the flavors beautifully.
- Serve and Garnish
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve the chicken and creamy sauce over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up every delicious drop.
- For juicier chicken, consider using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Adding a splash of white wine when building the sauce enhances depth and complexity.
- Spinach stirred into the sauce near the end adds vibrant color and nutrition.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to prevent the sauce from breaking. This dish can also be frozen for up to 1 month, though texture is best fresh.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with al dente pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or steamed rice. A simple side salad or roasted vegetables will complement the rich sauce and balance the meal perfectly.
- Pat chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning to achieve a golden brown crust.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan to ensure smooth melting; pre-grated cheese may affect texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to maintain high heat and even browning.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
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Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicier and add more flavor, but cooking time may vary slightly.
- What can I substitute for heavy cream?
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Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese can be used for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- How do I store leftover Marry Me Chicken?
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Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month for best quality.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
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You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then gently reheat before serving. This makes it perfect for dinner parties.
- What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
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It goes well with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, and fresh green salads or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- How spicy is Marry Me Chicken?
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The red pepper flakes add optional mild heat; omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
Equipment
- 1 skillet for searing chicken and making sauce
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits.
- Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using, then simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken breasts to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes as desired.
Notes
- Add fresh spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- A splash of white wine enhances the sauce depth.
- Substitute cream with half-and-half for lighter sauce.
- Ideal for romantic date nights.
