Marry Me Chicken is a creamy and tasty dish packed with juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of Italian flavor. It’s perfect for impressing that special someone or just treating yourself!
I mean, who can resist tender chicken in a rich sauce? 😊 I love serving it with pasta or a green salad to soak up all that deliciousness. Trust me, you might just get proposed to after this one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this creamy dish. If you need a change, you can use thighs for a juicier taste, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add great flavor. If they’re unavailable, you can use fresh tomatoes or even roasted red peppers. Just chop them up and throw them in for a different taste.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you’re looking for lighter options, half-and-half or coconut cream can work, though the flavor will slightly change. For lactose-free, try cashew cream or a dairy-free alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds amazing depth to the sauce. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can work well while giving a similar flavor.
How Can You Make the Chicken Golden Brown?
Getting the chicken browned adds flavor! Here’s how to achieve that lovely color:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them sear instead of steam.
- Heat the olive oil in the skillet until it shimmers—this means it’s hot enough.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook in batches. Leave some space for the heat to circulate.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side without moving them too much. Flip only once for that nice golden crust.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed is preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: additional sun-dried tomatoes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Marry Me Chicken recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a romantic meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will give them a great flavor as they cook!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. You’ll love the smell!
4. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook them with the garlic for another minute. This will really enhance the flavor of the sauce.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, adding the Italian seasoning as well. Stir to combine everything and bring it to a gentle simmer. It should start to bubble lightly.
6. Incorporate the Parmesan Cheese:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce and mix it in. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious. Yum!
7. Return the Chicken to the Skillet:
Now, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Let it all simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes so that the chicken gets reheated and absorbs those yummy flavors.
8. Add the Finishing Touches:
Garnish your dish with the fresh chopped basil and, if you like, add some extra sun-dried tomatoes on top for a beautiful presentation.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Marry Me Chicken hot, over pasta, or with your favorite sides to soak up that amazing sauce. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful dish!
## FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is to place it in the refrigerator overnight, or for a quicker method, seal the chicken in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 1-2 hours. Pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking to ensure a nice sear!
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with something lighter?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce. However, keep in mind that this will result in a less creamy texture compared to using heavy cream.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time! Cook the chicken and sauce, then let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on low heat, adding a bit more cream if needed to freshen up the sauce.
