Delicious plate of Marry Me Chicken with creamy sauce and herbs

Marry Me Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. The flavors are so good that you’ll be tempted to say "I do" after just one bite! This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy weeknight meal. It’s simple to prepare, yet it tastes gourmet, making it ideal for impressing family and friends.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
  • 1 ⅓ tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce:

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream (at room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (at room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and place an oven-safe skillet in the center to warm up.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Sear them in the hot skillet with olive oil on medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown. Once seared, set the chicken aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute. Then, add the chicken broth and allow it to cool slightly.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
  5. Once the sauce is simmering, return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Coat them well with the sauce.
  6. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
  7. After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help lock in the juices.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

Serve Marry Me Chicken with a generous scoop of the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the top. It’s delicious paired with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Consider a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce for a complete meal.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
  • Make sure to use room temperature cream and cheese for a smooth sauce.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce. They add more color and nutritional value!

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe! Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer to cook through.

Q: What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
A: You can use fresh tomatoes, but the flavor will be different. Roasted red peppers are another tasty option.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, then bake it just before serving. This makes it perfect for meal prep!