If you’re craving a dish so delicious that it almost feels like a declaration of love, the Marry Me Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender chicken breasts enveloped in a luxuriously creamy tomato-parmesan sauce that’s bursting with sun-dried tomato and fresh basil flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its rich, savory layers and effortless elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Marry Me Chicken Recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from creating that irresistible creamy sauce to perfectly seasoning the tender chicken, these components balance texture, flavor, and color beautifully.
- 2 large chicken breasts: The star of the dish—thick, juicy, and perfect for absorbing the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to season the chicken upfront.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken with a lovely golden crust.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Works with butter for perfect searing heat without burning.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Thickens the sauce to a luxurious creaminess.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth): Deglazes the pan and deepens the sauce’s flavors.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates the indulgently creamy base of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds a hint of tang and rich color.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Bring chewy bursts of concentrated tomato sweetness and texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a fragrant herbal note classic to Italian-inspired dishes.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle spicy kick to elevate the overall flavor.
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Delivers savory, cheesy goodness and helps thicken the sauce just right.
- 1 small handful fresh basil (chopped/torn): Finishes the dish with fresh, bright herbal flavor and color.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, so you end up with four thinner pieces that cook evenly and quickly. Sprinkle each piece generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This initial seasoning is the foundation of your flavorful chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet until shimmering. Carefully lay the chicken pieces in the pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, aiming for a gorgeous golden-brown crust that locks in juiciness. Once cooked through, move the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm while you focus on the sauce. This resting time is key to tender, flavorful chicken.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add flour and minced garlic to the same skillet; the residual fat and fond from searing the chicken enrich the base. Stir constantly for about a minute, letting the raw flour cook and marry with the garlic’s aroma. Next, pour in your white wine or chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth and begin to reduce the liquid by half – this intensifies the sauce’s flavor.
Step 4: Create the Signature Sauce Flavors
Now, stir in the heavy cream, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer gently, thickening into a luscious sauce that lovingly coats every bite. Keep an eye on the heat; a slow simmer ensures the sauce develops the perfect texture without breaking.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Fresh Basil
Take the skillet off the heat and fold in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves. This final touch adds rich umami and fresh herbal brightness that make this sauce truly unforgettable.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece in the velvety sauce. Spoon plenty of sauce over the top and add any accumulated juices from the plate back into the pan for extra flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to your liking. Your Marry Me Chicken Recipe is now ready to wow everyone at the table.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of grated parmesan are the perfect garnishes that add a pop of color and enhance the delicate flavors. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can also elevate this dish’s aroma and richness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside simple sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic bread, or a crisp green salad. You can also serve it atop fluffy rice or your favorite pasta to soak up every delicious drop of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special presentation, arrange the chicken pieces neatly in a shallow serving dish, spoon the sauce generously over them, and scatter fresh herbs over the top. Consider serving it in individual cast-iron skillets for an intimate, rustic feel that makes dinner an event. This Marry Me Chicken Recipe ensures your meal looks as fantastic as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken upon cooling; just add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to restore its silky texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Freezing the sauce alone allows for quick weeknight meals when paired with freshly cooked chicken or pasta.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally. Adding a little cream or broth prevents the sauce from drying out and ensures each bite remains as luscious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully with this recipe and provide extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer or shorter depending on thickness.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is an excellent substitute that still adds depth to the sauce. For a non-alcoholic option, a mix of white grape juice and a splash of vinegar works well too.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?
While sun-dried tomatoes contribute a unique sweet-tart chewiness to the sauce, you can swap them with fresh cherry tomatoes or omit them entirely if needed. The sauce will still be delicious and creamy.
Is this recipe spicy because it has red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a subtle, gentle heat that balances the creaminess and tomato flavors without overpowering. If you prefer no spiciness, simply leave them out or reduce the amount.
How long does it take to make this dish?
The full cooking time is about 20 minutes, plus 10 minutes prep, making the Marry Me Chicken Recipe a quick and impressive meal for busy weeknights or date nights alike.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Recipe is one of those comforting yet elegant dishes that you’ll want to make over and over again. Its creamy, flavorful sauce paired with perfectly cooked chicken makes every bite feel like a special occasion. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and whip up a dinner that will have everyone asking for your secret — or maybe even a proposal!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful skillet chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, white wine, cream, and parmesan. This recipe creates a luscious, slightly spicy sauce that pairs beautifully with the golden pan-seared chicken, perfect for an impressive yet easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably oil-packed, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 small handful fresh basil, chopped or torn
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Season each piece evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter and olive oil. Allow the pan to heat thoroughly for a few minutes to ensure a hot cooking surface.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Cook each side for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm. Turn off the heat while resting the chicken.
- Start the Sauce Base: Turn the heat back on to medium. Add the flour and minced garlic to the still-warm skillet. Stir constantly and cook for about one minute until fragrant, ensuring the flour cooks out without burning.
- Deglaze the Pan: Slowly pour in the white wine while whisking to dissolve the flour lumps. Let the mixture bubble and reduce by about half, concentrating the flavors and reducing excess liquid.
- Add Cream and Flavorings: Stir in the heavy cream, tomato paste, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your preferred consistency. Reduce heat if it starts to boil rapidly.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil until the cheese melts and incorporates smoothly into the sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices from the plate back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Notes
- For best flavor, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and chop them finely before adding to the sauce.
- You can substitute dry white wine with chicken broth if preferred or for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain juiciness before adding back to the sauce.
