Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is rich, comforting, and elegant while remaining easy to prepare. The creamy sauce is bold yet balanced, the chicken stays juicy, and the recipe comes together quickly in a single skillet, making it perfect for both special occasions and busy evenings.
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Marry Me Chicken: A Creamy, Irresistible Dish That Wins Hearts at First Bite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken made with tender pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich sun-dried tomato parmesan cream sauce that’s irresistible.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs
Serve as the tender, juicy foundation of the dish and absorb the sauce beautifully.
Olive oil
Helps sear the chicken evenly and adds subtle richness.
Butter
Enhances flavor and adds depth to the creamy sauce.
Garlic
Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic savoriness.
Sun-dried tomatoes
Provide tangy sweetness and concentrated flavor that defines the sauce.
Heavy cream
Creates the luxurious, velvety base of the sauce.
Parmesan cheese
Adds salty, nutty depth and naturally thickens the sauce.
Chicken broth
Balances the richness and helps control sauce consistency.
Italian seasoning
Brings classic herbal notes that complement the cream and chicken.
Red pepper flakes
Add gentle heat and contrast to the creamy sauce.
Salt
Enhances all flavors throughout the dish.
Black pepper
Adds mild warmth and balance.
Fresh basil or parsley
Provides freshness and color when finishing the dish.
Directions
Begin by seasoning the chicken generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden on both sides, then remove and set aside.
Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the same skillet, cooking just until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Whisk gently and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: about 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s texture. Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serve the chicken and sauce over fettuccine or penne for a complete meal.
Spinach Cream Version
Stir in fresh spinach until wilted for added color and nutrition.
Mushroom Marry Me Chicken
Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth.
Spicy Marry Me Chicken
Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
Chicken Thigh Version
Use thighs for extra juiciness and richness.
Lemon Cream Twist
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Bacon-Enhanced Sauce
Top with crispy bacon pieces for smoky contrast.
Lightened Sauce
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
Pesto Cream Variation
Stir in a spoonful of pesto for herbal richness.
Rice Bowl Style
Serve over fluffy rice to soak up the sauce.
FAQs
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
Because the flavor is so irresistible it is said to inspire marriage proposals.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs stay very juicy and work exceptionally well.
Is the dish spicy?
Only mildly; adjust red pepper flakes to taste.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It is best served fresh but reheats well.
What should I serve it with?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread pair perfectly.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Milk is too thin; half-and-half is a better substitute.
Does the sauce thicken as it cooks?
Yes, Parmesan and simmering naturally thicken the sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Spinach, mushrooms, or peas work very well.
Should I pound the chicken first?
Optional, but it helps ensure even cooking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet and avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, flavor-packed sauce that feels both indulgent and approachable. Easy enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for special occasions, it is a recipe that consistently impresses. With its bold flavors and silky texture, this dish is bound to become a favorite you return to whenever you want a meal that truly delivers.
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