Marry Me Chicken

Table of Contents

Here is a simple, creamy chicken dish you can make any night.

introduction

Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, slightly spicy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan. If you want a one-pan meal idea, try the one-pan orzo version for a full plate with pasta. This recipe is fast and uses ingredients you may already have.

why make this recipe

This dish cooks fast and tastes rich without hard work. It makes a nice weeknight dinner and also works for guests. The sauce is creamy and keeps the chicken moist. You get a little heat from red pepper flakes and bright flavor from basil and sun-dried tomatoes.

how to make Marry Me Chicken

You will sear the chicken, make a quick cream sauce in the same pan, then finish the chicken in the oven.

Ingredients :

• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 3 to 4 Large Chicken Breasts
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Thyme
• 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (or 1/2 teaspoon for less spice)
• 3/4 cup Chicken Broth
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/2 cup Sundried Tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Fresh Basil, for garnish

Directions :

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
3. Season chicken generously with salt and pepper and sear until golden, about 4 to 5 minutes per side.
4. Transfer chicken to a plate.
5. Return skillet to medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
6. Stir in thyme, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
7. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
8. Stir in sundried tomatoes and parmesan cheese.
9. Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce all over the chicken breasts.
10. Bake until chicken is cooked through, about 15 to 18 minutes.
11. Garnish with basil and grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

how to serve Marry Me Chicken

Serve the chicken hot with the creamy sauce spooned over it. Good sides:

• Rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up sauce
• A simple green salad or steamed vegetables
• Crusty bread to mop the sauce

how to store Marry Me Chicken

• Cool the chicken to room temperature within two hours.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a low oven or on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Marry Me Chicken

• Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for even cooking.
• Don’t crowd the pan when searing. Work in batches if needed.
• Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid moving the chicken to another dish.
• Taste the sauce before baking and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
• If sauce gets too thick, add a little chicken broth to thin it.

variation (if any)

• Make it milder: use 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or skip them.
• Add spinach: stir fresh spinach into the sauce until wilted.
• Use chicken thighs: bone-in or boneless thighs work and add more flavor.
• Add pasta: mix cooked pasta into the sauce for a one-pan meal.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Thaw them fully first. Pat dry and season before searing.

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Milk will thin the sauce. Use half-and-half if you want a lighter creaminess but keep an eye on the sauce as it cooks.

Q: How do I know the chicken is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and store in the fridge. Reheat, add the chicken, and finish in the oven.

Q: Is there a vegetarian option?
A: Replace chicken with thick slices of roasted eggplant or large portobello mushrooms and cook the same way.