Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Chicken plated with herbs and vegetables

When I first tried Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken, I never expected it to have such a profound impact on my dinner table. This dish is not just a recipe; it’s an experience. Perfectly seared chicken enveloped in a sumptuous creamy sauce infused with the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese transforms an ordinary meal into something unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish has a delightful way of making everyone feel loved and satisfied.

Why you’ll love this dish

Why should you add Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken to your repertoire? For starters, it’s quick to prepare—ideal for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have on hand, this meal is also budget-friendly. You can whip it up for your family, and I promise, it’s guaranteed to impress!

"Made this for dinner last night, and everyone went crazy for it! It’s now a weekly staple!" – A satisfied home chef.

Perfect for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or even just because you want to treat yourself, this dish is bound to become a favorite. Plus, it’s easily customizable depending on your dietary preferences.

The cooking process explained

Creating Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken is a straightforward, six-step process that results in an elegant dish that feels gourmet. Start by preheating your oven, then season the chicken and sear it for that luscious golden crust. Next, you’ll whip up a creamy sauce that pulls all the flavors together before baking everything to creamy perfection. It’s as simple as that!

What you’ll need

To bring this comforting dish to life, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1½ tablespoons olive oil
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (room temperature)
  • ⅓–½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or use plant-based alternatives if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian version!

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for the baking step.
  2. Season the Chicken: Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken breasts, ensuring all sides are well-seasoned.
  3. Sear the Chicken: In a hot skillet, heat the olive oil and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove it from the skillet.
  4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well.
  5. Combine and Bake: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld even further!

Best ways to enjoy it

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting meal. Alternatively, a simple side of steamed asparagus or a fresh salad can brighten up the plate. Don’t forget to drizzle some extra sauce over each serving!

Storage and reheating tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave for a quick fix. If you’d like to freeze any extras, do so in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just make sure to allow it to cool completely before freezing.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken turns out perfectly:

  • For the most tender chicken, don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Allow your cream and Parmesan to reach room temperature before incorporating them into the sauce for a smoother texture.
  • A dash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar at the end adds a lovely brightness!

Creative twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to keep this dish exciting:

  • Add fresh spinach or kale to the sauce for a pop of color and nutrition.
  • Swap out the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or basil for an aromatic lift.

Your questions answered

  1. How long does it take to make Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken?

    • The prep and cooking time combined are about 40 minutes, making it a quick dinner option.
  2. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

    • Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed before starting to ensure even cooking.
  3. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

    • You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use less cheese; it will still be delicious!

By following this guide, you’ll not only impress your loved ones but also create a dish that could very well have them asking for more, prompting a special request. Happy cooking!

Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken

A delightful dish with perfectly seared chicken in a creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, ideal for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 0.33 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
  • 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (room temperature)
  • 0.33-0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for the baking step.
  • Season the Chicken: Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken breasts, ensuring all sides are well-seasoned.

Searing

  • Sear the Chicken: In a hot skillet, heat the olive oil and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove it from the skillet.

Making the Sauce

  • Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well.

Final Cooking

  • Combine and Bake: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld even further!

Notes

Best enjoyed over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
Keyword chicken recipe, comfort food, creamy chicken, easy dinner, Marry Me Chicken

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating