There's nothing like the comforting aroma of Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken filling your kitchen. This dish is a perfect harmony of tender chicken, a rich, creamy sauce, and savory herbs that will have your loved ones swooning with every bite.
I first tried this recipe after a friend recommended it, claiming it had "proposal power." True or not, one thing is certain: it’s so good you’ll want to make it again and again. Ready to whip up a meal so delicious it might just lead to a proposal? Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken
Get ready to fall head over heels for this irresistible recipe. Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience your family and friends will rave about.
First, this recipe is incredibly simple to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort—a lifesaver for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner plans.
It’s also made with pantry staples like chicken breasts, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, so you won’t need a special trip to the store. The ingredients come together to create a luxurious, velvety sauce that tastes far more complex than it is to make.
Best of all, this dish is versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides. Serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one adds depth and flavor, making this dish irresistible.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish. They cook quickly and absorb the rich sauce beautifully. For the juiciest result, pound them to an even thickness before cooking.
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its luxurious texture. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy-sweet contrast to the creamy sauce. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts into the sauce, creating a nutty, salty depth of flavor. Avoid pre-grated cheese, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Chicken Broth: This lightens the sauce just enough while adding a savory base. For an extra punch, opt for low-sodium chicken stock.
- Garlic and Herbs: Fresh garlic, thyme, and basil bring an aromatic freshness to the dish. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried will work in a pinch.
To make this dish, you’ll need a large skillet and a whisk to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
How to Make Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken
Creating this delicious dish is a breeze. Here’s how you can make it step by step:
Start by prepping your chicken. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for added depth.
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through—it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then stir in your sun-dried tomatoes. These will infuse the oil with their tangy, rich flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and let the sauce thicken slightly.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer for 7-10 minutes, until fully cooked and tender. Stir in the parmesan cheese and fresh basil right before serving.
This entire process takes just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.
Storage Options
Leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken so it tastes just as good the next day.
- Refrigeration: Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them together to preserve the flavors.
- Freezing: While the cream-based sauce may slightly separate when frozen, it’s still possible to freeze this dish. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the sauce to curdle.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your preferences or dietary needs.
- Protein Swap: Don’t have chicken breasts? Substitute with chicken thighs or pork chops for an equally delicious result.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or firm tofu. Both soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Spicy Twist: Love some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a dairy-free alternative.
- Add Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for a nutrient boost and added texture.
Experimenting with this recipe is half the fun. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a dish that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family dinner, or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to be a hit. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your favorite variations!
PrintEasy Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe
This easy creamy Marry Me Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, flavorful cream sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It's a quick and delicious meal perfect for romantic dinners or weeknight indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and deglaze the pan. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, then return the chicken to the skillet.
- Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620
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