Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Chicken is a delicious, flavorful dish that’s sure to win over anyone you cook it for. With juicy, tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this dish is the perfect combination of savory and indulgent. The name says it all—this meal is so good, you’ll be tempted to propose after the first bite! It’s easy to make, comforting, and ideal for special occasions or a cozy weeknight dinner. Serve it with pasta, rice, or your favorite veggies for a full meal that everyone will adore.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes to let their flavors infuse into the oil.
Simmer the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, letting it reduce slightly.
- Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let the sauce simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Finish the Dish:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3-5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve:
- Garnish the chicken with fresh basil or parsley and serve with your favorite side dish like pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

Variations

Chicken thighs: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful alternative.
Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for a hearty vegetable like cauliflower steaks or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Add greens: Toss in some spinach or arugula to the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
Spicy version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add some hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as when using heavy cream.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and chicken until warmed through.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

While sun-dried tomatoes give the sauce a rich, concentrated flavor, you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just chop them finely and cook them down with the onions and garlic.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

5. What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

6. Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, jarred sun-dried tomatoes work just as well as the kind packed in oil. Just make sure to chop them finely and adjust the seasoning as needed.

7. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can stir in a little cornstarch mixed with water or a bit more Parmesan cheese.

8. Can I add some vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor and texture.

9. Can I cook this dish in the oven?

While this recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, you can finish the chicken in the oven by baking it at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes after browning it in the skillet.

10. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them before cooking for even cooking and better results.

Conclusion

Creamy Marry Me Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken with a luscious cream sauce, making it the perfect dinner for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a date night, a special occasion, or just a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its irresistible flavors and easy preparation. Try it today, and see why it’s the kind of meal that will have you saying “marry me” after the first bite!

Jane