Name: Easy Marry Me Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian/American
Ingredients: 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts; Salt and Black Pepper (to taste); 3 tbsp Olive Oil; 2 cloves Garlic (grated); 3/4 cup Chicken Broth; 2/3 cup Heavy Cream; 1 tsp Dried Thyme; 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano; 1/3 tsp Chili Flakes; 1/3 cup Parmesan (grated); 1/4 cup Basil (fresh, chopped); 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (chopped)

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Ah, “Marry Me Chicken.” Just the name makes my heart flutter! This delightful dish came into my life during a cozy dinner with friends when one of them exclaim, “This is so good, you should marry this chicken!” The dish is a harmony of tender chicken breasts swimming in a luscious cream sauce, infused with the intoxicating aromas of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Each bite is a warm hug, brilliantly comforting and immensely satisfying. I knew right then and there that I had discovered a gem! Its delectable flavor combinations and easy prep make it a regular in my kitchen. I’m excited to share this recipe with all of you, as I know it will bring joy and love to your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners; ready in just 30 minutes!
Flavorful and Creamy: The rich, creamy sauce is bursting with flavor from garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Crowd-Pleasing: Guaranteed to impress friends, family, or that someone special.
Hearty and Satisfying: A comfort food classic that fills your belly and warms your heart.
Versatile: Pairs beautifully with various sides, making it suitable for any occasion.

Recipe Snapshot

Ingredients

4 Boneless Chicken Breasts: Tender chicken is the star; you can slice them for quicker cooking!
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
3 tbsp Olive Oil: This golden liquid gives the chicken a beautiful sear and rich flavor.
2 cloves Garlic (grated): Aromatic and savory, garlic adds depth to the sauce.
3/4 cup Chicken Broth: Keeps the sauce rich and adds a savory undertone.
2/3 cup Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and oh-so-satisfying.
1 tsp Dried Thyme: Earthy and fragrant; thyme complements the chicken beautifully.
1/2 tsp Dried Oregano: Adds a touch of warmth and a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
1/3 tsp Chili Flakes: For just a touch of heat; feel free to adjust to your spice preference!
1/3 cup Parmesan (grated): This cheesy delight elevates the sauce to a whole new level of richness.
1/4 cup Basil (fresh, chopped): Bright and herby; basil adds freshness and a pop of color.
1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (chopped): Sweet and tangy, these jewels offer a burst of flavor in every bite.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Pat and Season the Chicken

Start by patting dry the chicken breasts with paper towels—this locks in moisture and helps them sear beautifully! I usually keep them whole, but feel free to slice them in half if you’re in a hurry. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium-high. The joyful sizzle as you add the chicken is music to the ears! Cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t rush this step; you want that beautiful crust.

Make the Sauce

Once the chicken is perfectly golden, remove it from the pan and set it aside (a plate will do!). Add a splash of the dried tomato oil to the pan, then toss in the grated garlic. Sauté for about a minute until golden and fragrant; your kitchen will smell like heaven at this point!

Combine and Simmer

Now, let’s make this sauce sing! Add in the heavy cream, chicken broth, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, the lovely basil leaves, dried thyme, oregano, parmesan, and chili flakes. Mix with a wooden spoon until well combined—trust me, your taste buds are eagerly waiting for this magic!

Marry the Chicken and Sauce

Put the chicken back into the pan, turning it to coat in the sauce. Cover with a lid and simmer for 10 more minutes on medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to marry and the chicken to finish cooking through. Your heart and tummy will thank you when you see the creamy, dreamy goodness.

Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving. Dish up this delightful meal, and prepare for compliments galore!

Pro Tips for Success

Don’t Rush the Sear: Achieving that golden-brown crust on the chicken enhances flavor.
Fresh Herbs Whenever Possible: Fresh basil elevates the dish, but dried herbs work too if that’s what you have!
Check Chicken Temperature: Ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F for safety and juiciness.
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning to your preference at each step for a personalized touch.

Flavor Variations

Different Proteins: This recipe works wonderfully with pork tenderloin or turkey cutlets, too!
Seasonal Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and variety.
Spicy Twist: Add more chili flakes or even a splash of hot sauce for a kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, wide noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that heavenly sauce. A fresh side salad with a zesty vinaigrette pairs beautifully, as will a chilled glass of white wine to complement the flavors.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prep the chicken and chop your ingredients ahead of time! Store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before cooking. For leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Leftovers

Elevate your next meal by slicing up leftover Marry Me Chicken over a fresh green salad or tossing it into a creamy pasta for a quick lunch.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Cool it completely, then package it in freezer-safe containers. Just be sure to enjoy within 2 months for the best taste.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium-low heat to gently warm while retaining that creamy texture. If you’re pressed for time, feel free to use the microwave—just stir occasionally to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a deeper flavor and stay moister if you prefer that cut.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute, and nutritional yeast in place of the cheese.

Can I make this vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken with sturdy veggies like portobello mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
No worries! You can use fresh tomatoes or skip them; just add more herbs for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! The secret to quick weeknight meals that captivate and comfort is in this lovely recipe for Easy Marry Me Chicken. I hope it fills your kitchen with warmth and love, just as it has in mine. As always, I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Happy cooking, and remember—food made with love is sure to inspire joy. Cheers from your friend in the kitchen.