When it comes to chicken dishes, Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! This recipe brings together juicy, tender chicken breasts with a rich parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Perfect for romantic dinners or family gatherings, this dish is sure to impress with its incredible flavors and comforting appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish can be made in just 45 minutes.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of sun-dried tomatoes and creamy parmesan sauce creates a rich flavor that elevates the chicken.
- Versatile Dish: Ideal for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.
- One-Skillet Wonder: Cook everything in one pan for easy cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: This dish is designed to impress family and friends alike with its delicious taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Below are the necessary items for preparing Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce).
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet allows even cooking and helps develop rich flavors in the sauce.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients without damaging your countertop.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and efficient preparation of ingredients, saving you valuable time.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- salt (to taste)
- freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or other neutral oil)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth (see Notes)
- ½ cup heavy cream (at room temperature)
- ½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese (at room temperature, see Notes)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (more or less to taste)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
- chiffonaded fresh basil
- grated fresh parmesan cheese
How to Make Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in low-sodium chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Chicken with Sauce
- Add sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce mixture.
- Return cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet.
- Sprinkle oregano and crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
- Simmer on low heat for about 10–15 minutes until heated through.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish with chiffonaded fresh basil and additional grated parmesan cheese before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken hot over pasta or rice!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
Serving Marry Me Chicken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is all about enhancing its rich flavors and making it delightful for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- These smooth and buttery mashed potatoes soak up the sauce perfectly, providing a comforting base for the chicken.
Over Pasta
- Serve the chicken on a bed of spaghetti or fettuccine to enjoy every drop of that luscious cream sauce.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Fresh steamed broccoli or asparagus adds a pop of color and crunch, balancing the richness of the dish.
On a Bed of Rice
- Fluffy white or brown rice absorbs the flavors well, making your plate hearty and satisfying.
In a Salad
- Slice the chicken and serve it atop mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette for a fresh twist.
With Crusty Bread
- A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce, adding an additional layer of enjoyment to your meal.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
To make sure your Marry Me Chicken turns out perfect every time, follow these tips for success.
Use room temperature ingredients – Bring your heavy cream and parmesan cheese to room temperature before cooking. This helps them blend smoothly into the sauce.
Sear the chicken properly – Make sure to sear your chicken until golden brown. This adds flavor and texture that enhances the overall dish.
Adjust seasoning carefully – Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes according to your preference for heat and flavor.
Let it rest – Allow the chicken to rest after cooking. This helps keep it juicy as the juices redistribute.
Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
Pairing side dishes with Marry Me Chicken elevates your dining experience. Here are some tasty options that complement this dish beautifully.
Garlic Bread – A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce while adding flavor.
Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – These caramelized sprouts add depth and balance with their earthy flavor alongside the rich cream sauce.
Quinoa Pilaf – A nutritious option that provides texture and pairs well with the creamy sauce.
Grilled Zucchini – Lightly seasoned grilled zucchini adds freshness, making it an excellent summer side dish.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw can provide a crunchy bite that complements the creamy chicken dish nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One key to making Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) perfectly is to steer clear of common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry, tough meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) without overcooking.
Skipping the resting time: Not letting the chicken rest after cooking can make it lose its juices. Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing to keep it tender and juicy.
Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold cream or cheese can cause them to curdle in the sauce. Bring these ingredients to room temperature before using them in your recipe.
Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season your chicken properly can result in bland flavors. Season generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
Rushing the sauce: If you skip simmering the sauce long enough, it won’t develop its full flavor. Allow it to cook gently until thickened and flavorful.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Freezing Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
- Freeze in individual portions for convenience.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within 2-3 months.
Reheating Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short increments, stirring until warm.
- Stovetop: Gently heat over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce), here are some frequently asked questions:
Can I use different herbs in Marry Me Chicken?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for varied flavors.
What side dishes pair well with Marry Me Chicken?
This dish goes well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether serving it for a cozy dinner or special occasion, it’s sure to impress. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs for an even more personal touch!
Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) is the ultimate comfort food that promises to impress at any gathering. This delightful dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese, creating an irresistible flavor profile. Perfect for romantic dinners or family feasts, Marry Me Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also delivers on taste. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up this one-skillet wonder that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- salt (to taste)
- freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (more or less to taste)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
- chiffonaded fresh basil
- grated fresh parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown (5–7 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- 2. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the pan.
- 3. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until combined. Add sun-dried tomatoes.
- 4. Return the chicken to the skillet, sprinkle with oregano and crushed red pepper flakes, and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
- 5. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
