Easy Marry Me Chicken Recipe: A Delicious and Romantic Dinner Idea

If you’re looking for an irresistible dish that will leave everyone asking for more, look no further! I recently tried this Easy Marry Me Chicken recipe, and it turned out to be an absolute hit. 

The combination of tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs is nothing short of magical.The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare and makes for a stunning dinner, whether it’s a romantic date night or a family dinner. 

Let me walk you through this delicious and mouth-watering recipe. You can also try Crockpot Tortellini Soup, which is a perfect companion for a cozy, comforting evening.

Ingredients Section

To make this scrumptious Marry Me Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These are the star of the dish. Tender, juicy, and easy to cook. Ensure they are fresh to get the best texture.
• Salt & pepper: For seasoning the chicken to perfection.
• Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken, adding a nice golden crust.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds the perfect depth of flavor.
• Tomato paste: A concentrated flavor booster that gives the sauce richness and color.
• Italian seasoning: This blend of dried herbs is key to adding aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken broth/stock: The liquid base of the sauce. For extra flavor, you can use white wine instead.
• Heavy cream: This makes the sauce creamy and luscious, bringing everything together.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These tomatoes are packed with intense flavor, elevating the sauce.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a mild heat, making the dish even more exciting.
• Fresh basil leaves: A fragrant herb that freshens up the dish at the end.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a cheesy, salty bite and enhances the sauce’s richness.

Note:

The recipe serves 4, but feel free to adjust the quantities based on your family size or the number of guests.

Variations – Fun Alternatives to Try!

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and you can customize it according to your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are a few alternative ingredient options:

• Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free parmesan substitute.
• Gluten-Free: The dish is naturally gluten-free, so there’s no need for substitutions unless you’re serving it with pasta—make sure your pasta is gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken breasts with firm tofu or seitan, and follow the same method for cooking.
• Flavor Add-ins: Add a dash of white wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce for a tangy twist, or toss in some spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s a list of equipment you’ll need to prepare this dish:

• Large sauté pan: For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
• Digital meat thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the sauce and turning the chicken.
• Measuring spoons: For accurately adding the spices and seasonings.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken?

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating your large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add a generous amount of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the boneless chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper, and cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F is ideal). Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Sauce

In the same pan, add minced garlic and tomato paste. Sauté them together for about 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its fragrance. Next, stir in chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture come together, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Cream and Parmesan

Now, it’s time to make the sauce creamy and luscious! Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, along with any juices that have collected on the plate. Bring the sauce to a simmer, and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly heated.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top the chicken with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and extra crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Now, your Marry Me Chicken is ready to be served!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are a few personal tips to elevate this dish:

• Use fresh basil: Don’t skip the fresh basil; it’s a game-changer for the flavor!
• Check the chicken temperature: Invest in a digital meat thermometer to avoid overcooking your chicken. It ensures juiciness every time.
• Add extra veggies: For a more colorful dish, toss in some spinach or mushrooms when making the sauce.
• Don’t rush the sauce: Let the sauce simmer to thicken, as this will deepen the flavors and create a silky texture.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken?

This dish is already rich and flavorful, so serving it with a simple side works wonders. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice for a healthy twist.
• For Pasta Lovers: If you’re not watching carbs, serve it with pasta like spaghetti, penne, or angel hair. Just add a scoop of sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan on top.
• Simple Sides: Pair it with roasted vegetables, a light salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

If you’re looking for more delicious dinner recipes to try out, I highly recommend checking out the French Dip Sandwiches recipe for a hearty

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of Marry Me Chicken:

• Calories: 460 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 32g

How to Store Marry Me Chicken?

• Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: While I don’t recommend freezing this dish as the creamy sauce might separate, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately and reheat when needed.
• Reheating: When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce. Stir occasionally to keep everything creamy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are some reasons why this dish is a must-try:

• Quick & Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners, ready in just 30 minutes!
• Creamy and Delicious: The sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
• Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: Ideal for those on a keto or gluten-free diet.
• Versatile: Serve it with your favorite pasta or low-carb sides.
• Romantic: It’s an ideal dish for date night that might even land you an engagement!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts for this recipe to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy. If you must use frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry before cooking.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use canned petite diced tomatoes, though the flavor will be less concentrated. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a rich, tangy flavor that really elevates the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat the dish on low heat before serving for best results.