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
Scale
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.
