This Easy Marry Me Chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich sauce, it’s a match made in cooking heaven!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep it simple and tender. If you prefer, you could use thighs for a juicier option, or even turkey breasts if you want a leaner meat.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These are packed with flavor! If you don’t have them on hand, you could substitute with fresh tomatoes. Just sauté them down a bit before adding to the sauce.
Heavy cream: For a lighter option, you can swap this with half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Just add Greek yogurt at the end to avoid curdling.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a wonderful richness. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works well, or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken is Cooked Evenly?
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is key for even cooking. Here’s how you can do that:
- Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound until they are about 1 inch thick.
- Season with salt and pepper after flattening for even flavor.
This method reduces cooking time and helps prevent any dry spots! The result is perfectly juicy chicken that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
Easy Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Marry Me Chicken takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious and romantic dinner ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Season both sides with a good sprinkle of salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Base:
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another minute. This will infuse the dish with great flavors!
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine everything. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the top and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Finish and Serve:
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot with your favorite pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce. Enjoy your special meal!
Happy cooking and enjoy this delightful Marry Me Chicken! 🍽️❤️
FAQ for Easy Marry Me Chicken
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for this recipe, you can use boneless thighs for a juicier option or even bone-in chicken pieces; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can easily make it dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative that adds a cheesy flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! You can enhance this dish by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just sauté them along with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrition!
