Experience a delightful blend of flavors with this Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are enveloped in a rich, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and simple to prepare. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry staples to create a gourmet meal.
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Quick Preparation: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
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Versatile Pairings: Complements a variety of side dishes, from pasta to steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Sun-dried tomatoes
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Fresh garlic
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Chicken broth
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Heavy cream
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Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Dried oregano
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Crushed red pepper flakes
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Olive oil
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Sear the Chicken: In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and dried oregano, cooking for an additional minute.
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Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any browned bits. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
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Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Season with crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
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Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece.
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Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
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Serve: Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot alongside your choice of side dishes.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
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Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
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Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
Variations
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Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for a juicier option.
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Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like cauliflower steaks or portobello mushrooms.
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Herb Substitutions: Fresh basil or thyme can be used in place of oregano for a different flavor profile.
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat of the dish.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened.
FAQs
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can be used as lighter alternatives, though the sauce may be less rich and thick.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before baking.
Is it necessary to bake the dish after searing?
Baking ensures the chicken cooks evenly and allows the flavors to meld. If you prefer a stovetop-only method, simmer the chicken in the sauce until fully cooked.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts make excellent additions. Add them to the sauce before baking.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Ensure the heavy cream is at room temperature before adding, and avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cream.
What sides pair well with Marry Me Chicken?
This dish pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Fresh tomatoes can be used but may result in a thinner sauce. Consider roasting them first to concentrate their flavor.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a slurry made of 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons of water, stirring until the sauce thickens.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Print
Creamy Marry Me Chicken recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Marry Me Chicken recipe features tender, golden-seared chicken breasts in a creamy Parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce. A one-pan dish that’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or romantic meal. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables for a deliciously satisfying experience!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs (basil or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Season the Chicken:
- Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3️⃣ Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute.
5️⃣ Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any browned bits.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6️⃣ Add Cream and Cheese:
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
7️⃣ Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece.
8️⃣ Bake:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
9️⃣ Serve:
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Even Cooking: Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Enhance the Flavor: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding chicken broth.
- Make It Spicy: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Sauce Adjustments: If the sauce thickens too much, add extra broth or a splash of cream when reheating.
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