Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken:Â Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:Â Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing them to infuse their flavor into the sauce.
- Add Liquids:Â Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese:Â Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If you want a little heat, you can add the crushed red pepper flakes at this point.
Step 3: Combine Chicken with Sauce
- Return Chicken to the Pan:Â Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top of the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to soak in the flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish:Â Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve the chicken with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce on top. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or a side of steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken:
- Chicken Thighs Option:Â If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more flavorful, juicy option.
- Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
- Add More Flavor:Â Feel free to add extra seasonings like Italian seasoning, thyme, or oregano for added depth of flavor.
- Make It Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it even easier to prepare when you’re ready to cook the chicken.
Variations:
- Mushroom Marry Me Chicken:Â Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for a heartier, umami-packed version of the dish.
- Spinach or Kale:Â Stir in some fresh spinach or kale for added nutrients and color.
- Spicy Marry Me Chicken: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to give the dish an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken is the ultimate creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for impressing your loved ones or enjoying a special meal at home. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and perfect balance of flavors, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides, and get ready to enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal that might just make you a hero in the kitchen! Enjoy!