Marry Me Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a wildly flavorful, couldn’t-be-easier chicken dinner that makes everyone swoon, you have to try Marry Me Chicken. The name says it all—this creamy, sun-dried tomato-studded dish is rumored to inspire marriage proposals, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll just want to propose a second (or third) helping!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Marry Me Chicken is there for a reason—together, they build layers of irresistible flavor, creamy texture, and gorgeous color. You won’t need any hard-to-find items, just a handful of staples that really shine when put together!

• Chicken breast (skinless and boneless): The star of the show—use plump, even-sized breasts for juicy, tender chicken that soaks up that dreamy sauce.
• Plain flour: Lightly coating the chicken helps lock in moisture and gives a gorgeous golden crust.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and infusing a little Mediterranean flair.
• Garlic cloves: Crushed fresh for aromatic depth that anchors the whole dish.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (drained): These add bursts of concentrated, tangy-sweet flavor and beautiful flecks of color.
• Dried oregano: For that classic Italian herbiness that ties everything together.
• Paprika: Adds warmth, color, and a subtle smoky note without overpowering the sauce.
• Double cream: The secret to that lusciously silky sauce—don’t skimp!
• Chicken stock: Balances out the richness and adds savory backbone you can’t get with water alone.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Salty, nutty, and melty—this gives body and savory depth to the sauce.
• Fresh basil leaves: Scatter these on at the end for an aromatic, bright finish.
• Lemon juice: A quick squeeze at the end perks up all the flavors and balances out the creaminess.
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season generously to bring out all the best in each component.

Variations

One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken is how easy it is to adapt—just a few tweaks, and you can make it suit your taste, dietary needs, or what’s already in your pantry. Get creative and make it your own!

• Swap the protein: Try boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or substitute pork tenderloin medallions for a delicious twist.
• Make it dairy-free: Use your favorite plant-based cream and swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese.
• Add some heat: Stir chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce into the sauce if you like things spicy.
• Go gluten-free: Replace regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or fine cornmeal for dredging the chicken.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Coat and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting dry your chicken breasts, then tightly coat each piece in flour. This helps achieve that lovely golden crust and keeps the chicken juicy as it cooks. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat, and when it’s shimmering hot, add the chicken. Sear for 5 minutes per side, letting that crust develop (resist the urge to move it around too much!). Once both sides are gorgeously golden, transfer the chicken to a plate—you’ll finish it in the sauce later.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Aromatics & Tomatoes

Lower the heat to prevent burning, then toss the crushed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and paprika into the pan. Stir frequently for 3–5 minutes, letting the garlic soften and all those aromatic oils infuse into the base. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine at this stage—don’t be surprised if people start wandering in, drawn by the scent!

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the double cream and chicken stock, stirring well to scrape up any golden bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the grated parmesan and a generous pinch each of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a good mix until you have a velvety, cohesive sauce flecked with tomatoes. The parmesan will melt and help thicken the sauce—absolute heaven!

Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce

Gently lower the chicken breasts back into the pan, nestling them in the sauce. Place the lid on and let everything simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes. Flip the chicken to make sure both sides get a bath in that gorgeous sauce, cover again, and cook for another 5 minutes. The chicken will soak up all those flavors as it finishes cooking through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked and juicy, take the skillet off the heat. Scatter lots of fresh basil leaves over the top and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon for that signature fresh zing. Spoon generous helpings of sauce over each piece—and prepare to fall in love with Marry Me Chicken at first bite!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

A generous scatter of torn fresh basil and a light shower of extra parmesan are my go-tos—they add color, aroma, and a salty-savory finish. For a dazzling touch, try a twist of lemon zest or a few whole sun-dried tomato strips on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

Marry Me Chicken absolutely begs for something to soak up all that incredible sauce. Serve it over buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or pillowy gnocchi. For a lighter spin, it’s fabulous alongside steamed green beans, wilted spinach, or even a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this dish into a restaurant-worthy showstopper by slicing the chicken and fanning it out over a bed of herby orzo or creamy polenta, generously ladling sauce over the top. You can also cut the chicken into medallions and serve as starters on toasted crostini—perfect for a special date night or holiday gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let Marry Me Chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing its luscious texture or flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze fully cooled chicken and sauce together for longer storage. Portion into airtight, freezer-safe containers, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, as cream sauces can separate if defrosted quickly.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent the sauce from splitting—gentle stovetop heat is your friend here.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds (and maybe even considering a proposal!), Marry Me Chicken is it. It’s one of those special, feel-good dishes that never fails to impress—so grab your skillet and treat yourself and your loved ones to a little magic tonight!

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