If you are looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate and promises to keep your taste buds swooning, then you absolutely must try this Marry Me Chicken Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious, creamy sauce studded with sundried tomatoes, garlic, and just the right hint of red pepper flakes to keep things interesting. It’s a beautiful blend of simple ingredients done right, creating something that seems fancy enough to impress but easy enough to whip up any night of the week. Trust me, once you make this, it might as well be part of your dinner rotation forever!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe proves that simplicity often leads to the most delicious outcomes. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the rich creaminess of the heavy cream, the vibrant pop of fresh basil, or the satisfying crispness of the seared chicken. Here’s everything you’ll want to have on hand to create this crowd-pleaser.
- 3 large chicken breasts (sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets): Thinning the chicken ensures quick and even cooking for juicy results.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the chicken’s natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a gentle, familiar garlic flavor that’s perfect for seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika: A subtle smoky hint and beautiful color.
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps create a light crust and thickens the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes): For searing that golden chicken and adding depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness when starting the sauce.
- ½ cup chopped sundried tomatoes (packed in oil; drained): Delivers concentrated sweetness and acidity that brighten the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): The aromatic backbone of the sauce.
- ½ cup dry white wine (or more chicken broth): Adds brightness and helps to deglaze the pan.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides savory depth and moisture to the sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy texture that makes this dish unforgettable.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty sharpness and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives a gentle kick without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon oregano: For a hint of earthy herbiness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped): Brightens and freshens the dish right at the end.
- Extra Parmesan and basil (optional, for serving): Perfect finishing touches to elevate presentation and flavor.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts lengthwise into thin cutlets and pounding them to about a quarter-inch thickness. This step ensures every bite is tender and cooks evenly. Next, combine your salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each cutlet in this mixture and gently shake off any excess flour — this seasoned coating provides the foundation for a beautifully golden crust.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil (or the flavorful oil from your sundried tomatoes) over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Working in batches if needed, cook each chicken cutlet for about 3 to 4 minutes per side or until a gorgeous golden brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Set the cooked chicken aside on a plate and loosely cover it with foil to keep warm while you craft the sauce.
Step 3: Start the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter right in the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the chopped sundried tomatoes, cooking for about half a minute to awaken their rich flavor. Follow with the minced garlic and cook just until you can smell that inviting aroma, roughly another 30 seconds. This quick sauté builds a fragrant flavor base you’ll love.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the dry white wine while scraping up any golden bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Those little caramelized morsels pack serious flavor and will elevate your sauce to another level. Let the wine simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the liquid to reduce slightly. Add the chicken broth next and simmer again for a few minutes until the sauce thickens just a bit and intensifies in flavor.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, fresh Parmesan, red pepper flakes, oregano, and chopped basil. Return your chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and spooning it over to coat. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, just long enough for the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to warm all the way through. Be careful not to boil the sauce or it could split — patience here really pays off for a silky finish. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as you prefer.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Before serving, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top for an irresistible presentation. This Marry Me Chicken Recipe truly shines when plated warm alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or with crusty bread ready to soak up every last bit of that glorious sauce.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of torn fresh basil leaves is the simplest way to visually brighten your dish and boost flavors with little effort. These finishing touches bring a fresh, herbaceous note and an extra layer of indulgence that guests will notice.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic comfort options like buttery mashed potatoes or creamy pasta noodles, which soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a lighter contrast, roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad can add freshness and balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve this gorgeous chicken and sauce over creamy polenta or even cauliflower mash for something a little different? Presentation doesn’t have to be complicated — a rustic wooden board with warm bread, a sprinkle of basil, and a glass of chilled white wine can turn a simple dinner into a memorable event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be hard given how delicious this is), store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 days, giving you an easy and tasty meal ready to go.
Freezing
Marry Me Chicken Recipe can be frozen, but since it’s creamy, the texture of the sauce might slightly change after thawing. Freeze in individual portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and consume within 2 months for best flavor and quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to reincorporate any separated sauce. Avoid high heat to keep the cream from breaking and losing its silky texture. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help revive the sauce if needed.
FAQs
What makes Marry Me Chicken so special?
It’s the combination of tender, perfectly seasoned chicken and the rich, creamy sauce bursting with sundried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan that makes it irresistibly delicious. The balance of flavors feels luxurious yet totally achievable in a home kitchen.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will be juicier and add a bit more depth of flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have white wine?
You can substitute white wine with extra chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice with a little vinegar for acidity. The wine helps deglaze the pan and adds brightness, but the dish will still be delicious without it.
Is Marry Me Chicken recipe spicy?
Only mildly, thanks to a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can adjust the quantity to suit your heat preference or omit them altogether for a milder dish.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream alternatives and omit the Parmesan or substitute with a dairy-free cheese to keep the creamy texture and flavor without dairy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Marry Me Chicken Recipe that makes it a standout in any meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just want to treat yourself to an amazingly comforting dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes. So grab those simple ingredients, follow the steps with love, and get ready for a dish that might just have you saying yes to dinner every time!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful skillet dish featuring thinly pounded chicken cutlets sautéed to golden perfection and smothered in a luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, white wine, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan. This comforting meal is bursting with rich, savory flavors with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes and fresh herbs, perfect for an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 large chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio; or additional chicken broth)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
For Garnish (Optional):
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Pound the 3 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise to make 6 cutlets) to an even ¼-inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking. In a shallow plate, mix ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon ground paprika, and 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
- Sear chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely cover to keep warm.
- Start sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 30 seconds to enhance their flavor. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Deglaze: Pour in ½ cup dry white wine while scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol and concentrate the flavor. Next, add 1 cup chicken broth and continue to simmer for 2-4 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and thickens.
- Finish dish: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon oregano, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil. Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the sauce. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to warm through. Be careful not to boil the sauce to prevent splitting. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve & garnish: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve the creamy Marry Me Chicken warm over buttered pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken thinly ensures even cooking and tender texture.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for maximum flavor; drain excess oil before using.
- Serve immediately for best sauce consistency, as cream sauces can separate if reheated too aggressively.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
