Creamy Marry Me Chicken: An Easy Weeknight Treat (Print Version)
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, easy chicken recipe that brings comfort to your table. Discover my personal take on this beloved dish, perfect for cozy dinners.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Contains dairy, can be made gluten-free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Stars
01 -
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total), pounded to 1-inch thick
02 -
1 cup heavy cream
03 -
1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
04 -
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
05 -
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Flavor Boosters
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
08 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, if you dare!)
09 -
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
10 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
→ Pantry Staples
11 -
1 tbsp olive oil
12 -
1 tbsp unsalted butter
13 -
1 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
→ Seasonings
14 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
First, pat those chicken breasts super dry with paper towels. This is where I usually make a mess, flour everywhere! Season them generously with salt, pepper, and a little bit of that Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter with a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. You want that pan good and hot for a beautiful sear, honestly.
02 -
Once your pan is shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts in. Don't crowd the pan, I learned that the hard way! If you have too many, do them in batches. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until they're golden brown and cooked through. Take them out and set them aside. They don't have to be totally done, because they'll finish cooking in the creamy Marry Me Chicken sauce later.
03 -
In the same skillet (don't clean it, those bits are flavor!), add another pat of butter if needed. Toss in your minced garlic and drained sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant – oh, the smell of garlic and tomatoes cooking, that's home to me! Be careful not to burn the garlic, it gets bitter fast.
04 -
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it around for about a minute to cook out that raw flour taste. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Whisk, whisk, whisk! Lumps are not our friends. Next, add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly.
05 -
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into that gorgeous, creamy Marry Me Chicken sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked all the way through and the sauce has thickened even more. This is where all those flavors really get to know each other.
06 -
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings – this is my favorite part! You might need a little more salt or pepper. Garnish with fresh basil and parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, and prepare for compliments! That creamy Marry Me Chicken is ready!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook the chicken during the searing step; it'll continue to cook in the sauce. I've dried out chicken this way too many times!
02 -
For leftovers, gently reheat Marry Me Chicken on the stovetop with a splash of broth to prevent the sauce from separating.
03 -
If you're out of sun-dried tomatoes, a teaspoon of tomato paste can give a similar depth, but not quite the same tang.
04 -
Serve this easy Marry Me Chicken over creamy mashed potatoes or pasta to soak up every bit of that amazing sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
04 -
whisk
05 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 550
Total Fat: 40g
Total Carbohydrate: 12g
Protein: 35g