Marry Me Chicken

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Marry Me Chicken – Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Skillet Chicken

Looking for a quick and impressive dinner idea that’s full of rich, irresistible flavor? This Marry Me Chicken is the perfect answer. Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection, then simmered in a velvety, creamy sauce made with garlic, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s so good, it just might spark a marriage proposal—hence the name!

Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, this easy skillet dish delivers restaurant-quality results in just 35 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fast & Easy: Ready in just over half an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • One Skillet: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
  • Creamy & Savory: The rich sauce combines garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes for a gourmet feel.
  • Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
  • Customizable: Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Serves 6

  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (divided)
  • ½ tablespoon ground black pepper (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1½ cups chicken stock
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
  • 7 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Cooked pasta, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Season both sides evenly with half of the salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the chicken. Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 30 seconds to intensify the flavor.

Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, half the parmesan, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and the remaining salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the pan and reduce heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Slice the chicken across the grain for tenderness. Spoon sauce generously over the chicken, then sprinkle with remaining parmesan, chopped basil, and parsley. Serve immediately over warm pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Tips for Success

  • For Extra Flavor: Use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar instead of plain olive oil.
  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep a close eye on the temperature to prevent dryness.
  • Make It Lighter: You can substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile. Try serving it with:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Buttered noodles or fettuccine
  • Steamed rice
  • Roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Approximate values only.
Calories: 497 | Carbs: 25g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 1660mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 16g | Calcium: 257mg | Iron: 4mg

Final Thoughts

Creamy, flavorful, and simple to make, this Marry Me Chicken is a recipe worth repeating. It’s the kind of dish that makes any dinner feel special—no matter the occasion. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy every bite of this irresistible skillet favorite.

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