Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful chicken dish that has earned its romantic name for good reason—it’s so delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal! This popular recipe brings together tender, golden-seared chicken breasts with a rich and savory cream sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and finished with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes and the freshness of basil. Quick enough to make on a weeknight but elegant enough for entertaining, this dish is a favorite for its bold flavors and comforting texture. Whether you're cooking for someone special or simply indulging in a cozy dinner, Marry Me Chicken is sure to impress every time.

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 large ones, halved horizontally)

• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

• 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

• 1 (7-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (about ½ cup)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

• Cooked pasta or mashed potatoes, for serving
  
  

🔪 Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   If using large chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally for thinner cutlets. Pat dry and season both sides with kosher salt.

2. Dredge and Sear
   Lightly dredge each piece in flour and shake off the excess. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden. Set aside on a plate.

3. Make the Garlic Base
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.

4. Create the Cream Sauce
   Stir in the heavy cream, ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

5. Finish Cooking the Chicken
   Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for another 5–8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

6. Garnish and Serve
   Sprinkle with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve the chicken hot over pasta or mashed potatoes, spooning the sauce generously over the top.
   
   

🍛 Serving Suggestions

This dish shines when paired with:

• Pasta like fettuccine, tagliatelle, or spaghetti

• Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower

• Rustic crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the sauce

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted green beans, asparagus, or broccolini for a colorful side
  
  

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Excludes sides such as pasta or potatoes)

• Calories: 480 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 10 g

• Protein: 32 g

• Total Fat: 35 g

• Saturated Fat: 17 g

• Cholesterol: 149 mg

• Sodium: 1,441 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 2 g

• Calcium: 211 mg

• Iron: 1 mg