Marry Me Chicken

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this dish. You could also use thighs for a juicier flavor or any type of cooked chicken leftovers if you’re short on time.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These give a lot of flavor. If you don’t have them, try using fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes, but you might need to adjust cooking time to reduce excess moisture.

Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy, but you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option. Just remember, it may alter the sauce’s final texture a bit.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute. Nutritional yeast can be an alternative if you’re looking for a vegan choice.

How Do I Get Juicy, Perfectly Cooked Chicken?

Cooking chicken to perfection is crucial for this dish. Here’s how to ensure your chicken is juicy and flavorful:

• Always let your chicken come to room temperature before cooking; about 15-20 minutes should do.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet; this helps the chicken brown evenly. If you’re cooking multiple pieces, do it in batches.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: Red pepper flakes (for heat)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total—about 10 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking. Once you have everything ready, it’s a smooth and quick process to create this delicious dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken:

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will add flavor to the chicken as it cooks.

2. Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re cooked through and have a lovely golden brown color. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them together for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the sauce.

4. Add Liquids:

Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor!

5. Make it Creamy:

Next, add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese to the pan. Stir everything together until well combined. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Bring it All Together:

Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.

7. Garnish and Serve:

After everything is heated and combined, garnish your dish with fresh chopped parsley and sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken!

Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?

Yes, you can, but it’s important to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight, or for a quicker option, place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. Pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture in the pan.

What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter (1 cup of milk plus 1/4 cup of melted butter). Keep in mind that this may change the richness of the sauce slightly, but it will still be delightful!

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should be good for 2-3 months! When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove for the best results.

Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to ensure they’re cooked through before adding the cream and cheese.