Marry Me Chicken Italian Style

If you are craving something rich yet simple enough for a weeknight, Marry Me Chicken is a personal favorite that never fails to convert skeptics into fans. With juicy chicken simmered in a creamy parmesan sauce brightened by sun dried tomatoes and herbs this dish sets the bar for comfort meals and is always the centerpiece of lively dinners at my house.

When I first made Marry Me Chicken for a birthday dinner everyone ended up dipping their bread in the skillet to chase every drop of the sauce and now it is the most requested recipe in my family

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, choose even thickness for quick cooking and juicy results
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning, always season generously to bring out the flavors
• Olive oil: For searing, create a golden crust and use extra virgin for the best taste
• Garlic: Fresh cloves, finely minced for the most robust aroma
• Chicken broth: Homemade or low sodium for deep savory notes and control of salt
• Heavy cream: The key for a silky rich sauce, thicker creams create the best texture
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, melts better and never clumps in the sauce
• Red pepper flakes: Just the right heat, choose your spice level by adjusting the amount
• Dried oregano and dried thyme: For classic Italian herbal flavor, always check the freshness of dried herbs for a big flavor payoff
• Sun dried tomatoes: Packed in oil, chopped for little bursts of tang, select plump and soft ones for best results
• Fresh basil: To garnish, brings a pop of color and fresh aroma; finish with more if you love herbs

Step by Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels for the best sear then sprinkle both sides with a good pinch of salt and pepper

Sear the Chicken:

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat lay the chicken breasts in without crowding let cook about four minutes on the first side until deep golden then flip and cook four minutes more remove to a plate and keep handy

Build the Aromatics:

Lower heat to medium add the minced garlic to the same pan stir for about thirty seconds just until fragrant and softened keep it moving so it does not burn

Deglaze the Pan:

Pour in the chicken broth scrape up the golden brown bits at the bottom which add loads of savory flavor to your sauce

Make the Cream Sauce:

Stir in heavy cream Parmesan cheese red pepper flakes dried oregano dried thyme and chopped sun dried tomatoes keep stirring and let the sauce bubble gently for two to three minutes until it begins to thicken

Finish Cooking the Chicken:

Nestle the chicken breasts back into the sauce spoon the rich sauce over the chicken turn the heat to low cover with a lid and simmer ten to fifteen minutes until chicken is fully cooked and soak up the flavors

Garnish and Serve:

Turn off the heat scatter plenty of fresh basil over the top and serve straight from the skillet with your favorite side

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Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge It keeps well for up to three days Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat and add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find sun dried tomatoes roasted red peppers offer a sweet alternative Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the cream for a lighter profile and Asiago or Pecorino works in place of Parmesan for a sharper finish

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Serving Suggestions

Pile creamy Marry Me Chicken over buttered pasta nestle next to fluffy mashed potatoes or soak up extra sauce with chewy sourdough Bread is a non negotiable according to my family I love a bright side salad to contrast the richness

Cultural Context

This Italian inspired dish is an American home cook classic Named for its supposed swoon worthy powers it is the kind of meal you make to impress but it owes its magic to old world flavors creamy pasta sauces and garlic that fills the house

Common Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs provide a juicier texture and complement the creamy sauce well. Adjust cooking time as needed.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Pasta, creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully and make satisfying accompaniments.

→ How do I avoid curdling the cream sauce?

Simmer the sauce on low heat and avoid boiling. Gradually add cream and mix gently after deglazing with broth.

→ Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes can be used, but sun-dried tomatoes provide an especially bold, tangy flavor.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes lend gentle heat, but you can adjust the amount for a milder or spicier taste.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Place cooled chicken with sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.