If you have yet to fall head over heels for the Marry Me Chicken Recipe, get ready for a whirlwind romance with your taste buds. This dish is a creamy, dreamy blend of tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sauce packed with garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes, all kissed with fragrant herbs. Every bite promises a cozy, indulgent experience that’s both comforting and impressive—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to serve something truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a vital role in building the rich flavors and gorgeous textures of this dish. From the juicy chicken breasts to the velvety cream and sharp Parmesan, every component elevates the Marry Me Chicken Recipe to irresistible heights.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main star of the dish, providing tender and juicy protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden-brown crust that locks in flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a rich, silky depth to the sauce while sautéing the garlic.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a wonderfully aromatic base that awakens the entire dish.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Helps deglaze the skillet and brings a savory backbone to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy texture that makes the sauce so comforting.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that perfectly balances the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Brings bursts of tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses gentle herbal notes for added complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Enhances the Italian-inspired flavor profile with earthy warmth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: A fresh, bright garnish that lifts the entire dish just before serving.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Season
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready by the time you finish prepping. Generously season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper to create a flavorful foundation that will shine through the creamy sauce later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sear each chicken breast for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is crucial because it locks in juiciness and adds a beautiful caramelized crust. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside temporarily.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze
Using the same skillet with all those lovely browned bits, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and aromatic—just about a minute or so. Then pour in the chicken broth while scraping the skillet’s bottom to release all that intense flavor into your sauce base.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried thyme, and oregano. Let this mixture simmer gently to thicken and meld those wonderful tastes. The sauce should become luscious and velvety, ready to coat the chicken perfectly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon plenty of that dreamy sauce over the top. Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This step finishes cooking the meat through and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, sprinkle the dish generously with fresh chopped basil for a pop of color and herbal brightness. Serve the Marry Me Chicken Recipe warm and watch as everyone falls in love with this spectacularly delicious creation.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil isn’t just beautiful, it adds a refreshing lift that balances the rich, creamy sauce. For an extra touch, you can also add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few extra sun-dried tomatoes to brighten the plate and the palate.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy risotto to soak up all that incredible sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans provide a crisp and healthy counterpoint that complements the dish’s richness without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or wilted kale, then drizzle the sauce artistically around the plate. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can also elevate your meal to a restaurant-worthy experience, perfect for impressing guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making your second helping even more delicious!
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. It’s a great option if you want to prep ahead or save for a busy day, just be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while warming helps maintain the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the dish’s integrity intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and bring extra juiciness. Just adjust baking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The flavors will shift slightly but remain delicious.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently before adding it to the seared chicken and finishing in the oven to save time on busy nights.
What wine pairs well with Marry Me Chicken Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully. Both complement the creamy sauce and savory herbs without overpowering the dish.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this Marry Me Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no flour or wheat-based ingredients. Just be sure to use gluten-free chicken broth if you’re very sensitive.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try the Marry Me Chicken Recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to favorites for easy yet impressive meals. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, perfect for showing a little extra love whether for yourself or your guests. So go ahead and give it a whirl—you might just find yourself craving it again and again!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a flavorful and creamy chicken dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich Parmesan and sun-dried tomato cream sauce, finished with fresh basil. This comforting oven-baked recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter and sauté the minced garlic until it becomes aromatic, about 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
- Bake the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each piece. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil, and serve warm for a creamy, savory meal.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the chicken to a baking dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil work best for a richer flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, fresh flavor; you can also use parsley if preferred.
