This Marry Me Chicken recipe is a creamy, dreamy dish with tender chicken in a rich, sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce. Perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners, this easy one-pan meal is bursting with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a meal that’s guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan creates a delightful sauce that elevates the chicken.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and creamy texture make this dish visually appealing for any occasion.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal clean-up is required since everything cooks in one skillet!
Tools and Preparation
To create the BEST Marry Me Chicken recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ease your cooking experience and ensure everything comes together smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Serving utensils
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A large skillet allows for searing the chicken evenly while providing enough space to mix the sauce.
- Cutting Board: Keeps your workspace organized and makes chopping ingredients safe and efficient.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts for garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, enhancing flavor release.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts (or thighs))
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ½ cup chicken broth
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How to Make The BEST Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet.
- Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic.
- Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cook for another minute to release their flavor.
Step 5: Create the Sauce Base
- Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Step 6: Make It Creamy
- Add heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, and butter to the skillet.
- Stir well and let simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 7: Combine Chicken with Sauce
- Return the seared chicken back to the skillet.
- Spoon sauce over the top of each piece of chicken.
- Let it simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until fully cooked through.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Enjoy this creamy dish over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with a side of crusty bread!
How to Serve The BEST Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Serving The BEST Marry Me Chicken is all about complementing its rich flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides that enhance its creamy, savory profile. Here are some delicious serving suggestions.
With Pasta
- Fettuccine Alfredo: The creamy sauce of fettuccine Alfredo matches perfectly with the chicken sauce.
- Penne Arrabbiata: A spicy tomato-based pasta can balance the richness of the dish.
- Angel Hair: This light pasta will soak up the sauce, making every bite delightful.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Classic Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes are a comforting choice that pairs well.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Elevate your side with roasted garlic for added flavor.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Loaf: Its tangy flavor complements the creaminess of the chicken sauce.
- Garlic Bread: A favorite for soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce.
With a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and parmesan add a refreshing crunch to your meal.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella provide a light, flavorful contrast.
How to Perfect The BEST Marry Me Chicken Recipe
To make sure your Marry Me Chicken reaches its full potential, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure it’s cooked just right for tenderness; use a meat thermometer if needed.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to tweak salt, pepper, or spices based on your preference.
- Simmer for Richness: Allow the sauce to simmer longer for deeper flavors and better consistency.
Best Side Dishes for The BEST Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Pairing sides with The BEST Marry Me Chicken enhances your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients, balancing richness.
- Roasted Asparagus: Drizzled with olive oil, roasted asparagus brings earthy flavors to the table.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with lemon dressing offers a healthy alternative.
- Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic provide a crunchy texture and vibrant color.
- Risotto: Creamy risotto complements the chicken’s sauce while adding luxury to your meal.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the creaminess of the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks encounter challenges when preparing The BEST Marry Me Chicken Recipe. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.
- Using the wrong cut of chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for optimal tenderness and flavor. Avoid using bone-in cuts, as they require longer cooking times.
- Skipping seasoning: Properly seasoning the chicken before cooking enhances its flavor. Be generous with salt and pepper to ensure every bite is delicious.
- Not letting the sauce thicken: Allow the sauce to simmer until rich and creamy. Rushing this step can leave you with a thin sauce that doesn’t coat the chicken well.
- Overcooking the chicken: Monitor the chicken carefully while it simmers in the sauce. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, so aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of flavor and color. Don’t skip this garnish; it elevates your dish visually and taste-wise.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing The BEST Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating The BEST Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until evenly warmed.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common queries about making The BEST Marry Me Chicken Recipe.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, while Parmesan is traditional, you can experiment with mozzarella or goat cheese for different flavors.
How spicy is The BEST Marry Me Chicken Recipe?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
What should I serve with this dish?
Pair it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This creamy and flavorful The BEST Marry Me Chicken Recipe is sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. Its versatility allows for customization based on your preferences—swap out vegetables or adjust seasonings as desired. Try it tonight for a meal that combines ease with gourmet taste!
The BEST Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Indulge in the creamy delight of The BEST Marry Me Chicken Recipe, a dish that promises to impress at any dinner table. This easy one-pan meal features tender chicken simmered in a luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, all ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for both special occasions and busy weeknights, serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the rich sauce. With minimal clean-up and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite among family and friends.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown; set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Deglaze with chicken broth while scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, and butter; let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with sauce (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
