– **Title**: Marry Me Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
– Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– **Instructions**:
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
7. Stir in the fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined. If you like some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes to taste.
8. Serve the chicken with the creamy tomato sauce over your choice of pasta or rice, and garnish with additional basil if desired. Enjoy your Marry Me Chicken!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a tender texture. For variety, you can use thighs for more flavor or turkey breasts for a leaner option. Cooking time may vary slightly.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They’re packed with flavor! If you can’t find them, use fresh cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes. Just cook them a little longer to get that concentrated taste.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, considering it may alter the richness slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a non-dairy option if you’re vegan.
Fresh Basil: Basil adds a fresh touch at the end. If you don’t have it, try parsley or a pinch of dried oregano for a different yet tasty garnish.
How Do I Make the Sauce Smooth and Creamy?
Creating a smooth and creamy sauce is key to pulling this dish together. Here’s how to ensure perfection:
- Start by sautéing the garlic until fragrant, but don’t let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- When you add the chicken broth, let it simmer to reduce. This intensifies the flavor and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Gradually stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese over low heat. This prevents the cheese from clumping.
- Ensure everything is mixed well before returning the chicken to soak up the creamy goodness.
Taking your time with these steps results in a wonderfully rich sauce that coats the chicken and pasta deliciously!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
For Serving:
- Cooked pasta (such as angel hair or fettuccine)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fantastic dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 40 minutes. You’ll be sautéing, simmering, and creating a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s perfect over pasta. Ready to impress yourself and anyone at the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple step adds great flavor to your dish!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through. Once done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, until it smells amazing! Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook them for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Adding Liquid Ingredients:
Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Let this cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly. Now it’s time for the creamy goodness; lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, dried Italian herbs, and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is smooth and creamy.
5. Combining Everything:
Finally, return the chicken to the skillet, carefully spooning the delicious sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes so that the chicken can soak up all those fantastic flavors.
6. Serving:
To serve, place the creamy Marry Me Chicken over your favorite cooked pasta. Don’t forget to sprinkle on the fresh basil for a bright finish. Enjoy your meal!
Feel free to share your thoughts on this delightful dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking! Thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker method. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter (for each cup of heavy cream, use 3/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup melted butter), though this will alter the richness slightly. Coconut milk is also a great dairy-free alternative!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s texture.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently and return the chicken to the skillet for a few minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.
