If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and might just inspire a marriage proposal, Marry Me Chicken is the perfect recipe to try. This popular dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s bursting with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve on a date night or for guests. Let’s dive into how you make Marry Me Chicken step-by-step, with tips to get it just right.
What Is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is a savory, creamy chicken dish named for its irresistible taste—so good it’s said to inspire proposals! The magic lies in the sauce, which combines sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Parmesan, creating a luscious coating for juicy chicken breasts. The recipe balances richness with a touch of tanginess and a hint of spice from herbs and red pepper flakes, making every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Marry Me Chicken, gather these ingredients:
– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced or pounded thin)
– ¼ cup all-purpose flour
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
– ½ medium yellow onion, diced (optional)
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream (or double cream)
– ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano
– ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
– Juice of half a lemon (optional for brightness)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Marry Me Chicken
1. Prep the Chicken
Start by slicing chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets or pound them to about ½ inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge the chicken lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. This helps create a nice crust when cooking.
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage—just nicely seared. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more oil or butter if needed. Sauté the minced garlic (and diced onion if using) until fragrant and softened, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan—this adds tons of flavor.
Next, stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Add Cheese and Chicken Back to the Pan
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it creamy and rich. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cover and cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through. This final simmer lets the chicken soak up all the delicious flavors.
5. Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the chicken. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a lovely brightness that balances the creamy sauce. Serve your Marry Me Chicken over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of sauce.
Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken
– Pound the chicken evenly: This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
– Don’t skip dredging: The flour coating helps thicken the sauce and gives the chicken a beautiful crust.
– Use good-quality sun-dried tomatoes: They add a sweet, tangy depth that’s key to the sauce.
– Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the cream sauce to prevent curdling.
– Fresh herbs matter: Basil and thyme add freshness that lifts the richness.
– Adjust spice: Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but you can omit or increase them to taste.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
– Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
– Pasta like rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti
– Steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or green beans
– A crisp green salad for a lighter contrast
Marry Me Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make but feels indulgent and special. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself, this creamy, cheesy, sun-dried tomato chicken will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Give it a try tonight—you might just fall in love with this dish!