Marry Me Chicken Recipe: Tender Chicken in a Creamy Sauce
Looking for a dinner idea that's both easy to make and guaranteed to impress? Look no further than this Marry Me Chicken recipe! Tender, juicy chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. With garlic, parmesan cheese, sundried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, every bite of this dish is packed with layers of flavor. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. Serve it with rice, pasta, or your favorite vegetables, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why Will This Marry Me Chicken Recipe Become Your Go-To Recipe?
Let's be real—sometimes we all need that one recipe that’s not only quick to whip up but also guaranteed to wow. Enter Marry Me Chicken! This recipe hits all the right notes: rich, creamy sauce? Check. Tender chicken? Check. A little bit of spice, a little bit of freshness? Double check.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and its versatility. While it’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a special family gathering, it also makes for an easy weeknight meal that can quickly become a family favorite. Plus, with such a delicious combination of ingredients, it’s hard to resist.
Why the name?
Why "Marry Me Chicken," you ask? Well, legend has it that this dish is so delicious, so irresistible, that it has the power to make someone propose. We can’t guarantee marriage proposals, but we can promise you’ll be head over heels in love with this creamy, flavorful chicken dish!
Total Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch/Dinner
Ingredients
- 3 Large chicken breasts boneless and skinless, sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets
- 1/2 Teaspoon salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 Cloves garlic minced
- 1 Cup chicken stock
- 1 Cup heavy cream
- 1/2 Cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 Teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/4 Teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 Teaspoon thyme
- 1/3 Cup sundried tomatoes chopped
- 1 Tablespoon fresh basil leaves
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe?
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then, coat them in flour, shaking off any excess. This creates a crispy crust on the chicken when cooked. Heat olive oil and melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Once the oil and butter are hot, add the chicken to the pan. Brown the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about a minute or until fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is where all the flavor lives, so make sure you get every bit of it.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens up slightly. Season with chili flakes, thyme, oregano, and more salt and pepper to taste. The sauce will start to thicken and become rich and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Now, add the sundried tomatoes to the sauce and stir everything. Return the browned chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken even more.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is nice and creamy, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped basil leaves for a pop of freshness. Serve your Marry Me Chicken hot over rice, pasta, or with your favorite veggies.
Zulay's Expert Tips for Making the Perfect Marry Me Chicken
- If you prefer your chicken to have a crispier exterior, you can bread the chicken before browning it. Just dip the chicken in egg wash and coat it with breadcrumbs before cooking.
- Customize the heat. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. Spice it up to your liking!
- Add vegetables. For a one-pan meal, toss in some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. They’ll cook up in the sauce and make for a colorful, hearty dish.
- Substitute chicken. While chicken breasts are the most common choice, you can easily substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, richer alternative. They’ll work just as well in this creamy sauce.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken
- Rice – Serve the creamy chicken over a bed of fluffy rice. White, brown, or even cauliflower rice works perfectly.
- Pasta – For a more indulgent meal, serve the chicken and sauce over pasta. Fettuccine or spaghetti are excellent options.
- Roasted Vegetables – Add some roasted asparagus, zucchini, or carrots to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Garlic Bread – A side of warm, crispy garlic bread will help mop up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Why You Should Make This Marry Me Chicken Recipe
This recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, taking only about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s the kind of dish that’ll make you feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant—yet it’s simple enough to whip up for a busy weeknight dinner. The creamy, flavorful sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic spices come together to create a truly irresistible dish!
Zulay's Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken recipe is a surefire winner, whether you're cooking for a special occasion, a romantic dinner, or just looking for a comforting and delicious meal to make any day feel extraordinary. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic spices will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe—add your favorite veggies, experiment with seasonings, or serve it with your favorite sides. No matter how you make it, this dish is sure to impress!
Let Us Know What You Think!
Did you try this Marry Me Chicken recipe? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below, tell us how your chicken turned out, and share any variations you made. Also, let us know what other recipes you'd love to see next on the blog.
Looking for More Delicious Recipes?
Check out some of our other favorite dinner recipes below and get inspired for your next meal!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Marry Me Chicken with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe. They’re naturally juicier and more flavorful, making them perfect for absorbing the creamy sauce. If you use thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked, but the process is the same. Just make sure to cook the thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce will still be just as rich and flavorful with this substitution!
Can I use low-fat or dairy-free alternatives in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can make Marry Me Chicken with dairy-free alternatives without compromising too much on flavor. Use coconut milk or almond milk for the cream, and nutritional yeast can be a good substitute for the parmesan cheese. For butter, opt for dairy-free butter or olive oil. The dish may taste slightly different, but it will still be creamy and delicious. Just be mindful of seasoning adjustments, as dairy-free ingredients can sometimes alter the overall flavor.
How do I store leftovers of Marry Me Chicken?
Leftover Marry Me Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to maintain moisture. The sauce will remain creamy, but the chicken might become a little drier upon reheating, so adding a small splash of cream or chicken broth can help keep it moist.
What’s the best side dish to serve with Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Rice (white, brown, or cauliflower) is a popular choice for soaking up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it over pasta, like fettuccine or spaghetti, for a more indulgent meal. For a lighter side, roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers are excellent. If you’re craving something comforting, garlic bread or mashed potatoes are perfect for mopping up every last bit of the sauce.
