Marry Me Chicken is a simple yet delicious dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy sauce made of garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a romantic dinner or a special weeknight meal. This flavorful dish is sure to impress anyone at the table and might just leave them wanting more.
Key Benefits of Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken is the kind of dish that not only tastes incredible but is also a breeze to make.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just simple, fresh items you likely already have in your kitchen.
Flavorful and Creamy: The creamy sauce made with garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes gives the chicken a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken breasts. It’s a comforting meal everyone will love.
Versatile: Whether you’re making a cozy dinner for two or feeding the whole family, Marry Me Chicken is a great choice. You can serve it with a variety of sides like rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables to create a complete meal.
Romantic and Impressive: If you’re looking for a dish that feels special, this one delivers. It’s the kind of recipe that’s simple to make but feels indulgent and thoughtful. Perfect for a date night or even to impress your friends and family.
One-Pan Wonder: No need to dirty multiple dishes! This recipe is made in one pan, making cleanup easy and stress-free. You’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
This dish isn’t just about the taste—it’s about creating a memorable, stress-free experience in the kitchen while serving up something delicious. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to make this tasty dish!
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions for Marry Me Chicken recipe
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your Marry Me Chicken:
Prep the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This helps bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this is where all the flavor lives!). Let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.
Create the Creamy Sauce
Add the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and stir to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, gently nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 3-5 minutes so the chicken absorbs all that rich flavor.
Serve and Garnish
Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is coated, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately.
This easy, one-pan dish comes together quickly and is bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner to impress your loved ones. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Marry Me Chicken
To make sure your Marry Me Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips that will elevate your cooking game:
Use Thin Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are thick, they may take longer to cook through. Consider slicing them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces, ensuring they cook evenly and remain juicy.
Sear the Chicken Well: Don’t rush the searing step. Give the chicken enough time to develop that golden, crispy crust. This adds a wonderful texture to the dish and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a much stronger, vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced garlic or garlic powder. It’s worth the extra minute to chop it yourself.
Add Extra Veggies: Want to bulk up the dish with some healthy vegetables? Try adding spinach or mushrooms to the sauce. These will soak up the creamy goodness and add even more flavor to the dish.
Make it Spicy: If you prefer a bit of heat, stir red pepper flakes into the sauce. This will bring a nice balance to the creamy, rich flavors and give it a little kick.
Variations of Marry Me Chicken
While the classic Marry Me Chicken recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways you can customize this dish to suit your taste.
Add Veggies: If you’re looking to add some extra nutrition, throw some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the sauce. These vegetables will absorb the creamy sauce, adding both texture and flavor.
Cheese Swap: While parmesan is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a meltier, gooey texture or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Spicy Kick: If you like your dishes with a bit of heat, stir in some red pepper flakes or even a chopped jalapeño to spice things up. The heat balances the richness of the cream and adds an exciting element to the dish.
Make it Low-Carb: To keep it low-carb, skip the pasta or rice usually served with the dish. Instead, serve the chicken with a side of roasted cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or a simple green salad for a lighter meal.
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken
For the perfect accompaniment to Marry Me Chicken, consider these simple yet delicious options:
Over Pasta: Serve the chicken and creamy sauce over a bed of fettuccine or spaghetti. The pasta will soak up the rich sauce, making each bite deliciously satisfying.
With Rice: Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice is another great option to pair with the chicken. The rice absorbs the creamy sauce, creating a comforting, hearty meal.
Simple Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the creamy chicken, balancing out the richness of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Don’t forget some crusty bread to scoop up the creamy sauce. It’s the perfect way to enjoy every last drop.
These simple sides will elevate your Marry Me Chicken, making it a meal that’s both comforting and balanced.
More Chicken recipes you will love!
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your Marry Me Chicken recipe:
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
The name “Marry Me Chicken” is said to come from how irresistible this dish is. It’s so delicious that it might just have your partner proposing! The combination of creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasoned chicken is a perfect blend that many find utterly addictive.
Can you put onions in Marry Me Chicken?
Yes, you can definitely add onions to Marry Me Chicken. While the recipe doesn’t traditionally call for them, sautéed onions can enhance the flavor of the sauce and bring extra depth to the dish. Try adding some finely chopped onions when you cook the garlic for a rich, savory twist.
What is the difference between Marry Me Chicken and Tuscan Chicken?
Both dishes have creamy sauces and use similar ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. However, Tuscan chicken often includes spinach and sometimes a touch of balsamic vinegar, giving it a slightly different flavor profile. Marry Me Chicken, on the other hand, is typically made with a richer, creamier sauce that emphasizes the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.