Marry Me Chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a love story on a plate. Imagine this: tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the savory depth of Parmesan. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth and fills your home with an irresistible aroma. This recipe has a reputation for being so delectable that it’s said to inspire marriage proposals after the first bite. Whether you’re looking to wow your partner, impress guests, or simply treat yourself, this dish delivers comfort and elegance in every forkful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
1. A Perfect Blend of Flavors: The tangy sun-dried tomatoes paired with creamy Parmesan create a balanced sauce that’s both indulgent and irresistible.
2. Simple Elegance: This dish looks and tastes fancy enough for a dinner party yet is easy enough for a weeknight meal.
3. Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the creamy, savory flavors, making it a versatile option for family dinners.
4. Versatile Pairings: Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce—you can’t go wrong.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a golden crust when searing. Sprinkle both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning allows the natural flavor of the chicken to shine while complementing the rich sauce.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully lay the chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Let them sear undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a deep golden crust. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate, tenting it lightly with foil to keep warm.
3. Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir frequently, cooking just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden and aromatic.
Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release all those flavorful browned bits. This step, called deglazing, ensures the sauce is packed with depth.
Slowly stir in the heavy cream, watching as it transforms into a velvety, creamy base. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until fully melted and incorporated. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece, ensuring they’re well-coated. Let everything simmer together for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavorful sauce. The sauce will thicken slightly more as it cooks.
5. Garnish and Serve
Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness. Serve the chicken hot, paired with your choice of side dishes.
Helpful Tips for the Best Results
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Removing excess moisture before searing helps achieve a better crust and prevents the chicken from steaming instead of browning.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.
- Simmer Slowly: Cooking the sauce over low heat ensures it doesn’t curdle and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- Leftover Ideas: Shred leftover chicken and toss it with pasta or layer it into a sandwich for a delicious lunch.
- Side Suggestions: Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a light green salad for a complete meal.
- Thicker Sauce Option: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for an extra 2-3 minutes before adding the chicken back to the pan.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and add even more richness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, then reheat together gently on the stovetop.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a small amount of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration: Cool leftovers completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.
Related Recipes
If you loved this dish, you’ll want to try these equally comforting and flavorful recipes:
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is more than a meal; it’s an experience—one that combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of romance. Whether you’re cooking to impress or indulging in a little self-care, this dish never fails to deliver. So, what are you waiting for? Tie on that apron, and let this creamy, dreamy recipe work its magic in your kitchen. Who knows? Love might just be in the air—or at least on the plate!
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Marry Me Chicken: A Creamy, Flavorful Feast to Savor
Description
Marry Me Chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a love story on a plate. Imagine this: tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the savory depth of Parmesan. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth and fills your home with an irresistible aroma. This recipe has a reputation for being so delectable that it’s said to inspire marriage proposals after the first bite. Whether you’re looking to wow your partner, impress guests, or simply treat yourself, this dish delivers comfort and elegance in every forkful.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a golden crust when searing. Sprinkle both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning allows the natural flavor of the chicken to shine while complementing the rich sauce.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully lay the chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Let them sear undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a deep golden crust. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate, tenting it lightly with foil to keep warm.
3. Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir frequently, cooking just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden and aromatic.
Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release all those flavorful browned bits. This step, called deglazing, ensures the sauce is packed with depth.
Slowly stir in the heavy cream, watching as it transforms into a velvety, creamy base. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until fully melted and incorporated. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece, ensuring they’re well-coated. Let everything simmer together for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavorful sauce. The sauce will thicken slightly more as it cooks.
5. Garnish and Serve
Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness. Serve the chicken hot, paired with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- Leftover Ideas: Shred leftover chicken and toss it with pasta or layer it into a sandwich for a delicious lunch.
- Side Suggestions: Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a light green salad for a complete meal.
- Thicker Sauce Option: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for an extra 2-3 minutes before adding the chicken back to the pan.
