Indulge in the divine flavors of our Marry Me Chicken, featuring succulent chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy one-pan dinner is the perfect culinary proposal!
Every recipe holds a tale, but the Marry Me Chicken is a love story on a plate. Conceived during a romantic weekend, when I wanted to create something special and comforting to impress my partner, this dish was a heartwarming success. It wasn’t just the creamy sauce or the tender chicken that won their heart but the whole experience of enjoying a meal so lovingly prepared. It’s been our anniversary dinner ever since, and yes, it did earn me a resounding "Yes!" when I popped the question a year later. This recipe is for those who believe in love, flavor, and happy ever afters in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Marry Me Chicken
The Marry Me Chicken recipe isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a testament to culinary romance in under an hour:
- First, it's incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weekday dinners and special occasions.
- The combination of creamy sauce, enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, provides a rich and decadent flavor that elevates it from the mundane.
- Additionally, its one-pan nature ensures minimal cleanup, and the quick cooking time means you’re never too far from a delicious meal.
- It’s the perfect recipe to impress guests or a loved one, proving that the way to the heart is indeed through the stomach!
Ingredient Notes
Marry Me Chicken is as delightful to prepare as it is to eat, thanks to a selection of ingredients that bring both flavor and heartiness to the dish. Here are some notes on key ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless cuts to absorb the sauce’s flavor fully.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a chewy texture and a tangy taste that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The foundation of the sauce, it creates a rich and velvety texture that makes this dish truly indulgent.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the creamy elements perfectly.
- Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of this adds a burst of freshness right before serving, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
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How To Make Marry Me Chicken
Let’s dive into making the Marry Me Chicken, ensuring every step is clear and easy to follow.
- Begin by preheating your oven, ensuring it reaches the right temperature for a perfect bake.
- Heat oil in a skillet and season the chicken well with salt and pepper. The browning of the chicken not only adds flavor but also locks in juices, making the chicken succulent.
- After setting the chicken aside, use the same skillet to build the sauce. This involves sautéing garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes for a fragrant base, followed by adding broth, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan for a rich and creamy sauce. Simmering the sauce before baking helps meld the flavors together.
- The final bake in the oven ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy. Serving it with a spoonful of the creamy sauce and fresh basil leaves adds the final touch of freshness and flavor.
Storage Options
Leftover Marry Me Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches. Ensure it’s stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor. For longer storage, freeze the dish in a suitable freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently to retain the creamy texture of the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
Marry Me Chicken is versatile, allowing for various tweaks to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan to make this dish dairy-free.
- Spicier Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to bring more heat to the dish.
- Different Proteins: Though chicken is traditional, this sauce also pairs wonderfully with salmon or pork chops for a delightful twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for thick slices of portobello mushrooms or tofu steaks for a vegetarian variant without losing the essence of the original dish.
With these variations, Marry Me Chicken can remain a staple in your cooking repertoire, adaptable to whatever life—or your kitchen—throws at you!
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, each weighing approximately 8 ounces
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves of garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup of low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes coarsely chopped
- ½ cup of heavy cream
- ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese finely grated
- Fresh basil leaves torn, for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation of Oven and Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the chicken breasts to a separate plate.
- Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil. Introduce the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir continuously and cook until the mixture becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Subsequently, add the chicken broth, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Season with additional kosher salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Combining and Baking: Return the chicken breasts along with any accumulated juices to the skillet. Ensure that the chicken is well-coated with the sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Final Presentation: Arrange the cooked chicken breasts on a serving platter. Spoon the creamy sauce generously over the chicken. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves just before serving to add a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish.
