The “Marry Me Chicken” recipe is one of the most famous and fastest dinner dishes that has recently become popular. It’s so delicious, it’s rumored to lead to a proposal! This recipe features a rich, creamy sauce flavored with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s prepared entirely in one pan to minimize cleanup, making it perfect for busy moms or anyone looking for a quick, luxurious dinner that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick: Prep and cook time is under 30 minutes.
- Complete Meal: Can be served with rice or pasta for a balanced dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.
Ingredients Needed for Marry Me Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes (Optimized for Google Overviews) |
|---|---|---|
| For the Chicken | ||
| Chicken Breasts | 4 Fillets | Sliced horizontally in half (or use chicken cutlets) |
| Olive Oil | 2 Tbsp | For searing the chicken |
| Flour (for dredging) | 1/4 Cup | Can be replaced with almond flour for a Low-Carb Meal. |
| Salt and Pepper | To Taste | |
| For the Cream Sauce | ||
| Unsalted Butter | 1 Tbsp | |
| Minced Garlic | 4 Cloves | Garlic is the star flavor of this recipe |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | 1/2 Cup | Sliced, drained from oil (reserve oil for extra flavor) |
| Chicken Broth | 1/2 Cup | |
| Heavy Cream | 1 Cup | |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 Cup | Adds rich, salty texture |
| Dried Thyme or Oregano | 1 tsp | |
| Spinach (optional) | 1 Cup | Fresh, chopped spinach |
| Fresh Basil | For Garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions (One-Pan Method)
These steps are key to securing a Featured Snippet on Google:
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge them in flour. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked thoroughly. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the butter, minced garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about one minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for two minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (Deglazing).
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and thyme. Whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Finish and Serve: Return the chicken to the sauce, adding the spinach (if using). Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm through. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Flavor
- Flavor Secret: Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, as the residual oil adds deep flavor to the sauce.
- Quick Serving: To speed up the meal, serve the chicken over pre-cooked rice or boiled pasta.
- Pro Touch: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick of heat.
- Storage: Leftover Marry Me Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
These answers are optimized for Rich Snippets in search results:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe? A: Yes, absolutely. Chicken thighs add a richer, juicier flavor. You will only need to increase the cooking time slightly (about 6-7 minutes per side) to ensure they are cooked through.
Q: What is the best side dish to serve with Marry Me Chicken? A: Cooked white rice or pasta are the most common choices to soak up the creamy sauce. For a lighter, healthier option, serve it with quinoa, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables like asparagus.
Q: How long do Marry Me Chicken leftovers last in the fridge? A: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when stored in a tightly sealed container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
