The Star Players: What You’ll Need
Okay, let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry; most of these are pantry staples. I’ll guide you through it.Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
The Amazing Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more, I won’t judge!)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to transform these simple ingredients into something truly special? Here’s how we make Marry Me Chicken.
Prepping the Chicken
- First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. We want that pan nice and hot so we get a good sear on the chicken.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Tent it with foil to keep it warm while we make the sauce.
Crafting the Irresistible Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – burnt garlic is a total flavor killer!
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally. This helps release their flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Those browned bits are pure flavor gold!
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing it to soak up all that delicious flavor.
The Grand Finale
- Garnish with fresh basil.
- Serve immediately and prepare for compliments!
Troubleshooting: My Best Tips & Tricks
Okay, things don’t always go perfectly in the kitchen, and that’s totally okay! Here are some common issues and how to fix them:- Dry Chicken: Did your chicken come out a little dry? This happens! Make sure you don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Also, letting it simmer in the sauce at the end will help re-hydrate it.
- Thin Sauce: If your sauce isn’t thickening up, try adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce while it simmers.
- Bland Sauce: Taste as you go! If the sauce needs more flavor, add a pinch more salt, pepper, or Italian herbs. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes too Chewy: Some sun-dried tomatoes can be tough. If yours are, try soaking them in hot water for 10 minutes before using them.
Variations: Let’s Get Creative!
This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to experiment and make it your own!- Add Veggies: Sauté some sliced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers along with the garlic for extra nutrients and flavor. Speaking of mushrooms, this dish shares some characteristics with a Healthier Chicken Marsala recipe.
- Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a serious kick.
- Use Different Cheese: Try using Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan.
- Serve it with Pasta: Toss the Marry Me Chicken and sauce with your favorite cooked pasta for a complete meal. You might even like Marry Me Chicken Pasta even more!
- Cream Cheese Option: For an extra creamy and tangy sauce, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese at the end.
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
Marry Me Chicken is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to make it a complete and memorable meal:- Pasta: As mentioned above, serving it over pasta is a classic choice. Linguine, fettuccine, or penne all work well. For an even creamier experience, you might like Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect side to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Rice: Serve it over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans are all great vegetable pairings.
- Bread: Crusty bread is essential for sopping up every last drop of the sauce.
Making it Ahead: Meal Prep Magic
This recipe is great for meal prepping! You can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Be sure to store your Saucy Chicken And Mushrooms properly!The Wedding Chicken Dinner Connection
While “Marry Me Chicken” is a fun and whimsical name, it actually makes a fantastic alternative to traditional Wedding Chicken Dinner options. It’s elevated enough to feel special, but approachable enough for a crowd. The creamy, flavorful sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!Other “Marry Me Chicken” Creations!
If you love this recipe, you have to try some of the other dishes inspired by it!- For a hearty and comforting meal, try Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe.
- Another great option is Marry Me Chicken Soup.
- Then there is always Marry Me Chicken Soup if you are looking for variety.
- Don’t forget about Crockpot Marry Me Chicken if you want to keep it simple!
The Secret Ingredient: Love!
Okay, cheesy, I know, but it’s true! The most important ingredient in any recipe is love. Put your heart into it, have fun, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy cooking!What can I do if my Marry Me Chicken sauce is too thin?
If the sauce isn’t thickening up, try adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce while it simmers.
How can I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?
To prevent dry chicken, be sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C). Also, letting it simmer in the sauce at the end will help re-hydrate it.
What are some variations I can try with this Marry Me Chicken recipe?
You can add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also use different cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano. Another option is to add cream cheese for a tangier sauce.
How long can I store Marry Me Chicken for meal prepping?
You can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Irresistible Marry Me Chicken
Tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce infused with garlic and herbs, this Marry Me Chicken is guaranteed to impress. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, and might even inspire a proposal!
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towels
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Foil
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, tented with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing it to soak up the flavor.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
For dry chicken, ensure not to overcook it and let it simmer in the sauce to re-hydrate. If the sauce is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water). For a bland sauce, add more salt, pepper, Italian herbs, or a squeeze of lemon juice. If sun-dried tomatoes are too chewy, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before using. Variations include adding sautéed vegetables, making it spicier with cayenne pepper, using different cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano, serving it with pasta, or adding cream cheese for extra creaminess. This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
