Marry Me Chicken: The Creamy Skillet Chicken You’re Destined to Love
Tangy sun-dried tomatoes and rich parmesan turn a simple dish into dinner to remember.
Few recipes conjure romance, comfort, and culinary acclaim quite like Marry Me Chicken. With tender chicken breasts smothered in a luxurious, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, finished with fresh parmesan and Italian herbs, this celebrated dish lives up to its name—folklore has it, if you make it, marriage proposals are sure to follow! Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special date night, it’s quick, easy, and impossibly delicious.
Why Is It Called “Marry Me Chicken”?
The moniker “Marry Me Chicken” is more than internet hype—it’s a nod to how irresistible this chicken skillet is. The legend goes that the first bite, rich with creamy sauce and sharp parmesan, inspires proposals or at least declarations of everlasting devotion. Whether you take this literally or with a smile, there’s no denying the dish has gourmet flavors worthy of any celebration.
What Makes Marry Me Chicken So Special?
This beloved dish stands out for its marriage of flavors and textures:
- Tender chicken breasts that brown beautifully for a savory base.
- Creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s both tangy and luscious.
- Parmesan and Italian seasoning for a cheesy, herb-forward finish.
- Quick preparation (about 30 minutes start to finish) making it perfect for any day.
- One-skillet convenience means less clean-up and more time to enjoy your culinary triumph.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (9-10 oz. each)
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 4 garlic cloves, grated or minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for subtle heat)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Flat leaf parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Marry Me Chicken
- Prep the Chicken:
Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Dredge each breast in flour, shaking off excess for a light coating.
- Brown the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside—don’t worry if they’re not cooked through; they’ll finish in the sauce.
- Build the Sauce:
Add remaining butter and oil to the same skillet. Soften onion for 2-3 minutes, then stir in garlic and crushed red pepper, cooking just until fragrant. Mix in tomato paste, letting it caramelize for about a minute.
- Deglaze and Simmer:
Pour in white wine and allow it to reduce by half, using a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the pan bottom. Add chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes so flavors meld.
- Cream It Up:
Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream. Add parmesan cheese, whisking until sauce thickens and cheese melts smoothly.
- Return Chicken to Skillet:
Nestle browned chicken breasts back into the sauce. Simmer uncovered for another 8-12 minutes, or until chicken is just cooked through and sauce is thick and velvety. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with extra parmesan and lots of fresh parsley. Serve hot, spooning plenty of the savory sauce over each piece.
Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken
- Dredging chicken in flour adds a golden crust and helps thicken the sauce.
- Deglaze with wine for depth, but chicken broth alone can be substituted for an alcohol-free version.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed dry for a concentrated flavor. If using oil-packed, drain well.
- Shred parmesan fresh for the smoothest melt and best taste.
- Don’t overcook: Chicken is done at 165°F internal temperature. Pull it from the sauce once it’s just cooked for juiciest results.
Suggested Sides: What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken
This creamy, savory main dish pairs beautifully with:
- Pasta: Linguine, fettuccine, or even penne soak up the velvety sauce.
- Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for ultimate comfort.
- Steamed rice, wild rice, or risotto for extra heartiness.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables: green beans, broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini.
- Crusty bread—don’t let that luscious sauce go to waste!
Variations and Substitutions
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) can replace breasts for richer flavor and extra juiciness.
- Spinach: Add a handful of baby spinach to the sauce just before serving for color and nutrients.
- Different cheeses: Try asiago, fontina, or romano to switch up the flavor profile.
- Vegetarian twist: Substitute thick-sliced portobello mushrooms for chicken, and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- For extra heat: Double the crushed red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Marry Me Chicken
Q: Can I make Marry Me Chicken dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can use dairy-free cream alternatives and omit parmesan, or use a vegan cheese substitute. The flavor will change, but the sauce will still be rich and satisfying.
Q: Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay juicy in the creamy sauce. Just adjust cooking time as needed for the meat to cook through.
Q: Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?
A: While best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce ahead and reheat gently, adding a little broth or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce shortly before serving to avoid overcooking.
Q: What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Roasted red peppers, semi-dried tomatoes, or even a handful of cherry tomatoes can stand in, though the flavor will be milder.
Q: Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?
A: Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed. If you do freeze, let cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw gently and reheat over low heat, whisking to help sauce recombine.
Expert Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken a Showstopper
- Let the sauce simmer to concentrate flavors before returning the chicken.
- Finish with extra parmesan and parsley for a restaurant-style flourish.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy chicken (165°F internal temperature).
- Serve immediately for maximum creaminess and tenderness.
Marry Me Chicken: Recipe Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4 (9-10 oz. each) | Main protein |
| Kosher salt & pepper | To taste | Seasoning |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup | For dredging |
| Salted butter | 6 tbsp, divided | Browning and sauce |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp, divided | Browning |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1/2 small (1/2 cup) | Base flavor |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 | Aromatic |
| Crushed red pepper | 1/4 tsp | Heat |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | Umami, color |
| Dry white wine | 1/2 cup | Deglazing |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups | Liquid base |
| Sun-dried tomatoes, sliced | 2/3 cup | Sweet-tart flavor |
| Italian seasoning | 1/2 tsp | Herbal note |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Creamy base |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/2 cup (plus more) | Cheesy richness |
| Flat leaf parsley, chopped | To garnish | Freshness, color |
Make It a Complete Meal: Suggested Menu
- Starter: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Main: Marry Me Chicken over your favorite pasta.
- Side: Garlic roasted potatoes or steamed green beans.
- Dessert: Classic tiramisu or strawberry shortcake.
More Chicken Recipes to Try
- Chicken Tortellini Soup: One-pot comfort with tender chicken and cheesy pasta.
- Chicken Noodle Casserole: A cozy bake with plenty of creamy sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: Game-day favorite, creamy and spicy.
- Smothered Chicken: Southern-inspired, with bacon gravy.
- Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza: A fun twist on two classics.
- Easy Chicken Schnitzel: Crispy, golden perfection in just 40 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat Marry Me Chicken?
A: Gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q: How long does Marry Me Chicken last in the fridge?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Is Marry Me Chicken spicy?
A: The dish has a subtle warmth from crushed red pepper, but it’s easy to reduce or omit for a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken
With its rich, velvety sauce, juicy chicken, and elegant flavors, Marry Me Chicken may become your go-to chicken dinner—no proposals required (but always possible!). Whether you whip it up for family, friends, or a romantic date night, it’s a showstopper that delivers unforgettable taste with minimal effort. Light some candles, pour yourself a glass of wine, and prepare for rave reviews—one bite, and you’ll see why everyone’s falling in love.
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