If you’re looking for a dish that combines creamy, savory, and just the right kiss of tangy flavor, then the Marry Me Chicken {BEST Ever Recipe!} Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. This recipe delivers tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and aromatic herbs, making every bite feel like a celebration. It’s no surprise that this dish has earned its reputation as a favorite—and once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s called the {BEST Ever Recipe!}.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Marry Me Chicken {BEST Ever Recipe!} Recipe lies in its simple yet vital ingredients, each bringing a unique texture, flavor, or color that elevates the final dish. From juicy chicken breasts to fragrant basil and rich parmesan, every component plays a starring role.
- 650 g Chicken breast (skinless and boneless): About four pieces of tender chicken to soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 50 g Plain flour: A light coating for the chicken, helping it develop a subtle crust and thicken the sauce later.
- 1 tbsp Olive oil: For cooking the chicken to golden perfection while adding a delicate fruity note.
- 3 Garlic cloves (Peeled and crushed): Garlic infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic base.
- 150 g Sun dried tomatoes (Drained): These add a sweet-tart burst that’s essential for the savory balance.
- 1 tsp Dried oregano: Brings earthy, herbaceous undertones to the sauce.
- 2 tsp Paprika: Adds a mild smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- 150 ml Double cream: The star of the sauce, providing rare creaminess and richness.
- 200 ml Chicken stock: Intensifies flavor and helps create a silky sauce.
- 50 g Parmesan cheese (Grated): For that sharp, nutty depth that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- 15 g Fresh basil leaves: Fresh basil brightens and lightens the creamy sauce at the end.
- 1/2 Lemon (Just the juice): A fresh squeeze to balance richness with zesty brightness.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season and enhance every flavor note.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken {BEST Ever Recipe!} Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
The first step is all about setting the stage for tender, golden chicken. Coat each chicken breast lightly in plain flour. This step is simple but crucial—it helps the chicken develop a beautiful crust and will thicken your sauce later, making it yummy and just right.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 5 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. This browning adds flavor and locks in moisture so your chicken stays juicy and succulent.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
After removing the chicken to a plate, lower your heat to low. Add crushed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and paprika to the pan. Stir them for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic softens and releases its wonderful aroma. This step transforms your base into a fragrant flavor powerhouse that will complement every bite.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the double cream and chicken stock, then sprinkle in the grated parmesan. Add a generous pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients into a velvety sauce that’s bursting with richness and depth.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce
Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into your luscious sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and let everything cook gently for 5 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for another 5 minutes. This step ensures the chicken absorbs all those incredible flavors while finishing cooking evenly.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the dish and squeeze the juice of half a lemon right on top. These fresh additions provide a bright, herbaceous contrast to the rich sauce, perfectly balancing the dish.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken {BEST Ever Recipe!} Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a must for garnishing this dish—they add a lovely perfume and a pop of green color. You can also sprinkle extra grated parmesan on top or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil to make it feel extra special right before serving.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a bed of buttery pasta. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad are great companions to add freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or just to impress, plate each chicken breast on a nest of spaghetti or linguine tossed lightly with olive oil and garlic. Garnish with basil and lemon zest for a restaurant-quality finish right at your kitchen table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cooked Marry Me Chicken {BEST Ever Recipe!} Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying delicious leftovers or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure it’s well sealed to avoid freezer burn. It will maintain its best quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Alternatively, microwave covered in short bursts, stirring in between. Adding a splash of chicken stock or cream will help revive the sauce’s velvety texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through and tender.
Is it possible to make the sauce dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap double cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Keep in mind the flavor will be different but still delicious and creamy.
How spicy is the dish?
The paprika adds a mild warmth but no real heat. If you want to add some spice, try a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to taste.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prep the sauce and chicken separately, then finish cooking them together just before serving. This will help keep the chicken juicy and the sauce fresh.
What wine pairs well with Marry Me Chicken {BEST Ever Recipe!} Recipe?
A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complement the creamy, herby flavors nicely. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t yet experienced the delight of the Marry Me Chicken {BEST Ever Recipe!} Recipe, now is the perfect time to dive in. It’s the kind of meal that feels special yet is so easy to make, promising to wow your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Trust me, this recipe will become one of your all-time favorites, earning its place on your weeknight and special occasion lists alike.
Print
Marry Me Chicken {BEST Ever Recipe!} Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors ideal for an impressive yet simple dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 650 g Chicken breast (skinless and boneless) (About x4)
- 50 g Plain flour
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Sauce
- 3 Garlic cloves (Peeled and crushed)
- 150 g Sun dried tomatoes (Drained)
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 150 ml Double cream
- 200 ml Chicken stock
- 50 g Parmesan cheese (Grated)
- 15 g Fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 Lemon (Just the juice)
Instructions
- Coat the chicken: Thoroughly coat the chicken breasts in plain flour to create a light crust that will help thicken the sauce and add texture when seared.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes until nicely browned on both sides.
- Sauté aromatics: Remove the chicken breasts to a plate. Reduce the heat to low and add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and paprika to the same pan. Stir frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic softens and the spices release their fragrance.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the double cream and chicken stock, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer chicken in sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low for 5 minutes. Then turn the chicken over and cook for another 5 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through and infused with the flavors.
- Finish the dish: Check that the chicken is fully cooked by cutting into the thickest part. Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top. Finally, squeeze the juice of half a lemon onto the dish for a bright, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts of even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, since Parmesan adds saltiness.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are oily-packed, drain them well before use to avoid excess oiliness.
- For a thicker sauce, allow the cream and stock mixture to reduce slightly before returning the chicken to the pan.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
