Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, juicy dish packed with rich Italian-inspired flavors. It features pan-fried chicken breasts smothered in a savory sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Perfect over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this dish delivers a satisfying meal for any occasion.
What You’ll Find On This Page
So, why is it called Marry Me Chicken? It's said to be so delicious that it might just inspire a marriage proposal! The name might sound funny, but the dish is seriously rich and full of flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy sauce makes it absolutely mouthwatering.
If you're looking for something special and comforting for a date night or family dinner, Marry Me Chicken is the perfect choice. It’s easy to make and always impresses, ready in just under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a memorable meal.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
The ingredients you'll need for Marry Me Chicken are simple Italian pantry staples, readily available at most grocery stores. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
Ingredients for Flour Coating
- Chicken Breast: I used boneless, thinly sliced chicken breast. If you're starting with a whole chicken breast, I recommend removing the bones, pounding the chicken to an even thickness, and then slicing it thinly. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
- All-Purpose Flour: A light coating of all-purpose flour gives the chicken a crispy outer layer when pan-fried.
- Seasonings: I used simple seasonings like black pepper, Italian seasoning, and salt for a mild flavor. If you prefer a bit of heat, you can also add paprika or chili flakes.
Ingredients for the Sauce
- Butter: I used unsalted butter to control the salt level better, making the sauce creamy and rich. If you use salted butter, just add less salt.
- Sundried Tomatoes: These add a sweet, tangy taste with a touch of earthiness to the dish. They're also a bit chewy.
- Garlic: Freshly chopped or minced garlic gives the dish a strong, fresh flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy and smooth. If you want something lighter, try using half-and-half instead.
- Chicken Stock: I suggest using low-sodium stock to keep the dish from getting too salty while adding a deep flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: It adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes the sauce taste even better.
- Seasonings: Chili flakes, dried thyme, and dried oregano add an earthy flavor to the dish. You could also try dried parsley or rosemary for a different twist.
- Herbs: Fresh basil leaves on top add a bright and fresh flavor to the finished dish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken at Home?
Let’s start making this rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken! I’ll guide you through each step, from lightly coating the chicken in flour for pan-frying to simmering it in a creamy sauce for perfect results. With photos and videos included for each step, you can easily follow along. Let’s get started!
Discover More Delicious Chicken Recipes:
- Chicken Piccata
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- Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Pesto Chicken
- Parmesan Chicken
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Garlic Butter Chicken
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
For Flour Coating Chicken
- 1.5 lb Chicken Breast, thinly sliced
- 5 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- Salt, to taste
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Chicken Stock
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- ½ tsp Dried Oregano
- ¼ tsp Dried Thyme
- ¼ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Fresh Basil leaves, to garnish
- Oil, for pan frying
Instructions
Flour Coating Chicken
- In a shallow tray, combine the all-purpose flour, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly so the ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
- Coat each boneless chicken breast, one at a time, in the flour mixture. Press the flour firmly onto the chicken to make sure it sticks well, helping to create a crispy exterior when pan-frying.
Pan Frying Chicken
- Pour oil and add butter to the pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and the butter has melted, place the flour-coated chicken breasts in the pan without overcrowding. Keeping space between the pieces allows heat to circulate evenly, helping the chicken cook properly. Overcrowding may cause the chicken to steam instead of getting a crispy, golden sear.
- Fry the chicken breasts for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until both sides are golden-brown.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and cover it with aluminum foil to keep it warm and juicy until you're ready to use it. This helps prevent the chicken from drying out.
Preparing Marry Me Chicken
- In the same pan with the remaining oil and butter, add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chili flakes, dried oregano, and thyme. Sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken stock, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, mixing well until everything is combined. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. This allows the flavors to blend together beautifully. Be sure not to let it boil too rapidly, as that can cause the cream to separate and affect the sauce's texture.
- Return the pan-fried chicken breasts to the sauce, coating them well. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to a medium consistency.
- Finally, stir in the fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, fresh finish. Your Marry Me Chicken is now ready to enjoy!
Serving
- Serve Marry Me Chicken with your choice of pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. For more pairing ideas, check out our Serving Suggestions section below.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs like basil, and dried ones like thyme or oregano, along with freshly minced garlic for the best flavor. High-quality, fresh boneless chicken breasts also improve taste and tenderness. If your chicken breasts are not pre-cut, pound them to an even thickness and then thinly slice them for consistent cooking.
- Customize the Creaminess: For those who prefer a less creamy sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream and substitute part of it with a lighter cream or even milk. This will still give you a rich flavor but with fewer calories.
- Check Chicken Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F. This is the safe cooking temperature recommended by FDA guidelines to keep the chicken safe to eat and juicy.
- Choose the Right Cookware: Using a heavy-bottomed pan helps distribute heat more evenly and prevents the chicken from burning. A good quality skillet, non-stick, or sauté pan is ideal for this recipe.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are my favorite options to create a satisfying meal:
- Pasta Dishes: This dish goes great with types like garlic Parmesan, orzo, spaghetti, rotini, angel hair, or fettuccine. These pasta are excellent for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Rice Dishes: Complement the chicken with white, brown, basmati, or garlic rice for a hearty meal.
- Couscous or Quinoa: These grains offer a lighter alternative to rice or pasta and absorb flavors beautifully. They can be a great option for those looking for a gluten-free or lighter side dish.
- Polenta: Creamy or grilled polenta can be a delicious base for the creamy sauce, adding a nice texture contrast.
- Risotto: A creamy Parmesan or mushroom risotto can elevate the meal, making it even more luxurious and satisfying.
- Salads: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the Marry Me Chicken, providing a refreshing side that cleanses the palate.
- Potatoes: Serve it with mashed, baked, or roasted potatoes. These are especially good for gatherings with friends or family.
- Vegetable Sides: Pair the chicken with roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. Sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli are also healthy and nutritious options.
- Bread: Garlic bread or your favorite crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce.
Storage Suggestions
For the best taste and texture, I recommend serving Marry Me Chicken fresh from the stove. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave. The sauce might thicken after chilling, so adding a little chicken stock or water while reheating can help restore its creamy consistency.
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