Marry Me Chicken

Looking for a quick and delicious main dish? This Marry Me Chicken is the answer! In just 30 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken simmering in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something special without the extra effort.

From the creamy, indulgent sauce to the tender, sauteed chicken, and the flavorful sundried tomatoes, this easy marry-me chicken recipe is sure to become a fast favorite for anyone who tries it.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This marry-me chicken dinner works well because it's full of flavor, super versatile, and incredibly easy to make.

From the seared chicken breasts to the rich and flavorful sauce made from cream, chicken broth, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes, this marry-me chicken is infused with layers of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Additionally, this marry-me chicken pairs effortlessly with a variety of side dishes, such as pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, each absorbing the creamy sauce in its own way. 

This recipe's ability to deliver both simplicity and bold flavors makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Chicken:

For the marry-me chicken recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best cut to use. They cook quickly and evenly, and their mild flavor pairs well with the creamy sauce. If you prefer a juicier option, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative, offering more flavor and tenderness.

If you're looking for a substitute for chicken, boneless pork chops or turkey cutlets can work well in this recipe. For a vegetarian alternative, you can use firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, which will also soak up the creamy, savory sauce and make a delightful dish.

Butter:

Butter helps create a well-rounded, creamy consistency that enhances this easy marry-me chicken. However, if you prefer a substitute, olive oil or ghee can be used instead of butter while maintaining the integrity of the sauce. 

Garlic:

All of the best marry-me chicken recipes use garlic. It adds depth and a savory, aromatic flavor to the sauce. Onions and shallots can also achieve a similar effect.

Chicken Stock:

Onion Powder and Oregano:

Onion powder and oregano are added to the list of marry-me chicken ingredients to season and enhance the dish's overall flavor profile. You can further customize your homemade marry-me chicken with herbs like thyme for added depth, paprika for a hint of smokiness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Chicken Flavoring:

Chicken flavoring typically refers to concentrated forms of chicken flavor. You can use chicken or vegetable bouillon in concentrated liquid form, cubes, or powder to achieve this. If you don't have it in your pantry, you can use any chicken seasoning blend instead or simply skip it.

Sundried Tomatoes:

Sun-dried tomatoes are the star of the marry-me chicken sauce. They add a sweet, tangy flavor and a chewy texture that complements the creamy sauce. You can find sundried tomatoes with the canned and preserved vegetables in most grocery stores. However, you can also make your own at home. Simply slice Roma tomatoes lengthwise, remove the seeds, toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and then dry them in a dehydrator or in the oven at a low temperature, like 200F - 225F, until they are dried and slightly leathery, about 6-8 hours. If you want to use something other than sundried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers will offer similar results.

Parmesan Cheese:

For the best results, buy a block of fresh parmesan cheese and grate it right before you add it to the marry-me chicken. Alternatively, you can use Grana Padano, which is similar in flavor and texture. Pecorino Romano can also be used for a sharper flavor profile. If you prefer a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast can provide a similar savory flavor and a slightly cheesy taste without dairy.

Heavy Cream:

Heavy cream is used in the marry-me chicken recipe to create a rich, creamy sauce that coats the chicken contributing to its indulgent appeal. If you prefer a lighter option or need a substitute for heavy cream, half-and-half will still provide a creamy texture but with less fat content than heavy cream. Another option is to use whole milk with a small amount of butter or olive oil to mimic the richness of heavy cream. Coconut milk can also be used as a dairy-free alternative, though it will impart a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.

Basil:

While basil adds freshness, flavor, and a pop of color to this easy marry-me chicken recipe, herbs like rosemary, parsley, or sage can also be experimented with.

How to Make Marry-Me Chicken

Step One: 

Heat olive oil in a pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Step Two: 

Cook your chicken in the hot pan until browned on all sides.

Step Three: 

Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step Four:

Melt the butter and add the garlic to saute until aromatic.

Step Five: 

Add the chicken stock to deglaze the pan.

Step Six: 

Add onion powder, chicken flavoring, oregano, black pepper, sundried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream to the pan and stir to incorporate.

Step Seven: 

Bring the mixture to a simmer, add the chicken back into the pan, cover with a lid, and let simmer until the chicken is cooked through.

Step Eight: 

Serve the chicken topped with extra sauce, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, and enjoy!

Tips

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before searing. This enhances the flavor of the chicken and helps to tenderize the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender result.
• For the best experience, serve the marry me chicken immediately after cooking. The sauce will be at its creamiest, and the chicken will be at its juiciest.

What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken

When considering what to serve with marry-me chicken, you'll want to complement the rich sauce with side dishes that enhance the overall dining experience. A classic pairing is to serve your marry-me chicken with pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine, which allows the sauce to coat each strand beautifully.

Alternatively, fluffy mashed potatoes or jasmine rice provide a satisfying base that soaks up the delicious marry-me chicken sauce. For a lighter option, consider a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, which add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the dish.

FAQs

How do I make the marry-me chicken sauce thicker or thinner?

To thicken the marry-me chicken sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce excess liquid. To thin it out, add more chicken broth or a splash of heavy cream.

Can I make this marry-me chicken recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marry-me chicken ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a bit of chicken broth when reheating.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Ensure you don’t overcook the chicken. Sear it until golden brown, then simmer it in the sauce just until it’s cooked through. Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165F can help.

What's the best way to store leftover marry-me chicken?

Any leftover marry-me chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. It can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain the creamy sauce consistency.

More Chicken Recipes

If you love how versatile and easy chicken is to prepare, check out this collection of some of our favorite recipes to inspire your next meal.

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Chicken Kebab

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