This Easy Marry Me Chicken is a dreamy dish packed with flavor! Tender chicken breast cooks quickly in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s cheesy and comforting.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking. If you prefer, you could use chicken thighs, which can be more flavorful and juicy, but may take slightly longer to cook.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the consistency will be different. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or a cashew cream.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These are essential for that tangy flavor. If you can’t find them, you could use fresh tomatoes, but make sure to cook them down to reduce some moisture. Also, roasted red peppers could add sweetness and flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a lovely saltiness. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano works well, or nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken perfectly is crucial for this dish! Here are some tips to ensure it’s tender and juicy:
- Start with chicken at room temperature; let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Heat the skillet well before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy; chicken is cooked through at 165°F (75°C).
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices locked in.
With these tips and ingredient insights, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to impress! Enjoy your Easy Marry Me Chicken!
Easy Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably in oil, drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Cooked pasta or rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Marry Me Chicken meal takes about 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes on prep and about 15 minutes cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for special occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken, making it deliciously savory!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). When they are done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Then, add in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now, stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This is where all those delicious flavors come together!
5. Combine and Simmer:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb all the wonderful flavors from the sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Marry Me Chicken hot over cooked pasta or rice. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish that promises to impress!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken made in just 30 minutes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
While it’s best to use fresh chicken for the best texture and taste, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout. The quickest way to thaw is by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Cook the chicken and allow it to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to freshen up the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the cooked chicken in the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner. For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream or a cashew cream made by blending soaked cashews with water until smooth.
