Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust the cooking time since thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese, and remove the pan from heat before stirring it in to prevent clumping.

The red pepper flakes add mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. Reheat gently before adding the chicken to prevent the sauce from separating.

Marry Me Chicken

Name: Marry Me Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream (room temperature); ½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese (room temperature); 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Chiffonaded fresh basil; Additional grated parmesan cheese

Description

This Marry Me Chicken features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts in a rich, creamy parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a romantic dinner, this one-pan dish is flavorful, easy to make, and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

2 tablespoons minced garlic
¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese (room temperature)
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For Garnish (Optional)

Chiffonaded fresh basil
Additional grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside; the chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Remove the skillet from heat and slowly stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Add the Seasonings: Return the skillet to medium heat and stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, flipping them to coat in the sauce. Spoon additional sauce over the top to ensure even coverage.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes; the residual heat will bring it up to a safe 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and parmesan.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to maintain the creamy texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop & Oven
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 457
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 434mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 55g
Cholesterol: 173mg