Marry Me Chicken Recipe:

Easy Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Learn how to make the most delicious Marry Me Chicken with this easy skillet recipe. Juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce that’s perfect for dinner! Ready in under 40 minutes, this one-pan chicken dish is sure to impress your loved ones. Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Rich, Creamy Flavor with a Tangy Twist: The combination of heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and luxurious sauce that perfectly complements the juicy chicken breasts. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy burst of flavor, while the Parmesan adds a savory depth, making this dish both indulgent and well-balanced.

Perfect for Impressing Guests or Loved Ones: "Marry Me Chicken" is a one-pan wonder that's incredibly easy to make yet looks and tastes like a gourmet dish straight out of a fancy restaurant. It's perfect for date nights, special occasions, or dinner parties when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The name itself makes for a fun conversation starter!

FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Recipe:

What is "Marry Me Chicken"? "Marry Me Chicken" is a popular chicken dish made with seared chicken breasts in a creamy, flavorful sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. It’s named for its irresistible taste—some say it’s good enough to make someone propose!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Chicken thighs will add more flavor and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time since thighs take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I make the sauce thicker? To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer until it reduces to your desired consistency. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to the sauce and stir until it thickens.
Can I make "Marry Me Chicken" dairy-free? Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar cheesy flavor.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken? This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad also make great sides.
How can I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the sauce if it has thickened too much.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the chicken and add it to the reheated sauce.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes? Sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated, tangy flavor that’s key to this recipe. However, you can use fresh cherry tomatoes as a substitute. Just be aware that the flavor will be milder and less intense.
Is this recipe keto-friendly? Yes, Marry Me Chicken is keto-friendly as it’s low in carbs. If you’re on a keto diet, serve it with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles to keep the meal low-carb.
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken? It’s best not to freeze this dish, as the cream sauce may separate and change texture when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, reheat gently and whisk the sauce well to try and bring it back together.
Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus to the skillet when making the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
What kind of skillet should I use? A heavy-bottomed skillet, such as a cast iron or stainless steel skillet, works best for this recipe. It ensures even cooking and gives the chicken a nice golden sear.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures even cooking and prevents drying out. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken; remove it from the skillet as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this recipe spicy? Yes, if you like some heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce to spice things up.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten up the sauce. However, the sauce may be slightly less rich and thick, so simmer it a bit longer to reduce.

Make it

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, halved lengthwise (or 4 smaller pieces)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Fresh basil and parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Deglaze and Add Cream:
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add Flavorings:
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish the Chicken:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors. If using, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese on top for an extra creamy and tangy touch.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and parsley. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 480
Protein: 37g
Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 800mg
Calcium: 210mg
Iron: 2.5mg

Tips:

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Sun-dried tomatoes add a deep, rich flavor. If you can't find oil-packed, rehydrate dry sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for 10 minutes.
Heavy cream gives a rich, velvety texture to the sauce, but you can substitute half-and-half or a non-dairy option like coconut cream for a lighter version.
For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes to taste.

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