Creamy Marry Me Chicken

Creamy Marry Me Chicken is my go-to dish when I want to impress with minimal stress. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a velvety sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce, perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply turning a weeknight into something memorable.

The first time I made this my family was genuinely wowed and asked for seconds before we had even finished dinner.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: choose boneless skinless for quick cooking and tender texture look for plump pieces that are similar in size for even results
• Salt and black pepper: essential for drawing out the chicken’s flavor use kosher or sea salt if available
• Italian seasoning: brings herby complexity opt for a blend with oregano thyme and basil
• Olive oil: gives golden sear and rich undertone use extra virgin for best taste
• Garlic: minced fresh cloves add aromatic depth skip the jars for this dish if you can
• Low-sodium chicken broth: balances the sauce and lets you control saltiness check for gluten-free if needed
• Heavy cream: is the secret to that dreamy rich sauce use cream that’s cold and fresh for best results
• Parmesan cheese: gives sharpness and a nutty bite hand grate if possible for better melting
• Sun-dried tomatoes: packed in oil create pops of sweet tang use good-quality tomatoes and drain them well
• Crushed red pepper flakes: optionally provide a gentle heat adjust for your spice preference
• Chopped fresh basil: adds a fresh herbal brightness use vibrant leaves and save extras for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the chicken:

Pat each chicken breast completely dry with paper towels this ensures a good sear Season both sides generously with salt black pepper and Italian seasoning lay them out on a clean plate so the seasoning adheres while you heat the pan

Sear the chicken:

In a large skillet on medium-high heat drizzle in olive oil once shimmering place chicken breasts flat side down Cook each side untouched for four to five minutes until deeply golden and nearly cooked through Transfer to a plate and set aside but do not clean your pan

Build the flavor base:

Lower the heat to medium add the minced garlic to the same pan Stir continually for about thirty seconds until you smell the garlic’s fragrance scrape any browned bits for extra flavor

Deglaze the skillet:

Pour in chicken broth using a wooden spoon to loosen every bit stuck on the pan Bring this to a gentle simmer for richer depth in your sauce

Create the sauce:

Add heavy cream Parmesan cheese sliced sun-dried tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes Stir slowly as it simmers Allow it to cook two to three minutes until it thickens slightly and looks silky

Finish the chicken:

Return chicken breasts and any juices they released back to the pan Spoon sauce over the chicken so they are covered evenly

Simmer to perfection:

Reduce heat to low Cover your skillet Simmer another six to eight minutes until chicken is fully cooked through slicing one open to test no pink remains and sauce is wonderfully creamy

Add the finishing touch:

Turn off the heat Stir in the chopped basil and taste the sauce Adjust seasoning if needed with more salt or a little more cheese

Serve and garnish:

Scatter extra basil on top Serve straight from the pan while hot with plenty of sauce for soaking up with sides

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I will never forget making this as a surprise anniversary dinner and watching my partner try to guess every ingredient with a huge smile

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool fully before transferring to an airtight container Store in the fridge for up to three days When reheating add a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce Reheated over low heat on the stove keeps the chicken moist and preserves the creamy texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you run out of heavy cream swap with half-and-half for a lighter sauce Boneless chicken thighs work well for extra juiciness and still hold up to the rich sauce If you prefer a dairy-free version use cashew cream and nutritional yeast in place of the cream and Parmesan

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken over your favorite pasta like linguine or penne or try fluffy rice or mashed potatoes for soaking up every bit of sauce Tender green beans sautéed spinach or a crisp garden salad round out the meal beautifully Crusty bread is a must for scooping up that sauce

Cultural or Historical Context

While Marry Me Chicken is not a classic Italian dish the flavors are inspired by traditional Italian American comforts The story goes that the sauce is so delicious it could prompt a marriage proposal making it a go-to for date nights across home kitchens everywhere

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap sun-dried tomatoes for oven-roasted cherry tomatoes in summer Use fresh basil in warm months and jarred pesto when herbs are hard to find For a fall twist add a handful of baby spinach to the sauce just before serving

Success Stories

Many cooks report making this for Valentine’s Day or anniversaries with rave reviews I have had friends text me after making it to say their picky eaters cleaned their plates Every single time I bring this to the table everyone asks for the recipe

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze this dish prepare through Step six but do not add the fresh basil Cool completely and freeze chicken and sauce together in a sealed container Thaw overnight in the fridge Reheat gently on the stove then stir in fresh basil before serving

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This is one of those dishes that makes any meal feel special and homemade even on a busy weeknight Serve it with love and plenty of that creamy sauce spooned over everything.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time as needed.

→ Is there a lighter dairy alternative?

For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a dairy-free alternative if preferred.

→ What should I serve alongside this dish?

This pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free and double-check other packaged ingredients for gluten-containing additives.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.