This Easy Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, dreamy dish that will make your taste buds dance! It features juicy chicken breasts cooked in a luscious sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
You might just want to make this for your dinner dates! I love serving it over pasta or rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight meal, yet fancy enough for guests!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their tenderness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use chicken thighs, which are juicier and add more flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy punch to the dish. If you can’t find them, roasted red peppers can be a great substitute. Just chop them up with a little olive oil and you’ll still get that beautiful color and flavor.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk. Keep in mind that the sauce might be a bit thinner, but it’ll still taste great!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for its rich flavor. You can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken breast to the right doneness can be tricky. Here are my tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F (75°C).
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps sear the chicken evenly.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender bite.
What’s the Best Way to Make a Creamy Sauce?
Making this creamy sauce is straightforward! Here’s how:
- Don’t skip scraping the skillet; those browned bits are packed with flavor.
- Stir the cheese in slowly to avoid clumping. This helps create that smooth consistency.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
These tips should help you perfectly pull off your Easy Marry Me Chicken for dinner! Enjoy!
Easy Marry Me Chicken Recipe for Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook, for a total of around 30 minutes. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner without taking up too much of your time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This adds great flavor right from the beginning!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them until they’re golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it with foil to keep warm.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Now, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the optional red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for another minute, allowing the flavors to combine beautifully.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet — this adds amazing flavor! Bring the sauce to a simmer.
6. Add the Cheese:
Slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a smooth sauce. If it gets too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
7. Combine and Simmer:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the delicious flavors from the sauce!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the chicken for a touch of freshness. Serve your creamy Marry Me Chicken over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of that delightful sauce!
Enjoy your flavorful and dreamy dinner!
FAQ for Easy Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight, or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option. Always pat them dry before seasoning to ensure proper searing!
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk as substitutes. Keep in mind that these alternatives may result in a slightly different flavor and consistency, but they’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce if it thickens up.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms. You may also want to swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and consider adding some chickpeas for added protein.
