Easy Marry Me Chicken

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If you’re looking for a dish that screams date night but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner, Easy Marry Me Chicken is your go-to. This creamy, savory, and slightly tangy chicken dish earns its name for being so good, someone just might propose after trying it! It’s rich with flavor, thanks to a luscious parmesan cream sauce, crispy sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly seared chicken breasts.

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something hearty and comforting. Whether you’re impressing a guest or just treating yourself, Marry Me Chicken has that magic combination of simple ingredients and luxurious taste.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get that perfect sear and creamy sauce, you’ll need the right tools. Here are the essentials:

• Heavy Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: This helps achieve a golden crust on your chicken breasts while evenly distributing heat for the sauce.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping the chicken without piercing it, which keeps the juices locked in.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: For cleanly slicing your garlic and prepping any optional herbs.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken hits that safe 165°F internal temp without overcooking.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending cream and parmesan smoothly into the sauce.

Having these tools prepped and ready not only saves time but guarantees your chicken turns out tender, flavorful, and drenched in that irresistible sauce.

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Ingredients for the Easy Marry Me Chicken

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building the layers of flavor that make Marry Me Chicken unforgettable:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The base of the dish, these cook up tender and juicy while absorbing the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken, giving it a golden, crisp edge while adding richness.
• Garlic: Brings an aromatic depth that ties the creamy and savory elements together.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A subtle kick of heat to contrast the creaminess.
• Chicken Broth: Builds a flavorful base for the sauce and deglazes the pan.
• Heavy Cream: Adds that indulgent, silky texture to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, it melts into the sauce to create a rich, nutty finish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Slightly chewy and sweet, they pack intense flavor and color.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the sauce with savory depth.
• Fresh Basil (optional): For garnish and a pop of freshness to balance the richness.

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How To Make the Easy Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Flavor

Mix in the grated parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the sauce is well blended and creamy.

Step 5: Return Chicken to Skillet

Place the seared chicken back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil if using, and serve warm. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

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How to Serve and Store Easy Marry Me Chicken

This dish is best served hot and fresh, straight from the skillet. Pour the creamy sauce generously over the chicken and accompany it with buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up every drop. For a lighter side, pair it with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple mixed greens salad.

Leftovers? Absolutely. Easy Marry Me Chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between intervals to maintain the creamy texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can sear the chicken and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet and add the chicken to finish cooking.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and stay incredibly juicy. Adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?

For a non-dairy version, try full-fat coconut milk or a thick oat cream substitute. Keep in mind, the flavor will slightly change, but it will still be delicious.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or even cherry tomatoes (cooked down a bit) can work in a pinch.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?

You can freeze it, but the cream sauce might separate slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, reheat slowly and whisk the sauce to bring it back together.

What pasta pairs best with this recipe?

Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne are great options that hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re hooked on the creamy, comforting magic of Marry Me Chicken, you’ll love exploring more flavorful and cozy chicken meals. Check out these tried-and-true favorites:

• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet with bold buttery richness.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a no-fuss, slow-cooked dinner.
• Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff when you’re craving creamy comfort food.
• One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for the ultimate cheesy indulgence.
• Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe to keep it hearty and family-friendly.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve it with pasta or go low-carb with veggies? Maybe you added a little wine or mushrooms to the sauce?

I love hearing your twists and kitchen stories. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—let’s keep learning and cooking together!

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