If you have ever wondered about a dish that promises both simplicity and an explosion of creamy, savory flavors, the Marry Me Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of heat from chili flakes. It’s the kind of meal that feels cozy enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to impress company, perfect for anyone who loves a rich, comforting plate of food with a sophisticated twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Marry Me Chicken Recipe lies in how uncomplicated ingredients come together to create an irresistible dish. Each item plays a key role, from the tender chicken cutlets to the creamy Parmesan sauce, enhancing texture, flavor, and color in just the right measures.
- Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, sliced into thin cutlets): Thin slices cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle bite to balance the richness.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create a perfect coating for a golden crust.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter: Contributes a rich, creamy mouthfeel to the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Brings an aromatic, deep flavor to the dish.
- Chicken stock: Adds savory depth and moisture.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Infuses a nutty, sharp flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Chili flakes: Gives the dish a subtle, warming kick.
- Oregano: Adds an earthy, herbal undertone.
- Thyme: Complements the herbs with a light, minty scent.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Provide a sweet, tangy pop of color and flavor.
- Fresh basil leaves (chopped): Used as a garnish for a fresh, bright finish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Dredge
Start by seasoning your ultra-thin chicken cutlets with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Then, dredge each piece lightly in all-purpose flour, shaking off any extra. This step is crucial because it gives the chicken a subtle crust and helps thicken the sauce later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture is combined. Place the floured chicken cutlets carefully into the pan. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Deglaze
Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant—this should take about a minute and will infuse the base of your sauce with aromatic goodness. Next, pour in the chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the pan. This deglazing process lifts incredible flavor into your sauce that you don’t want to miss.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for a couple of minutes until it thickens and turns velvety. Season with chili flakes, oregano, and thyme to layer in heat and herbal notes that truly define the dish’s character.
Step 5: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Finish Cooking
Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper if needed. Then, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes for bursts of tangy sweetness. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the rich sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for another 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry perfectly while the sauce thickens even more.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves over the chicken for a vibrant pop of green and a fresh herbal note. This Marry Me Chicken Recipe is delightful served warm atop a bed of cooked pasta or fluffy rice, making every bite creamy, comforting, and unforgettable.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic choice for garnishing because it adds vibrant color and a burst of cool, herbal freshness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. For an extra touch of elegance, you can add a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even some toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
Since the Marry Me Chicken Recipe boasts a rich, creamy sauce, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides that absorb its flavors well. Think buttery mashed potatoes, garlic-infused rice, or a delicate pasta like angel hair or fettuccine. A crisp, green salad or steamed vegetables can also provide a refreshing contrast to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating each cutlet over a nest of herb-infused rice or al dente pasta, then drizzle extra sauce artistically around the plate. Garnish with fresh basil and perhaps a twist of lemon zest to add brightness. For a rustic family meal, serve the chicken straight from the skillet at the table and let everyone ladle the sauce generously over their portions—comfort food at its finest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool the chicken completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to two months. Place portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating or burning, and add a splash of chicken stock or cream if it looks too thick. Microwave reheating is possible but less recommended to maintain the sauce’s creaminess and the chicken’s tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can be a bit thicker.
Is this dish spicy?
The chili flakes provide a subtle warmth, not overwhelming heat. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste or omit it if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s possible by substituting heavy cream with a coconut cream or any plant-based cream and using a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the flavor won’t be quite the same. Butter can be replaced with olive oil.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken breasts?
Using a sharp knife, slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into thin cutlets about half an inch thick. This ensures quick, even cooking and allows the sauce to coat every bite perfectly.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can season and flour the chicken earlier in the day and keep it covered in the fridge. The sauce components can also be prepped ahead, making the final cooking step quick and easy.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Marry Me Chicken Recipe that makes it worth adding to your regular dinner repertoire. Its creamy, flavorful sauce combined with tender chicken cutlets provides not just a meal, but an experience worthy of sharing with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become a beloved classic in your kitchen too.
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Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful skillet chicken dish featuring tender chicken cutlets cooked in a rich sauce made from garlic, chicken stock, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sundried tomatoes, finished with a touch of chili flakes and fresh basil for a comforting and elegant meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons (50 grams) all-purpose flour
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (43 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- â…“ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Season and Dredge: Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess to ensure an even coating.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and melt butter over medium heat. Swirl the pan to coat evenly. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, cover, and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Deglaze: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Season with chili flakes, oregano, and thyme.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Finish Cooking: Season with additional salt and pepper if needed, then add chopped sundried tomatoes. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and let simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce is thickened and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve warm over cooked pasta or rice for a complete, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced chicken cutlets for even cooking and a tender result.
- You can substitute sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for added flavor and moisture.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve over your choice of pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
