Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Here’s a detailed, mouth-watering “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, perfect for a hearty meal! This creamy, savory, and slightly tangy chicken dish is said to be so delicious that it could make someone propose after just one bite! It’s packed with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce that brings it all together. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Grated Parmesan, for extra cheesiness
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll be finishing the chicken in the oven to give it a beautiful bake and enhance the flavors.
Season the chicken: Sprinkle each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This blend will give the chicken a flavorful crust.
Sear the chicken: In a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
They don’t need to be fully cooked, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Melt the butter: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. As it melts, scrape up any brown bits from the chicken — this will add flavor to your sauce.
Add the garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Add chicken broth and heavy cream: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan, then add the heavy cream. Whisk to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add Parmesan and tomatoes: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. The cheese will melt, making the sauce thicker and creamier.
Season the sauce: Add dried thyme (or fresh, if using), and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Let the sauce simmer for 5-6 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Add the chicken back to the skillet: Nestle the chicken breasts back into the sauce, spooning some of the sauce over the top to coat.
Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Baste halfway: About halfway through baking, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to keep it moist and let it soak up even more flavor.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Garnish: Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the chicken, and add a bit more grated Parmesan if desired. This adds freshness and an extra layer of deliciousness.
Serve: Marry Me Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or even alongside steamed vegetables to soak up that incredible sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken
Use good-quality chicken: Chicken breasts work best here as they cook evenly and absorb the flavors. You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
Don’t overcook the garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so add it once the butter has melted and keep an eye on it. Burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Adjust the thickness of the sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a bit longer before adding the chicken. If it gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Choose your cheese wisely: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor and melts smoothly. Pre-shredded cheese may not blend as well.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Look for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a tender texture and rich taste. If you’re using dry ones, rehydrate them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
Side Dishes to Complete Your Marry Me Chicken
To make this meal truly unforgettable, pair Marry Me Chicken with side dishes that enhance the rich flavors.
Here are some delicious options:
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The smooth and buttery mashed potatoes provide a perfect base for scooping up the sauce.
Garlic Parmesan Bread: Toasted garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Sautéed Green Beans or Asparagus: A light and fresh green veggie helps balance out the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Pasta: Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work wonderfully to soak up the sauce.
Steamed Rice: A simple rice dish allows the flavors of the chicken and sauce to shine.
Marry me chicken recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken breast halves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground thyme
- ½ cup chicken broth divided
- ½ pound bacon
- 1 16 ounce package angel hair pasta
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup whipping cream
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Gather ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place chicken breasts on a flat work surface. Slice horizontally through the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side. Open the 2 sides and spread them out like an open book to butterfly.
- Melt butter in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, oregano, thyme. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add chicken and cook until golden brown but not fully cooked, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Pour 1/4 cup chicken broth into the skillet and bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the centers and juices run clear, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels and let cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes; chop.
- At the same time, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and keep warm.
- Remove skillet from the oven and transfer chicken to a plate, reserving juices in the skillet. Keep chicken warm and place skillet on the stovetop.
- Whisk flour into the skillet over medium heat. Add remaining chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and whipping cream. Whisk until combined.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and salt. Add bacon and chicken back into the skillet.
- Serve on top of hot cooked pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and then refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream gives the sauce a rich texture, but if you need a lighter version, you can substitute with whole milk or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. However, the sauce may not be as thick or creamy.
What other herbs can I use?
Fresh basil and thyme are classic, but feel free to add or substitute with rosemary, oregano, or parsley for added depth.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of extra cream or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken is a beloved recipe for a reason. It’s not only flavorful and satisfying but also versatile enough to serve on special occasions or as a comforting weeknight dinner. The creamy Parmesan sauce with bursts of sun-dried tomatoes and herbs elevates this dish, making it an unforgettable meal. Share it with someone special or treat yourself — who knows, it may inspire love at first bite!