If there’s one dish that has the power to make anyone fall in love at first bite, it’s Marry Me Chicken. This irresistible recipe brings together juicy chicken breasts, a velvety parmesan cream sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant fresh basil, creating a meal that’s as memorable as its name.
Whether you’re cooking for a romantic date night or looking to impress your family with a restaurant-quality dinner, Marry Me Chicken is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making this delectable dish, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to helpful tips and FAQs. Let’s dive in!
Why is it Called “Marry Me Chicken”?
The name “Marry Me Chicken” isn’t just catchy—it’s a nod to the dish’s ability to wow anyone who tastes it. Legend has it that the flavors are so divine, they could inspire a marriage proposal! While that might be a tall tale, there’s no denying that this creamy, cheesy, and savory chicken dish is worthy of special occasions—or even just a cozy night in.
What Makes Marry Me Chicken So Special?
The magic of this dish lies in its combination of simple yet rich ingredients that come together in perfect harmony:
- Juicy Chicken Breasts: Searing them locks in moisture and flavor.
- Parmesan Cream Sauce: The creamy base is elevated with the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy, slightly sweet burst of flavor.
- Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of basil at the end brightens up the dish with its herbal freshness.
- A Hint of Spice: Crushed red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat to balance the richness.
This foolproof recipe is also versatile, pairing beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients for four servings:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step ensures the chicken is flavorful from the first bite to the last.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side until they’re golden brown. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce
Using the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want those flavorful browned bits!), sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Combine and Bake
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it thoroughly.
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil over the chicken and sauce. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes and let everyone savor this incredible meal!
Tips for Making Perfect Marry Me Chicken
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: A cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet works best for this recipe since it can go straight from stovetop to oven.
- Don’t Skip Searing: Searing locks in the juices and creates a beautiful golden crust on the chicken, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. Conversely, add more if you like extra spice!
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days. When ready to cook, simply reheat it in a skillet before adding the chicken and baking.
Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Pasta: Toss some fettuccine or penne in the sauce for a complete meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for spooning over fluffy potatoes.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make great healthy accompaniments.
- Crusty Bread: Use it to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce!
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and may even be juicier. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese to make a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor profile but will still be delicious.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken.
Q: Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?
A: While you can freeze it, cream-based sauces may separate when thawed and reheated. If you plan to freeze leftovers, consider freezing just the chicken without the sauce and making fresh sauce when reheating.
Q: What wine pairs well with this dish?
A: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir works well too.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 35g (Saturated Fat: 15g)
- Carbohydrates: 10g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g)
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. Its creamy parmesan sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or simply treating yourself to a decadent dinner, this dish is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even your hand in marriage!
So why wait? Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try tonight—you might just fall in love all over again!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This crowd-pleaser takes juicy, tender chicken breasts and marries them with an incredible parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil for a rich, flavorful main course everyone will love.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on each side, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce is well combined and the cheese has melted.
Combine and Bake:
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure they are well-coated.
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), approximately 15-20 minutes.
Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the chicken and sauce.
Serve the chicken breasts with the creamy sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side of steamed vegetables.
Variations: For a dairy-free or paleo-friendly version, consider using coconut cream and nutritional yeast as substitutes for heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, respectively.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
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