If you’re looking for a dish that will make everyone at the table fall in love with your cooking, look no further than this Creamy Marry Me Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, resulting in a dish so delicious, it might just make you hear wedding bells!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- A Flavor Explosion: The creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic is full of rich, savory flavors.
- Easy to Make: It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish will impress your family, friends, or loved ones, making it a go-to for any meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil (chopped)
- Salt and pepper
Find the full list of ingredients and measurements below.
Directions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Return the Chicken
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 3-4 minutes to soak up all the creamy goodness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Marry Me Chicken with the creamy sauce spooned over the top. Pair it with a side of pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Perfect Chicken: For extra juicy chicken, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.
- Add Veggies: For more texture and color, toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers while making the sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Marsala Twist: Add a splash of Marsala wine to the sauce for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
- Lemon Marry Me Chicken: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a zesty twist.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Creamy Marry Me Chicken with:
- A fresh green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette.
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans.
- Garlic bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and will be even more tender and juicy.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce and add the chicken when ready to serve.
3. Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, jarred sun-dried tomatoes will work just fine. Be sure to drain and chop them before using.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Conclusion
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken recipe is the perfect dish to impress anyone, whether it’s a romantic dinner or a family meal. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Try it out and watch your loved ones fall head over heels for it!
Print
Unique Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe: Your New Favorite Dish!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken is a rich, savory dish with a delightful blend of flavors that will leave you craving more! The tender chicken breasts are cooked in a velvety, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of Parmesan. It’s the kind of dish that might just inspire a proposal with how delicious it is – it’s that good!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving. Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- To make this dish even richer, you can add a little more Parmesan cheese or a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the sauce.
- If you’re looking to make this dish lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 140mg