Easy Marry Me Chicken: Your Go-To Skillet Recipe for a Decadent Dinner
Prepare to be enchanted by this incredibly delicious Marry Me Chicken recipe! Golden-seared chicken breasts are enveloped in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, beautifully accented with bursts of flavorful sun-dried tomatoes. This dish isn’t just known for its captivating taste; it’s also wonderfully quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It’s the kind of meal that might just inspire a special question, or at least earn you rave reviews!
Why This Recipe Is an Absolute Winner
The whimsical name “Marry Me Chicken” carries a delightful reputation: a dish so incredibly delicious, so utterly irresistible, that it might just lead to a marriage proposal! While the romantic implications are fun, the name also perfectly describes how the ingredients in this recipe “marry” together, creating a harmonious and truly unforgettable flavor profile. The vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, the rich heavy cream, and the savory Parmesan cheese all mingle beautifully, creating a decadent, creamy sauce that truly elevates simple chicken breasts into something extraordinary.
This isn’t just any chicken dish; it’s one of our absolute favorite ways to transform ordinary chicken breasts into a gourmet experience, rivaling even classics like Chicken Marsala. What makes it truly exceptional is its combination of deep, rich flavors with remarkable ease of preparation. You can whip up this impressive meal in approximately 25 minutes, all in a single skillet. This means less time in the kitchen and more time savoring every creamy, savory bite. It’s comfort food at its finest, sophisticated enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. The balance of tender chicken, a luxurious sauce, and the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Gather Your Ingredients for This Irresistible Dish
To embark on your culinary journey to the perfect Marry Me Chicken, you’ll need a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s signature rich and creamy profile. You can find all specific measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the end of this post. For now, let’s take a look at the star components that make this dish truly special.
Ingredient Information and Smart Substitution Suggestions
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing possible substitutions can help you tailor this Marry Me Chicken recipe to your pantry and preferences while maintaining its incredible flavor.
CHICKEN – For this recipe, we recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. To ensure even cooking and faster preparation, we slice two large chicken breasts horizontally to create four thinner cutlets. This technique helps the chicken cook quickly and remain tender. If you prefer, you can certainly buy pre-sliced chicken cutlets from your grocery store, which will save you a step. Alternatively, chicken thighs can be used for an even more tender and flavorful result, though cooking times may vary slightly.
SAUCE Essentials – The heart of Marry Me Chicken lies in its rich, velvety sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This is non-negotiable for achieving that signature creamy decadence. Heavy cream provides a luscious texture and rich flavor that cannot be replicated with lighter milks or half-and-half, which tend to curdle or not thicken properly. Stick with heavy whipping cream for the best results.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan from a block will always deliver the most authentic and robust flavor, melting beautifully into the sauce. However, finely grated Parmesan found in a container at the grocery store also works wonderfully and is a convenient option. Just ensure it’s a good quality Parmesan for optimal taste.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems are packed with intense, sweet-tart flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. You can use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (drain them first) or dry-packed ones (rehydrate them if too hard). Whether you prefer to julienne them into thin strips or chop them into smaller, bite-sized pieces is entirely up to your personal taste and desired texture in the dish. Their concentrated flavor is key to the sauce’s depth.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for aromatic depth. Avoid garlic powder for this recipe if possible, as the fresh cloves add a pungent, sweet aroma that transforms the sauce.
- Seasoning: Garlic salt and black pepper are the primary seasonings for the chicken and the sauce. While the recipe specifies garlic salt, you can adjust this to a combination of garlic powder and regular salt if you prefer to control the saltiness more precisely. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also be added to the sauce for a subtle kick, or a dash of dried Italian herbs for an extra layer of savory flavor.
How to Master Marry Me Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to create this incredible Marry Me Chicken recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with all measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by taking your two boneless, skinless chicken breasts and carefully slicing them in half horizontally. This will yield four thinner chicken cutlets. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Season both sides of these chicken cutlets generously with garlic salt and black pepper. Remember, you won’t use all the seasoning at this stage, so set a portion aside for the sauce later.
- Dredge in Flour: Lightly dredge each seasoned chicken cutlet in all-purpose flour. This thin coating of flour will help create a beautiful golden crust when searing and will also contribute to thickening the sauce later. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, combine the olive oil and butter. Place the skillet over medium heat and allow the butter to melt completely, ensuring it’s shimmering and hot but not smoking, indicating it’s ready for searing.
- Sear the Chicken: Carefully add the floured chicken cutlets to the hot skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Searing creates a flavorful crust and locks in the juices. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- Prepare for Sauce: Carefully drain most of the oil and butter mixture from the pan, but do not wipe the pan clean! The flavorful bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the skillet are essential for building a rich sauce. Set aside about 2 tablespoons of these savory drippings – you’ll need them soon.
- Create the Cream Sauce: To the same pan (with those flavorful bits still clinging!), add the heavy cream, minced garlic, the reserved black pepper and garlic salt, grated Parmesan cheese, and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Whisk all these ingredients together thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as you go. These bits will infuse your sauce with incredible depth.
- Thicken the Sauce: Now, add the 2 tablespoons of reserved butter/oil drippings back into the skillet with the cream mixture. Whisk vigorously to fully incorporate them. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly as it cooks. You can discard any remaining drippings at this point.
- Combine and Finish: Return the seared chicken cutlets to the pan, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Turn each piece to ensure it’s thoroughly coated. Bring the mixture back to a gentle boil over medium heat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through completely and soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Marry Me Chicken
Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so in a skillet over low-medium heat. You might find the sauce has thickened, so add a dash of heavy cream or water to loosen it back to your desired consistency while it gently warms through.
Freezing dishes with heavy cream-based sauces is generally not recommended. The texture and flavor of cream sauces tend to change significantly upon thawing, often becoming grainy or separating. For the best experience, this Marry Me Chicken dish is most delicious when consumed the day it’s made or reheated the following day. We suggest enjoying it fresh for optimal creaminess.
If your sauce becomes too thick, simply whisk in a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally. Adding a small slurry of cornstarch (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and simmering for a minute can also help if you need a quick fix.
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can sauté sliced mushrooms, spinach, or chopped bell peppers in the skillet after the chicken is removed and before you add the cream for the sauce. Cook them until tender, then proceed with the sauce steps. This adds extra nutrients and flavor to your Marry Me Chicken.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right side dishes. The rich, creamy sauce is perfect for soaking up with something starchy. Consider serving it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, perfectly cooked pasta (like fettuccine or penne), or even a bed of fragrant rice. These options provide a wonderful canvas for the flavorful sauce. To round out your meal and add a touch of freshness and color, incorporate some steamed or roasted vegetables. Broccoli florets, tender carrots, or crisp roasted green beans would all make excellent choices. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of extra Parmesan for an elegant finish. Serve it warm straight from the pan, ensuring every piece is generously coated in that irresistible sauce. Enjoy every sumptuous bite!
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this Marry Me Chicken, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of other fantastic chicken recipes that are just as easy to make and equally satisfying. Whether you’re looking for another quick skillet dinner or something a little more adventurous, these recipes are sure to become new family favorites.
- Chicken Piccata: Zesty lemon and briny capers create a bright, buttery sauce.
- Chicken Milanese: Crispy, golden-fried chicken cutlets, perfect with a simple salad.
- Chicken Tetrazzini: A comforting, creamy pasta bake with tender chicken.
- Chicken Cacciatore: Hearty chicken simmered in a rich tomato and vegetable sauce.
- Stuffed Chicken Breast: Elegant chicken breasts filled with savory ingredients.
- Chicken Divan: A classic casserole with chicken and broccoli in a creamy sauce.
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Marry Me Chicken
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts 2 chicken breasts
- 1 Tablespoon black pepper divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Things You’ll Need
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Large heavy bottomed skillet
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Vinyl gloves
Before You Begin
- Cutting the chicken in half makes the breasts more evenly sized and allows them to cook faster.
- You can either julienne the sun-dried tomatoes or chop them into smaller pieces, whatever suits your tastes more.
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a dash of water or heavy cream to loosen the sauce as needed.
Instructions
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Cut breasts in half horizontally to make 4 thin breasts. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic salt and black pepper. You will not use all the seasoning, set the rest aside.
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Dredge chicken in flour.
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Add olive oil and butter to a large heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat until butter is melted.
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Add floured chicken to the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove from pan.
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Drain oil and butter mixture from the pan and set aside. Do not wipe pan clean.
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Add heavy cream to the pan along with minced garlic, remaining black pepper, remaining garlic salt, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Whisk to combine.
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Measure out 2 tablespoons of the reserved butter/oil drippings and add back to the skillet with the cream mixture (you can discard the remaining butter/oil mixture after this step). Whisk to combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
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Add chicken back to the pan and turn to coat each piece. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Nutrition
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.