Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful chicken dish that’s so delicious, it’s said to inspire marriage proposals. With tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this recipe is a perfect choice for a romantic dinner or an impressive family meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup chicken broth 3/4 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried thyme Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and thyme. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Simmer the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley over the top before serving. Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions: Serve Marry Me Chicken over al dente pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. It pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes or a side of fluffy white rice. For a low-carb option, serve it with sautéed spinach, zucchini noodles, or roasted cauliflower. Don’t forget a fresh green salad and some crusty bread to complete the meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Recipe Variations: Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for a juicier version. Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce for extra greens. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.Mexican cooking
Pro Tips for Success: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess. Let the sauce simmer gently; avoid boiling as it may cause the cream to separate. Searing the chicken properly adds a beautiful golden color and enhances the overall flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: It’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup easy. Rich and creamy with a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. Impressive enough for date night yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Customizable with your favorite add-ins like spinach or mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken? The name comes from how irresistibly good the dish tastes. Legend has it that it’s so delicious, it might inspire a marriage proposal.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw and reheat gently, adding cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan? Pre-shredded Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated. For the creamiest sauce, it’s recommended to grate your own.
Conclusion: Marry Me Chicken is a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress anyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a special someone or just treating yourself to an indulgent meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Its rich sauce, tender chicken, and savory sun-dried tomato flavor make it a must-try dish that lives up to its romantic name.