This Easy Marry Me Chicken features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible! The blend of spices and a hint of garlic makes it so tasty.
If you want to impress someone special, this dish is your secret weapon! Just serve it with pasta or veggies, and watch their eyes light up. Trust me, it’s love at first bite! ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they cook evenly and stay juicy. If you’re short on time, chicken thighs are a wonderful substitute and add extra flavor.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce a rich texture. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a lovely sweetness and tang. If you don’t have them, you could use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers, chopped finely. Just adjust cooking time slightly for fresh ingredients.
Parmesan Cheese: This brings a nice salty flavor to the sauce. If you need a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast offers a cheesy taste or try a vegan cheese substitute.
How Do You Get Juicy, Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but here are some simple steps to help you out:
- Start with evenly sized chicken breasts for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the searing! This locks in flavors and moisture. Cook over medium-high heat until golden, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Use a meat thermometer! Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat but still juicy.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside.
Easy Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Creamy Sauce
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and seasoning the chicken, then about 20 minutes cooking everything to creamy perfection. It’s quick yet impressive!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This simple step really enhances the flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts, cooking them until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes each side, or until they’re cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. This adds a wonderful aroma to your sauce.
4. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Now, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook them for 1-2 minutes to release their flavor into the skillet. This will give the sauce a tasty, tangy touch.
5. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and lift those flavorful bits stuck to the pan. This adds depth to your sauce.
6. Make it Creamy:
Stir in the heavy cream, dried Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly—about 3-5 minutes.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Now, return the chicken breasts to the pan and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through and marry the flavors.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot alongside your choice of pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish—it’s perfect for impressing family or guests!
FAQ: Easy Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
What If I Don’t Have Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
No problem! You can substitute with fresh diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to allow them to soften and release their flavors.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy and delicious.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving, adding a bit of cream or broth if it thickens too much during storage.
