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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Rich Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

creamy marry me chicken - featured image

A quick and easy creamy chicken dish featuring a rich sun-dried tomato sauce that balances savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g), pounded slightly for even cooking
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml), homemade or low-sodium store-bought
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A few fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. Wait until butter is melted and slightly bubbling but not browned. (2 minutes)
  3. Add chicken breasts to the pan. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the underside is golden brown and releases easily. Flip and cook the other side for 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. (10-12 minutes)
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. (2 minutes)
  5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits off the pan bottom. Let broth simmer and reduce by half, about 5 minutes. (5 minutes)
  6. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. (4-5 minutes)
  7. Return chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). (10 minutes)
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the chicken just before serving. (1 minute)

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure a golden crust. Keep heat moderate when adding cream to prevent curdling. If sauce is too thick, add chicken broth or cream to loosen; if too thin, simmer longer uncovered. Freshly grate Parmesan for best flavor. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide better texture and flavor. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomato sauce, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, quick dinner