Marry Me Chicken Recipe: The Creamy Dish That Doesn’t Need Cream

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Imagine sinking your fork into a plate of chicken bathed in a creamy sauce, perfectly paired with sun-dried tomatoes and finished with a sprinkle of parmesan. This Marry Me Chicken Recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s an absolute feast for the senses! The chicken is tender and juicy, while the sauce is rich and velvety, making it feel like comfort food at its best. Plus, you won’t believe how simple it is—this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive date night meal. And the best part? It’s creamy without the heaviness of cream! Are you ready to whip up a dish that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds? Trust me, you’ll love this!

Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)

This Marry Me Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a total hit at dinner tables! Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:

  • Quick Cooking Time: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
  • Rich, Creamy Sauce: You’ll savor the delightful flavor without added heaviness.
  • Pantry Ingredients: Uses staples like olive oil and garlic, so no last-minute grocery runs are needed.
  • Meal Prep Perfect: Make it ahead and store it for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.
  • Kid-Friendly: Appeals to picky eaters, making dinner a breeze.
  • Versatile: Great for serving over pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles!
  • Great for Entertaining: Impress your friends and family with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts – the star of the dish; juicy and flavorful.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing; adds richness.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced – brings a savory depth; use fresh for the best flavor.
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – sweet and tangy; they make the sauce pop.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – blend of herbs for aroma; can substitute with your favorite herbs.
  • 1 cup heavy cream – creates the luxurious sauce; can try coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated – adds creaminess and a salty hit; store-bought or fresh is fine.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – essential for enhancing flavors.
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish – a pop of freshness; it’s the cherry on top!

Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Phase 1 – Prep

  1. Gather all your ingredients.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and mince the garlic.

Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Remove the chicken and add minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for about 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning; simmer for 3–5 minutes.
  5. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, then add the chicken back to the skillet, coating it in the sauce.

Phase 3 – Serve

  1. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil.
  2. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or enjoy it solo!
  3. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

  • Swap Chicken for Turkey: Ground turkey works beautifully for a different texture.
  • Sear for Flavor: Get a golden crust on your chicken by avoiding the urge to move it around too often.
  • Save Time: Prep your ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking.
  • Fresh Herbs: Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
  • Fishing for Flavors: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to achieve your preferred consistency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Chicken: This can lead to dry, tough meat. Keep a close eye on it while it’s cooking, and remove it from the heat as soon as the center reaches 165°F.

2. Too Much Garlic: While garlic is lovely, too much can overpower the dish. Stick to the recipe and consider adding more only if you’re a huge garlic fan!

3. Skipping the Simmer: Not simmering the sauce long enough will leave the flavors underdeveloped. Give it a few extra minutes to meld together nicely.

Recipe Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or serve it with quinoa instead.
  • Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream and cheese for coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
  • Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick!
  • Herbal Twist: Mix in fresh spinach or kale for added nutrition.
  • Stovetop/Instant Pot: Cook on the stovetop for a quick meal or use the Instant Pot for a hands-off approach.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

  • Best Pairings: Serve alongside crusty bread, garlic bread, or a light salad.
  • Toppings & Garnishes: Sprinkle extra parmesan and parsley for a pop of color.
  • Drink Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, really complements the creaminess of the dish.

Make Ahead & Storage

Can I Meal Prep This?

Yes! You can make Marry Me Chicken a day or two in advance and simply reheat before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Note that the cream may change texture when thawed.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking.

How to make it extra creamy without cream? Try using blended cashews or silken tofu as a rich alternative.

Can I double it? Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger pan and adjust cooking times if needed.

How to fix a too-thick sauce? Add a splash of chicken broth or more heavy cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, delicious dish that everyone will adore. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s bound to become a household favorite. Don’t forget to rate and comment—your feedback is always welcome! Interested in trying another creamy dish? Check out our pasta recipes for more delicious ideas!

Marry Me Chicken

A creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces chicken breasts The star of the dish; juicy and flavorful.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing; adds richness.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Brings a savory depth; use fresh for the best flavor.
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped Sweet and tangy; they make the sauce pop.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Blend of herbs for aroma; can substitute with your favorite herbs.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Creates the luxurious sauce; can try coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated Adds creaminess and a salty hit; store-bought or fresh is fine.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Essential for enhancing flavors.
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish A pop of freshness; it’s the cherry on top!

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gather all your ingredients.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and mince the garlic.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Remove the chicken and add minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for about 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning; simmer for 3–5 minutes.
  5. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, then add the chicken back to the skillet, coating it in the sauce.
Serving
  1. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil.
  2. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or enjoy it solo!
  3. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Prep your ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. Best served with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a light salad.

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