If you have been searching for a dish that balances creamy richness with a touch of spice and loads of flavor, the Marry Me Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish, with its tender chicken cutlets swimming in a luscious sauce of Parmesan, sundried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, is so delicious it might just inspire a proposal at your dinner table. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and brings warmth to any meal, making it a true go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient contributes a key element to the dish’s flavor, texture, and appearance. From tender chicken breasts to silky cream and bold sundried tomatoes, every item plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect Marry Me Chicken Recipe.
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets: Thin slices ensure quick cooking and a tender bite.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging): Adds a light crust that helps seal in moisture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and all ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle warmth and seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a healthy fat for searing the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps develop a lovely golden crust.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers fragrance and depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Forms the savory base of the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture that defines the sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick.
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped: Infuses a tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste): Brings just the right hint of heat.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Contributes an earthy, Mediterranean note.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle floral aroma that complements the herbs.
- Fresh basil, for garnish: Adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin cutlets. This is essential because thinner pieces cook quickly and evenly, ensuring juicy, tender bites every time.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Lightly dredge each cutlet in the flour mixture and shake off any excess. This coating is your ticket to a wonderfully crispy exterior once seared.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now. This step locks in juices and creates fantastic flavor.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it. Next, deglaze the pan with the chicken broth, scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom. This step builds incredible depth in the sauce.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Flavorful
Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme to the skillet. Stir well and let everything simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop those luscious, rich flavors that make the Marry Me Chicken Recipe so unforgettable.
Step 6: Add Sundried Tomatoes and Finish Cooking
Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes before returning your seared chicken cutlets to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, so the chicken sucks up all those beautiful flavors from the sauce. This final simmer truly brings the dish together.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh basil leaves scattered on top brighten the dish both visually and with a burst of herbal freshness, perfectly complementing the rich, creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides—from al dente pasta to fluffy mashed potatoes or even a bed of fragrant rice. Each choice offers a comforting way to soak up that decadent sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, plate each chicken cutlet over a neat pile of your favorite starch and drizzle extra sauce over everything. Add a little basil chiffonade or even a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for an elegant touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the Marry Me Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or an easy dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you thaw it, the flavors remain invitingly rich, just as if freshly made.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. You might add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay tender and juicy. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for the Parmesan flavor. The dish will still be creamy and delicious.
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Recipe?
The heat level is mild and comes from red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to your preference. If you prefer a gentler flavor, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken separately a day ahead, then combine and reheat gently just before serving for maximum freshness and convenience.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Marry Me Chicken?
Warm leftovers slowly on the stovetop with a bit of added broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s lovely consistency and prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Marry Me Chicken Recipe enough if you want a delightful, fuss-free meal that feels indulgent and special all at once. It’s the kind of dish that comforts you while impressing anyone lucky enough to share the table. Give it a try soon and watch it quickly become one of your cherished favorites!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful skillet dish featuring tender chicken cutlets in a luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting recipe pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Slice the chicken breasts into thin cutlets to ensure quick, even cooking and tender texture.
- Dredge Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Coat each chicken cutlet in the mixture, shaking off any excess flour to avoid clumping.
- Heat Skillet: Warm olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Sear Chicken: Cook the chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing its aroma without browning.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift up the browned bits, infusing the sauce with rich flavor.
- Create Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Chicken: Mix in the chopped sundried tomatoes, then return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, allowing them to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Simmer: Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors and fully cook the chicken through.
- Garnish & Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Serve the Marry Me Chicken over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil or dry-packed work well; just chop finely.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though sauce will be less rich.
- Chicken cutlets can be pounded thinner if needed to ensure even cooking.
