If you have never tried the Marry Me Chicken Recipe, you are in for a true kitchen romance. This dish is a magical blend of tender chicken cutlets bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce loaded with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes, layered with just the right touch of spice from red pepper flakes and herbs. It’s no wonder the name suggests it could be the meal that inspires a lifetime commitment. The flavors are rich but well balanced, and the process is surprisingly straightforward, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent and special all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is easy and affordable, and each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the juicy chicken breasts that form the base to the flavorful blend of herbs and spices, each element is essential and thoughtfully chosen.
- Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced cutlets cook quickly and stay juicy inside the creamy sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Used for dredging, it helps achieve a delicate crust that locks in moisture.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that bring balance to the dish.
- Olive oil and butter: These fats create a perfect sear on the chicken and add richness.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives the sauce a beautiful aromatic base.
- Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and adds depth to the sauce’s flavor.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, bringing a savory, nutty note.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Packed with tangy sweetness and a chewy texture that contrasts perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes: Add a mild kick to balance the creaminess, adjustable to your spice preference.
- Dried oregano and thyme: Classic Italian herbs enhance the flavor complexity.
- Fresh basil: Used as a garnish for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin cutlets to ensure fast, even cooking. This step is crucial because it allows the chicken to cook through quickly while staying tender and juicy inside the creamy sauce that follows.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Mix the all-purpose flour with salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Lightly dredge each chicken cutlet in this mixture, shaking off any excess. This coating helps create a thin crust when cooking, which gives the chicken a delicious texture and helps seal in juiciness.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken cutlets. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside carefully so it can rest while you make the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned. Next, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Then stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce, then return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer everything together for 5 minutes so the chicken can soak up all those luscious flavors, making the dish irresistibly comforting.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the perfect garnish for this dish, adding a pop of vibrant green color and a subtle aromatic lift that complements the creamy sauce. Don’t be shy — a few basil leaves scattered on top make it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Marry Me Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try serving it over al dente pasta to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce, or alongside fluffy mashed potatoes for a comforting experience. If you want to add some freshness and crunch, a simple green salad or steamed vegetables are also excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over creamy polenta or garlic-infused rice to add unique textures. You can also plate it in shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic feel that invites everyone to dig in and savor each bite. Finishing with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze can elevate the presentation to restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully if you want to prepare it in advance. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken slowly in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce looks too thick to bring back that velvety texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well, too. They have more fat, which adds extra juiciness and flavor, but adjust cooking times slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, roasted red peppers or even chopped fresh tomatoes can provide a similar sweet and tangy burst. Just keep in mind fresh tomatoes add more moisture, so adjust the sauce consistency accordingly.
Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level is mild and adjustable since red pepper flakes are used sparingly. You can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder sauce, or add a bit more if you love a touch of heat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s possible by swapping heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream and using a dairy-free cheese alternative. The taste will change, but you can still enjoy a creamy, satisfying version of the Marry Me Chicken Recipe.
How long does the Marry Me Chicken Recipe take to make?
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy nights when you want a meal that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Seriously, once you try the Marry Me Chicken Recipe, it might just become your go-to for a comforting night in or a dinner that impresses without stress. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but rich and flavorful enough to feel like a celebration. So grab those ingredients, invite someone special or enjoy it all yourself, and prepare to fall in love with this dish!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful skillet chicken dish featuring tender chicken cutlets simmered in a rich sauce made with garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, finished with fragrant herbs and a hint of spice. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare chicken cutlets: Slice the chicken breasts into thin cutlets for even cooking and better absorption of flavors.
- Dredge chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Coat each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess to ensure a light crust when seared.
- Heat skillet: Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted and the oil is hot.
- Sear chicken: Place the chicken cutlets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom, which adds deep flavor to the sauce.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add sundried tomatoes and chicken: Mix in the chopped sundried tomatoes, then return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Simmer and infuse: Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes so it can absorb the rich flavors and warm through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the dish just before serving. Serve this delicious Marry Me Chicken over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Sundried tomatoes packed in oil can be drained or used as-is for extra richness.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor instead of dried oregano and thyme.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of sautéed greens or roasted vegetables.
