Easy Marry Me Chicken (30-Minute Recipe!)

There’s something undeniably enchanting about the dish I’m about to share with you—Easy Marry Me Chicken. Its very name suggests romance and coziness, and trust me, it delivers on that promise. Picture a hectic weeknight winding down, and the kitchen fills with aromas that make everyone perk up and cozy in. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a dinner party where a friend proclaimed it to be “marriage material.” Intrigued? You should be!

Imagine a creamy, dreamy sauce enveloping succulent chicken, infused with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and a touch of spice. This dish not only pleases palates but is surprisingly easy to whip up in just 30 minutes. Let’s dive into the magic, shall we?

Why you’ll love this recipe

This isn’t merely another chicken dish; it’s a culinary hug that wraps you in warmth and flavor. It balances comforting richness with bright notes from fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes. You’ll find yourself coming back to it not only for its taste but also for its simplicity; after all, who doesn’t love a quick dinner that feels like a special occasion?

Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or just because—it’s one of those beauties that can elevate an ordinary weekday evening. and get this: it’s entirely customizable! Want it spicier? Crank up the chili flakes. Craving something a bit herbaceous? Toss in fresh rosemary or thyme. The sky’s the limit!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s sift through what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts: Choose organic if you can; it makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. You can slice them in half for quicker cooking, but whole breasts are just as fine!

• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Simple yet essential. You know the drill; season generously to elevate the flavor of the chicken.

• 3 tbsp Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil not only helps in cooking but also adds a layer of flavor. You can sub in vegetable oil if that’s what’s on hand.

• 2 cloves Garlic (grated): Fresh garlic is a must! It brings that fragrant warmth into the sauce that just can’t be beaten.

• 3/4 cup Chicken Broth: I love using homemade chicken broth when possible. It adds depth to the dish, but store-bought works in a pinch.

• 2/3 cup Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens. It creates that luscious sauce we love. If you’re seeking lighter options, half-and-half could be a substitute, but you’ll lose some creaminess.

• 1 tsp Dried Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, thyme complements the chicken beautifully. Feel free to use fresh if you have it!

• 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano: It adds a Mediterranean flair—perfect for this dish.

• 1/3 tsp Chili Flakes: Just a pinch for an added warmth. Adjust to your spice tolerance!

• 1/3 cup Parmesan (grated): The umami bomb! Always, always get the real stuff if possible. Grating it fresh makes a huge difference.

• 1/4 cup Basil (fresh, chopped): Nothing beats fresh herbs for brightening up a dish. You could also use spinach in a pinch.

• 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (chopped): Their sweet tanginess complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Packed with flavor, they’re like little bursts of sunshine in your mouth.

Preparing Easy Marry Me Chicken (30-Minute Recipe!)

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and get down to it step by step:

1. Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. Trust me, this is key for browning. Feel free to slice them in half for faster cooking or keep them whole like I do.

2. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper—now’s your chance to add flavor!

3. In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. We want it hot but not smoking.

4. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes on each side until golden. You’re looking for that lovely, crispy exterior.

5. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate. It’s time to make that dreamy sauce!

6. In the same skillet, add a splash of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes (this is where flavor magic happens!). Toss in the grated garlic, stirring constantly until it’s golden brown—this step is essential!

7. Now, add heavy cream, chicken broth, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, thyme, oregano, parmesan, and chili flakes to the pan. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until it’s all mixed to perfection.

8. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover with that luscious sauce, and pop a lid on. Let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 more minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened up beautifully.

9. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and voila! Serve immediately and get ready to wow everyone around the table.

How to plate and pair

Serving this dish can be as simple or fancy as you like. I love serving it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles to soak up that divine sauce. For something lighter, a bed of sautéed greens or a fresh salad adds a delightful contrast. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top, toss some fresh basil, and you’re golden.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, do it gently on the stovetop until warmed through— microwaving can sometimes make the chicken rubbery, and nobody wants that. If you need longer-term storage, this dish freezes well too! Just make sure the sauce is cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container, and it’ll cozy up in your freezer for up to 2 months.

Helpful cooking tips

• Prepping ingredients ahead can save you time. Chop your vegetables, measure out spices— make it all ready to rock!

• Don’t skip on seasoning! It might feel like a lot of salt and pepper, but it truly sets the stage for the flavor.

• Taste and adjust! Always sample your sauce before serving and tweak it to your liking—maybe a pinch more salt, or a hint of lemon juice for brightness.

Recipe variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few twists you can try:

• Add veggies: Toss in spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for an extra layer of texture and nutrients.

• Spice it up: Want to kick it up a notch? Swap in some diced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha into the sauce.

• Herb-infused variations: Experiment with different herbs; rosemary and sage provide an entirely different flavor profile.

• Make it lighter: Substitute half the cream for Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a creamy yet lighter sauce fix.

Common questions

1. Can I use skin-on chicken breasts? Absolutely! Just adjust cooking time slightly to account for the skin.

2. Is there a good substitute for heavy cream? Yes, half-and-half works, though it won’t be as rich.

3. What should I serve on the side? Mashed potatoes, rice, or a vibrant salad are fantastic options!

4. Can I make this recipe ahead? You can prep the sauce and chicken separately and combine them just before serving for maximum freshness.

5. How do I know when the chicken is done? Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

There you have it! Easy Marry Me Chicken ready to charm your taste buds. Grab a fork and dig in—you won’t regret it. Enjoy the creamy, dreamy goodness, and remember: the kitchen is a space for joy and creativity, so don’t hesitate to put your personal spin on it!

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Easy Marry Me Chicken (30-Minute Recipe!)

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 30 hrs

Cooking Temp: medium-high  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 500

Best Season: any

Description

Easy Marry Me Chicken is a quick and comforting dish featuring succulent chicken in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for date nights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces Boneless Chicken Breasts (Choose organic if possible.)
• Salt and Black Pepper (To taste.)
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil (Good-quality is best.)
• 2 cloves Garlic (Grated.)
• ³⁄₄ cup Chicken Broth (Homemade or store-bought.)
• ²⁄₃ cup Heavy Cream (Substitute with half-and-half if desired.)
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme (Use fresh if available.)
• ¹⁄₂ tsp Dried Oregano (Adds Mediterranean flair.)
• ¹⁄₃ tsp Chili Flakes (Adjust to taste.)
• ¹⁄₃ cup Parmesan (Grated.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup Basil (Fresh, chopped.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Chopped.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Prepare the Chicken

   Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
   Mark as complete

2. Sear the Chicken

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
   Mark as complete

3. Make the Sauce

   In the same skillet, add oil from the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Stir until golden brown. Then add cream, broth, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, thyme, oregano, parmesan, and chili flakes. Stir to mix well.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine and Simmer

   Return the chicken to skillet, cover with the sauce, and simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes until cooked through.
   Mark as complete

5. Serve

   Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately. Enjoy with mashed potatoes or noodles.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 500kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 18g90%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 150mg50%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 10g4%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 2g

Protein 35g70%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 5 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.5 mg

Niacin 9 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 250 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 25 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 35 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to customize the spiciness and herbs to your liking.

Keywords: chicken, creamy, easy, quick, romantic, dinner, recipe