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The Original Marry Me Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 114 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

The Original Marry Me Chicken is a flavorful and creamy chicken dish that features pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a dish bursting with layers of savory and tangy flavors.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken and Cooking

  • 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 4 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • Torn fresh basil, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Sear Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Generously season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken, turning halfway through, until each side is golden brown, approximately 5 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then add the low-sodium chicken broth, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season the mixture with salt to taste.
  3. Simmer and Combine: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Return the seared chicken breasts along with any juices on the plate back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
  4. Bake in Oven: Transfer the ovenproof skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered until the chicken is fully cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife, about 10 to 12 minutes.
  5. Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, arrange the chicken on a serving platter, and spoon the creamy tomato sauce over the top. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use fresh herbs and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.
  • You can adjust the red pepper flakes quantity to control the spiciness of the dish.
  • Ensure the skillet you use is ovenproof to safely transfer from stovetop to oven.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce longer before adding chicken back in.
  • This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.