If you are craving a dish that is both luxurious and comforting, let me introduce you to the ultimate kitchen champion: the Marry Me Chicken Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a creamy, garlicky sauce that’s studded with sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of spice—this dish practically whispers promises of romance and delicious devotion with every bite. Whether you are cooking for a special someone or simply want to treat yourself to a dinner that’s impressively simple and incredibly flavorful, this recipe delivers in all the right ways.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These carefully selected ingredients are simple yet essential, each one playing a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color to create a dish that captivates both the eyes and the palate.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender and lean base of your meal, perfect for soaking up rich sauce flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a light fruity depth and helps to sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings silky richness to the sauce and pan flavors.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and essential savory notes.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides a savory foundation and balances creaminess.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: Creates that indulgent, velvety texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp and nutty flavor boost that melts into the sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat, creating a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that lends an earthy, Mediterranean flair.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): Bursts of sweet and tangy flavor that elevate the sauce’s complexity.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Provides a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of green color.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect environment for finishing your chicken perfectly tender. Season those chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper to build a flavorful foundation before cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust on each side, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and adds amazing flavor. Don’t worry if they’re not cooked through yet—just sear and remove them for now.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant and just beginning to soften. Then pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up those fabulous browned bits stuck to the pan—this deglazing step ensures no flavor is wasted. Next, stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and marry all those flavors.
Step 4: Bake to Finish
Return your seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over each piece to keep things moist and luxurious. Transfer the skillet straight into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is perfectly cooked and tender. This final step melds the flavors beautifully and ensures the chicken remains succulent.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top. The fresh herbs add a pop of color and a burst of brightness to balance the rich, creamy sauce. It’s a little touch that makes a big difference for presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Marry Me Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or al dente pasta soak up that irresistible sauce perfectly, while a side of roasted or steamed vegetables can add color and a refreshing crunch. For a more rustic touch, crusty bread is ideal for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dinner, consider plating the chicken over a bed of garlic or herb-infused rice. Alternatively, serving it in individual oval dishes straight from the oven makes for a cozy, intimate presentation. Garnish each plate with a lemon wedge to add a zesty contrast that brightens each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal that’s just as comforting.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes well, although the texture of the sauce may change slightly. To freeze, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the Marry Me Chicken Recipe in a pan over medium-low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Heat until warmed through but avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and might even add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking times slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Marry Me Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for those avoiding gluten. Just be sure your chicken broth and other ingredients do not contain hidden gluten.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick to the sauce, enhancing the flavors without overwhelming the palate. You can always adjust the amount to suit your preferred spice level.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy ingredients with alternatives like coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan if needed. The taste and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the chicken?
Reheat gently over low heat and add a bit of liquid like broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth and prevent the chicken from drying out. Avoid high heat to maintain juiciness.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Recipe is truly a game-changer at the dinner table, combining simplicity with a swoon-worthy sauce that feels indulgent yet approachable. It’s perfect for impressing guests, celebrating a cozy date night, or just elevating an ordinary weeknight meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a rich and creamy skillet chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. This romantic and comforting main course is perfect for a special dinner but easy enough for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later in the process.
- Season Chicken: Lightly season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a nice golden brown color. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet with the remaining oil and butter, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant without burning.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan to build flavor. Then stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce and spoon some of the sauce over each piece to coat them.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish the chicken with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot, ideally over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to enjoy the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts if preferred; cooking times may vary slightly.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred heat level.
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet to safely transfer from stovetop to oven.
