Name: Marry Me Chicken (Chicken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3–4 large breasts); Salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil (or neutral oil); 2 tablespoons minced garlic; ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream (room temp); ½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese (room temp); 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably in oil); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Optional: chiffonaded fresh basil, extra grated parmesan for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Rich: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and garlic creates a deeply savory sauce that complements the tender chicken perfectly.
One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup is required as the entire dish is prepared in a single skillet.
Versatile Serving Options: Pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences, including keto, gluten-free, and dairy-free variations.
Impressive Presentation: Despite its simplicity, this dish has a gourmet appeal that’s sure to impress guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 3–4 large breasts)
Salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or other neutral oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic
¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese, at room temperature
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Optional: chiffonaded fresh basil and additional grated parmesan for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. If needed, pound them to an even thickness. Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Sear the Chicken: In a large cast-iron or oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside. Do not drain the skillet.
Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add Flavorings: Return the skillet to medium-low heat. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, flipping them to coat thoroughly with the sauce.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 13 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing the internal temperature to rise to 165°F (74°C). Garnish with chiffonaded fresh basil and additional grated parmesan if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Whole30/Paleo/Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened full-fat coconut milk and parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Alternative Proteins: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even salmon fillets for a different take.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with thick slices of roasted cauliflower or tofu steaks.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.

FAQs

What is Marry Me Chicken?

Marry Me Chicken is a popular dish featuring chicken breasts cooked in a creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. It's named for its irresistible flavor that's said to inspire marriage proposals.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may require a slightly longer cooking time to reach the appropriate internal temperature.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, always check labels on packaged ingredients like chicken broth to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine and bake just before serving.

What sides pair well with Marry Me Chicken?

This dish pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?

Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing, affecting the texture.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce it further. Alternatively, add a slurry of cornstarch and water, stirring until the desired consistency is reached.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can enhance the dish. Sauté them separately and add to the sauce before baking.

What can I use if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes?

If sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable, you can use cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, for a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and the parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish that's both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. Its rich, creamy sauce combined with tender chicken makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for a special someone or simply indulging in a comforting meal, this dish is sure to win hearts.

Marry Me Chicken (Chicken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)