The Original Marry Me Chicken

Table of Contents

why make this recipe

This dish gives you a creamy, tangy sauce that makes plain chicken taste special. It cooks fast and looks like a restaurant meal. It is great for weeknights or when you want to impress guests without hard work.

introduction

This is The Original Marry Me Chicken, a simple pan-to-oven recipe with sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan. It has bold flavor and a rich sauce that pairs well with many sides. If you want ideas for other easy chicken meals, check out these delicious chicken salad recipes for more ways to use cooked chicken.

how to make The Original Marry Me Chicken

1. Brown the seasoned chicken in a hot ovenproof skillet so it gets a good crust.
2. Make the sauce in the same skillet with garlic, thyme, red pepper, broth, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan.
3. Return the chicken to the pan and bake in the oven until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and top with torn basil before serving.

Ingredients :

• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
• Torn fresh basil, for serving

Directions :

Step 1: Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 375 degrees. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, heat, 1 Tbsp. oil. Generously season chicken with salt and black pepper and cook, turning halfway through, until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate.
Step 2: In same skillet over medium heat, heat remaining, 2 Tbsp. oil. Stir in garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in broth, tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan; season with salt. Bring to a simmer, then return chicken and any accumulated juices to skillet.
Step 3: Transfer skillet to oven. Bake chicken until cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 165 degrees, 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 4: Arrange chicken on a platter. Spoon sauce over. Top with basil.

how to serve The Original Marry Me Chicken

Serve the chicken with plenty of sauce spooned over the top. Good side choices are:

• Cooked pasta or rice to soak up the sauce.
• Mashed potatoes or polenta for a cozy meal.
• Steamed green vegetables or a simple salad to add freshness.
• Crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

how to store The Original Marry Me Chicken

• Refrigerate: Cool to room temperature, cover, and store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Note: cream sauces can change texture after freezing.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F until hot. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce looks thick.

tips to make The Original Marry Me Chicken

• Pound chicken to even thickness for even cooking.
• Don’t crowd the pan when browning. Work in batches if needed.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking.
• Let the sauce simmer a minute to meld flavors before baking.
• Taste the sauce and adjust salt at the end since Parmesan adds salt.

variation (if any)

• Use boneless skin-on breasts or boneless thighs for a different texture.
• Add a handful of baby spinach to the sauce at the end for color and greens.
• For less heat, skip or cut back the crushed red pepper flakes.
• For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs stay moist and work well. Adjust baking time as thighs may need a bit longer.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can make the sauce and cook the chicken a few hours ahead. Reheat gently before serving.

Q: Why did my sauce split when I reheated it?
A: Cream sauces can split if heated too fast. Reheat slowly over low heat and add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back together.

Q: Can I skip the sun-dried tomatoes?
A: You can, but the sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy flavor. Try roasted red peppers as an alternative.

Q: How do I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
A: Simmer it a few minutes on the stove to reduce, or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water, then cook until thickened.

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