Marry Me Chicken
40 min
|
easy
|
high-protein,
Mediterranean diet
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 25 min | 40 min |
Introduction
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, garlicky chicken dinner that tastes restaurant-special but comes together easily in one skillet.
Juicy pan-seared chicken simmers in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and plenty of garlic.
It’s perfect for date night, a cozy family dinner, or any time you want a crowd-pleasing, comfort-food meal with simple ingredients.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients for the Chicken:
For the Sauce:
Garnish:
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How to Make Marry Me Chicken
-
Prep the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels so the seasonings stick and the chicken browns nicely.
If any pieces are very thick, gently pound them so they are an even thickness for more even cooking.
-
Season the chicken
In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then sprinkle evenly over both sides.
Press the seasoning in lightly with your fingers so it adheres well before searing.
-
Sear the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but is not smoking.
Add the chicken in a single layer and sear without moving it for 4 to 5 minutes.
Flip the chicken and cook another 4 to 6 minutes, until golden and almost cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil while you make the sauce.
-
Sauté the garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet, letting it melt in the drippings.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, just until fragrant, not browned.
-
Build the creamy sauce base
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
-
Add cheese, tomatoes, and herbs
Whisk in the grated Parmesan until it melts and the sauce looks smooth and slightly thickened.
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, paprika, and thyme, then taste and season with salt and pepper.
-
Finish cooking the chicken in the sauce
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, along with any juices collected on the plate.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 5 to 8 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken occasionally.
Check that the thickest part of each breast reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer before removing from heat.
-
Garnish and serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the sauce sit for a minute to slightly thicken.
Tear the fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the chicken, then spoon extra sauce over each serving.
Serve hot with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up all the creamy sauce.
Substitutions
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Thighs stay juicier and more forgiving, with a richer flavor and slightly longer simmer time to reach 175°F.
- Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream
- Coconut milk makes the sauce dairy-free and luxuriously creamy, with a gentle coconut note that still suits sun-dried tomatoes.
- Replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted cherry tomatoes
- Roasted cherry tomatoes keep the sweet, concentrated tomato flavor and bright color, but add a fresher, slightly juicier bite.
Tips
- Get even chicken thickness
- Pound thicker ends gently so each breast is an even thickness, which prevents dry tips and undercooked centers.
- Use the right skillet
- A heavy stainless or cast-iron skillet browns the chicken deeply and builds better flavor for the creamy sauce.
- Keep the sauce from breaking
- After adding cream, avoid a rapid boil and keep the heat at a gentle simmer to maintain a silky texture.
- Salt thoughtfully with Parmesan
- Parmesan is salty, so taste the sauce after the cheese melts, then add extra salt only if needed.
- Rest the chicken briefly
- Let the chicken sit in the sauce off the heat for a few minutes so juices redistribute and stay inside.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 578 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 66 | g |
| Total Fat | 31 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
- Do not overcook it during searing, and always finish to exactly 165°F using an instant-read thermometer. Let it rest a few minutes in the sauce so juices can settle back into the meat.
- What if my sauce is too thin?
- Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring often, until it reduces and thickens slightly. You can also whisk in a tablespoon of extra Parmesan, which adds both thickness and deeper savory flavor.
- Why did my sauce separate or look grainy?
- The heat was likely too high after adding cream and cheese, which can cause the fat to separate. Next time, lower the heat before adding them and keep the sauce at a gentle simmer, not a hard boil.
- Can I make this ahead for guests?
- You can sear the chicken and prepare the sauce up to one day ahead, then cool and refrigerate separately. Reheat the sauce gently, add the chicken, then simmer together until the chicken is hot and reaches 165°F again.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Marry Me Chicken pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes, garlicky green beans, or a simple mixed greens salad.
For a restaurant-style touch, finish each plate with extra shaved Parmesan and a drizzle of good olive oil.
More pairings:
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