Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Make Hearts Flutter with This Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Whipping up a delectable marry me chicken recipe might just spark unexpected romance at your dinner table.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients dance together in perfect harmony.

Tender chicken breasts bathe in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce that whispers promises of love.

Garlic and herbs weave their enchantment, creating a dish so irresistible you’ll want to propose on the spot.

Italian-inspired flavors burst through with unexpected boldness and depth.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like a special occasion when this showstopping plate arrives.

Prepare to fall head over heels with every single bite.

Marry Me Chicken Dining Companions

  • Elevate Creamy Flavor Companions: Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich sauce and complement the sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Create Texture Contrast: Serve alongside wild rice pilaf or garlic roasted asparagus to add a light, nutty background that balances the creamy chicken.
  • Match Herbaceous Notes: Crusty Italian bread works perfectly for soaking up the luxurious sauce, bringing out the dish's Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
  • Enhance Protein Experience: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the heavy cream and sun-dried tomato sauce.

Marry Me Chicken Flavor Options

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar cheesy flavor.
  • Low-Carb Chicken: Swap sun-dried tomatoes for fresh cherry tomatoes. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Slice plant-based protein into cutlets, season similarly, and pan-fry until golden and crispy.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure chicken broth is gluten-free. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening sauce. Verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free.

FAQs

  • What makes this chicken recipe different from other chicken dishes?

This recipe stands out with its rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that perfectly complements the golden-brown chicken, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great! They’re typically more tender and flavorful, though you’ll need to adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can easily adjust or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor. The sauce is more about creamy, savory notes than intense spiciness.

  • Do I need any special ingredients for this recipe?

Most ingredients are common pantry staples. The key unique ingredient is sun-dried tomatoes, which add a rich, tangy depth to the sauce that makes this dish special.

Chicken That’s So Tasty It Might Just Get a Proposal

  • Whip Up Effortless Elegance: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal culinary skills required, making gourmet cooking accessible to everyone.
  • Savor Quick Comfort: Perfectly designed for busy home cooks, this one-skillet wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Marry Me Chicken's creamy, tangy sauce and tender chicken breasts create a universally appealing meal that will impress family and guests alike, making it ideal for casual dinners or special celebrations.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable to personal preferences, you can adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, or pair with various sides, making this recipe a versatile staple in any home cook's repertoire.

Marry Me Chicken Must-Have List

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy cuts perfect for this creamy dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Rich base for a velvety sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy and intense flavor enhancer.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds creamy and salty depth.
  • Garlic: Aromatic flavor foundation.
Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning for chicken.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a hint of spicy warmth.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs for Mediterranean flavor.
  • Fresh Basil: Bright, fresh garnish with aromatic notes.
Cooking Base:
  • Olive Oil: Provides cooking fat and subtle flavor.

Marry Me Chicken Cooking Guide

Step 1: Seasoning The Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and generously sprinkle salt and pepper across both sides, ensuring every inch gets some flavor love. Press the seasonings gently into the meat to help them stick.

Step 2: Sizzling The Protein

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers with promise. Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan, letting them develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until they look beautifully caramelized. Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Crafting Magical Sauce

In the same skillet with leftover chicken bits, toss in:
  • Minced garlic
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Italian seasoning

Stir everything together, scraping up those delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for about 5 minutes, creating a luxurious cream sauce.

Step 4: Reuniting Chicken And Sauce

Slide the chicken back into the skillet, nestling the pieces into the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce generously over each breast, allowing them to warm through completely.

Step 5: Plating With Panache

Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and inviting. Prepare for compliments and recipe requests!

Chicken Tips That Make Them Say ‘Marry Me’

  • Tenderize Chicken Perfectly: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Select Sun-Dried Tomatoes Wisely: Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor and more moisture compared to dry-packaged versions.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: If sauce becomes too thick, gradually add small amounts of chicken broth to thin it out while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Toast red pepper flakes in the pan briefly before adding other ingredients to release their intense, aromatic oils and enhance overall taste profile.
  • Substitute Dairy Alternatives: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version that maintains the recipe's rich, creamy essence.

How to Keep Marry Me Chicken Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and sauce remain tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Carefully transfer chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
  • Gently warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally, heating until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, checking periodically to prevent overcooking. Add a few tablespoons of broth or cream before covering to keep the dish succulent.
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Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy, dreamy marry me chicken brings irresistible Italian-inspired flavors to your dinner table. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce promise to make anyone fall in love with this simple yet elegant meal you’ll want to make again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 milliliters)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 milliliters)
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Additional basil or parsley, for garnishing

Instructions

  1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage on both surfaces.
  2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking environment.
  3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
  4. Transfer chicken to a separate plate, keeping the flavorful browned bits in the skillet for the upcoming sauce.
  5. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, releasing its aromatic essence and creating a fragrant base.
  6. Pour chicken broth into the pan, using a wooden spoon to lift and incorporate the caramelized cooking remnants from the bottom.
  7. Incorporate heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning into the liquid mixture.
  8. Reduce heat and allow the sauce to gently simmer, thickening and melding the complex flavors together for approximately 4-5 minutes.
  9. Carefully return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.
  10. Spoon the luxurious sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated and reheated.
  11. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves as a vibrant garnish moments before serving.
  12. Present the dish immediately, inviting diners to savor the rich, decadent flavors.

Notes

  • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce gradually, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and create a luxuriously thick, creamy texture.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains the sauce’s richness.
  • This dish freezes beautifully. Cool completely, store in an airtight container, and reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s smooth consistency and chicken’s tenderness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 660
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 54 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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