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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer dark meat)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed is best)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
- Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. - Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes (along with any oil from the jar, which will add extra flavor) and cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the tomatoes soften and release their flavors.
Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine if you’re using that for extra depth of flavor), and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—this is where all the flavor lives!
Stir in the heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add in the Parmesan cheese, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and stir until the cheese has melted into the sauce.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken further. - Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is rich and creamy, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the chicken immediately with the creamy sauce spooned over the top.
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken
This dish is so flavorful and indulgent that it doesn’t need much else to complete the meal. However, here are a few ideas for sides to round out the meal:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect vessel to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus will add a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich chicken.
Rice or Pasta: A bed of buttery rice or linguine will also work wonderfully to absorb the flavorful sauce.
Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the chicken.
Tips for Making the Best Marry Me Chicken
Use Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For the best flavor, opt for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. The oil adds richness to the sauce and helps infuse more flavor into the dish. If you’re using dry sun-dried tomatoes, soak them in warm water for about 20 minutes before using them in the recipe.
Don’t Skip the Parmesan: The Parmesan cheese is key to adding depth and richness to the sauce. It helps thicken the sauce and imparts a savory, slightly salty flavor that perfectly complements the sun-dried tomatoes.
Customize the Spice Level: If you love a little heat, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or even add a touch of hot sauce to the sauce. On the flip side, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: If you prefer dark meat, you can swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay juicier throughout the cooking process.
Make It Ahead: Marry Me Chicken is great for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Why Marry Me Chicken Is a Must-Try
If you’re looking for a meal that’s sure to impress, Marry Me Chicken is the recipe you need. It’s easy to make, full of rich, savory flavors, and guaranteed to leave your guests (or loved ones) swooning. Whether you’re preparing it for a romantic dinner or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is one that’s sure to be a favorite.
The creamy sauce, combined with the juicy chicken and the sun-dried tomatoes, creates a flavor profile that feels elegant yet approachable. It’s a recipe that feels both indulgent and comforting—a perfect balance that makes it worthy of its name.
So, go ahead and try Marry Me Chicken—it might just be the dish that has you saying “I do” to a lifetime of delicious meals!
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