When a recipe is so good it’s rumored to inspire proposals, you know it’s worth trying. Enter Marry Me Chicken, a creamy, flavorful dish with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic date night or just want to impress your family, this dish is guaranteed to wow your audience. Let’s dive into how to make this culinary masterpiece.
What is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, dreamy chicken dish that gets its name from its irresistible flavors. The combination of tender chicken, savory Parmesan, and the tangy kick of sun-dried tomatoes creates a symphony of tastes that’s unforgettable. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or even as the star dish at a dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make Marry Me Chicken:
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts – 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness.
- Olive Oil – For searing the chicken.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced.
- Chicken Broth – ½ cup for the sauce base.
- Heavy Cream – 1 cup for that rich, creamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup grated.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – ⅓ cup, chopped.
- Red Pepper Flakes – A pinch for subtle heat.
- Fresh Basil – For garnish.
- Salt and Pepper – To season.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Create the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Combine and Simmer
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
4. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh basil over the chicken and sauce.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Perfect Pairings for Marry Me Chicken
- Pasta: Serve over fettuccine or spaghetti to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: A comforting side that complements the rich flavors.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a fresh, healthy touch.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce.
Tips for Success
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken adds a layer of flavor that’s worth the extra step.
- Adjust the Heat: Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your spice tolerance.
- Make It Ahead: The dish reheats beautifully, so you can prepare it in advance.
Variations to Try
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy twist.
- Use Thighs Instead of Breasts: Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well in this recipe.
- Lighten It Up: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use less Parmesan for a lighter version.
Give It a Try!
Marry Me Chicken is a recipe that lives up to its name. Try it tonight and see why it’s a favorite among home cooks everywhere. If you fall in love with this dish, share it with your friends, leave a comment below, and let us know how it turned out. And don’t forget to explore our other irresistible recipes for more kitchen inspiration!
Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken is creamy, juicy, and full of flavor! It's said that this chicken dinner is so good that if you cook it for your partner, he will propose to you! Yes, it's THAT amazing! Funny name, but probably the best chicken recipe ever!
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breasts – boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness.
- Olive Oil – For searing the chicken.
- 3 cloves Garlic minced.
- ½ cup Chicken Broth – for the sauce base.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream creamy texture.
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- ⅓ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes chopped.
- Red Pepper Flakes – A pinch for subtle heat.
- Fresh Basil – For garnish.
- Salt and Pepper – To season.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Create the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Combine and Simmer
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh basil over the chicken and sauce.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken adds a layer of flavor that’s worth the extra step.
- Adjust the Heat: Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your spice tolerance.
- Make It Ahead: The dish reheats beautifully, so you can prepare it in advance.
