When it comes to chicken dishes, Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! This dish features juicy, tender chicken breasts enveloped in a rich parmesan cream sauce complemented by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Perfect for romantic dinners or family gatherings, this recipe stands out for its ease of preparation and incredible flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can whip up this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil creates a delightful taste that will impress your guests.
- Versatile Dish: Suitable for various occasions, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations, this dish is always a hit.
- One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required with this one-skillet recipe, making it perfect for busy cooks.
- Comfort Food Classic: This dish embodies comfort food with its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, making it ideal for any season.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Marry Me Chicken, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: A spacious skillet ensures even cooking and allows you to stir ingredients easily.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: These tools help you mix and serve your creamy sauce without scratching your cookware.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- salt (to taste)
- freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or other neutral oil)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth (see Notes)
- ½ cup heavy cream (at room temperature)
- ½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese (at room temperature, see Notes)
For Flavoring
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (more or less to taste)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
For Garnish
- chiffonaded fresh basil
- grated fresh parmesan cheese
How to Make Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6–7 minutes per side. Once cooked through, transfer them to a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Create Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in low-sodium chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Step 3: Add Cream and Parmesan
Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until well combined. Allow it to simmer gently for about 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce. Stir well to combine flavors.
Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Return the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, ensuring they are well-coated with the creamy sauce. Simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with chiffonaded fresh basil and additional grated parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken as an unforgettable meal!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
This Marry Me Chicken in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Pasta
- Tossed with Fettuccine: Serve the chicken over cooked fettuccine for a hearty dish.
- Penne with Cream Sauce: Pair it with penne pasta, allowing the sauce to coat every piece.
On Rice
- Over Jasmine Rice: The fragrant jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.
- Brown Rice Option: For a healthier option, serve it on brown rice for added fiber.
With Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Use slices of crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for an extra flavor boost.
As a Salad Topper
- Mixed Greens: Slice the chicken and place it on a bed of mixed greens for a fresh touch.
- Caesar Salad Twist: Add chunks of this chicken to your Caesar salad for a satisfying protein boost.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
To achieve the best results with your Marry Me Chicken, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes will elevate the flavors.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure that the heavy cream and parmesan are at room temperature before mixing to prevent clumping.
- Season Generously: Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences for maximum flavor.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy.
- Garnish Wisely: Finish with extra chiffonaded basil and grated parmesan cheese right before serving for added freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
Pairing side dishes can elevate your Marry Me Chicken meal. Here are some excellent choices to complement the flavors.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and balance.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrients, making your plate look appealing.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus adds crunch and complements the chicken’s richness.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice offers a light base that absorbs the sauce well.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad brings texture and nutty flavor alongside the creamy chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a classic pairing that adds sweetness and crunch to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to season the chicken properly. Always add salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold cream or cheese can cause the sauce to curdle. Make sure these ingredients are at room temperature before adding them.
- Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F for juicy results.
- Not letting the sauce thicken: Rushing through the cooking process means you might miss out on that rich, creamy texture. Allow enough time for the sauce to simmer and thicken.
- Ignoring fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds a delightful flavor. Don’t skip this ingredient; add it right before serving for the best taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
- Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a skillet. Stir frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce), you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute mozzarella or even feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
What sides go well with Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)?
This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Consider using low-fat cream and reducing the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables to increase fiber content.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture but may require slightly longer cooking time.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers as an alternative, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) is the perfect dish to impress your loved ones! This creamy, savory meal features tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich parmesan cream sauce, enhanced by the delightful flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Ideal for romantic dinners or family gatherings, this one-skillet wonder takes just 15 minutes to prepare and offers an explosion of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread, Marry Me Chicken is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown, about 6–7 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté garlic for about 1 minute. Add chicken broth and scrape browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese; simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it well with sauce, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve garnished with fresh basil and extra parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
