So, I recently stumbled upon this irresistible dish called “Marry Me Chicken,” and let me tell you, it’s the kind of recipe that’ll make you want to put a ring on it—no joke!
Satisfy your taste buds with this delicious chicken dish that has a texture you can only dream of. Rich and creamy with tender chicken breasts that are seasoned to an impossibly high level of perfection, they are enhanced by the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese delivering umami in a way we thought only God could do.
Not to mention, it’s nicely rounded with the sweetness of heavy cream, plus the garlic and oregano bumps this dish up to a delightful dinner option.
Marry Me Chicken Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Lean source of protein; low in fat; supports muscle growth.
- Garlic: Rich in antioxidants; enhances immune function; adds aromatic depth.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats; anti-inflammatory properties.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated flavor; rich in lycopene and vitamin C.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness; provides fat and creaminess to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami; provides calcium; enhances the savory profile.
Marry Me Chicken Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make this Marry Me Chicken Recipe
1. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts. These two seasonings will move to the inside of the meat as it cooks, making the chicken taste better. Besides, salt is also necessary in making the chicken cook evenly. You can also use other seasonings or spices that you like.
2. In a big skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Put in the chicken breasts and fry until they are golden and brown, about five to seven minutes per side. Take out of the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same frying pan, add the finely chopped garlic and stir-fry until sweet-smelling, about 1 minute.
4. Add the dried oregano and cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, using a wooden spoon to dislodge any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet and incorporating them into the broth.
6. Add the heavy cream to the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer.
7. Put in the diced sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
8. Reintroduce the chicken breasts to the skillet, allowing them to simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes. Let the sauce thicken and ensure that the chicken is cooked through before serving.
9. Evenly distribute the crushed red pepper flakes on top of the chicken and sauce. If you’re not sure how to do that, just try and get them as evenly distributed as possible. Adjust the seasoning. Chicken and sauce can take a lot of seasoning and still taste good, but don’t let them be the reason you season your dish to the point of it tasting way over the top.
10. Before serving, add freshly chopped basil as a garnish. Then dig in and enjoy your Marry Me Chicken!
Marry Me Chicken Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet
2. Tongs
3. Measuring spoons
4. Measuring cups
5. Wooden spoon
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
FAQ
- Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead, to get a juicier result, but note that cooking times may vary slightly.
- Q: Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?A: You can use a dairy-free cream alternative, like coconut milk, but this will change the flavor somewhat. You cannot just eliminate the heavy cream for this recipe.
- Q: How do I store leftovers?A: Put any remaining food in a sealed container in the fridge, where it will wait for you, quite deliciously, for up to 3 days. To bring it back to ready-to-eat status, either warm it gently in a pan on the stovetop or nuke it in the microwave.
- Q: Can this dish be made ahead of time?You can make the sauce ahead of time and just reheat it to add to the cooked chicken, but cooking the chicken fresh is the way to go if you want the same texture as you would get in a restaurant.
- Q: What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?A: Pasta, mashed potatoes, or fresh vegetables accompany this dish beautifully.
- Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?A: Although the taste and feel of fresh tomatoes may be somewhat different from what you expect, they are safe to eat raw. If you find yourself without access to cooked salsa, you could use Pace or another jarred salsa that is safe to eat right out of the jar. You could also purée your fresh tomatoes and then heat them in the microwave.
- Q: Is it possible to make this dish spicy?A: Without a doubt! Boost the volume of crushed red pepper flakes or throw in some fresh, sliced jalapeños to crank up the heat.
Marry Me Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Breast of chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs of chicken make a good substitute for a juicier meat.
Canola oil or avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil.
Garlic: If fresh garlic is unavailable, use garlic powder instead, at a substitution rate of 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
Cream: Use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter alternative.
Tomatoes that are dried in the sun: If you don’t have any on hand, you can use fresh cherry tomatoes, although their taste is going to be considerably milder.
Pro Tips
1. Seasoning Variations Enhance the flavor of the chicken by marinating it with a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, and Italian herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This adds a layer of depth and complexity.
2. Sun-Dried Tomato Oil Use the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes instead of regular olive oil. This will impart an extra layer of flavor to the chicken and the sauce.
3. Creamy Consistency For an extra creamy sauce, add a splash of white wine before adding the heavy cream. Allow it to reduce slightly to concentrate the flavors.
4. Cheese Tip For a richer sauce, include a mix of Parmesan and Asiago cheese. This blend will give the sauce a more robust flavor.
5. Basil Infusion Add a few whole basil leaves to the sauce while it simmers, then remove before adding the chicken back in. This will infuse the sauce with a subtle basil aroma.
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
My favorite Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large skillet
2. Tongs
3. Measuring spoons
4. Measuring cups
5. Wooden spoon
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts. These two seasonings will move to the inside of the meat as it cooks, making the chicken taste better. Besides, salt is also necessary in making the chicken cook evenly. You can also use other seasonings or spices that you like.
2. In a big skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Put in the chicken breasts and fry until they are golden and brown, about five to seven minutes per side. Take out of the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same frying pan, add the finely chopped garlic and stir-fry until sweet-smelling, about 1 minute.
4. Add the dried oregano and cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, using a wooden spoon to dislodge any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet and incorporating them into the broth.
6. Add the heavy cream to the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer.
7. Put in the diced sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
8. Reintroduce the chicken breasts to the skillet, allowing them to simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes. Let the sauce thicken and ensure that the chicken is cooked through before serving.
9. Evenly distribute the crushed red pepper flakes on top of the chicken and sauce. If you’re not sure how to do that, just try and get them as evenly distributed as possible. Adjust the seasoning. Chicken and sauce can take a lot of seasoning and still taste good, but don’t let them be the reason you season your dish to the point of it tasting way over the top.
10. Before serving, add freshly chopped basil as a garnish. Then dig in and enjoy your Marry Me Chicken!