This marry me chicken recipe is so good, they say it can make someone propose on the spot. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. You just need a few simple ingredients, and dinner will be ready in no time. Let me show you how to make it.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Plate (for resting the chicken)
Important Info
- Servings: 4 pieces of chicken with sauce
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $15
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Calories per serving: 450 kcal
- Cook method: Stovetop
- Season: Fall, Winter
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diets: Not suitable for vegetarian, vegan, or dairy-free diets
Ingredients You Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Chicken thighs |
| Heavy cream | Half-and-half |
| Parmesan cheese | Grated pecorino or cheddar |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | Cherry tomatoes (halved) |
| Olive oil | Butter or avocado oil |
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, and basil. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and mix well.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon some sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh basil.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken in butter instead of olive oil.
- If using chicken thighs, cook for an extra 2-3 minutes per side.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so you can make it ahead.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken
- Steamed rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are juicier, but they may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a piece to check that the inside is no longer pink.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative, but the taste and texture may be slightly different.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I freeze marry me chicken?
Yes, but the creamy sauce may separate when thawed. If you freeze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well when reheating.
