Incredible Marry Me Chicken

This captivating dish features succulent chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, perfect for a special meal. Known for its irresistible flavor, “Marry Me Chicken” is famously rich, savory, and incredibly easy to make.

The sauce is the star: a luxurious blend of heavy cream, salty Parmesan, savory soy sauce (for an umami boost), and zesty sun-dried tomatoes. Baking the chicken right in the sauce ensures it remains moist while absorbing every delicious note. This dish is ideal for date night or any occasion that calls for comforting elegance.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients for Incredible Marry Me Chicken
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Chef’s Helpful Tips
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage & Reheating Tips
• FAQs

Ingredients for Incredible Marry Me Chicken

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, giving the best results. This recipe yields 4 servings:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Baking the chicken right in the sauce is the secret to maximum flavor and moisture.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about one minute until it becomes fragrant. Do not burn the garlic.

Step 4: Create Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream, low-sodium soy sauce, Italian seasoning, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about five minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Stir in the 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the luscious sauce evenly over the chicken.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Drizzle with the remaining sauce.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

• Optimal Juiciness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender bite.
• Customization: Feel free to add other herbs like rosemary or a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. You can also swap the chicken for turkey breasts.
• Garnish: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs (like basil or parsley) or extra grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for an elegant touch.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish (place the chicken and sauce in the baking dish) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with comforting starches and fresh, crisp vegetables:

• Pasta: Served over linguine or fettuccine, tossed with extra sauce.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice or rice pilaf.
• Garlic Bread: Essential for soaking up the remaining sauce.
• Simple Greens: Roasted asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a fresh green salad.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. If the sauce is too thick upon reheating, stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will result in an even juicier dish and may require a few extra minutes of baking time.

Why use soy sauce?

Soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce) is an umami booster. It adds a deep, savory background flavor that is not salty, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin after baking, remove the chicken, place the sauce back in the skillet, and simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it, or whisk in a slurry of 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water.

Erin Clark

Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken is a captivating dish featuring succulent, oven-baked chicken breasts smothered in a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It is quick to prepare and perfect for a special, comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

• Baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray
• large skillet for making the sauce
• Meat Thermometer for checking internal temperature

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to $400^{circ}text{F}$ ($200^{circ}text{C}$). Prepare a baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about one minute until it becomes fragrant. Do not burn the garlic.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, low-sodium soy sauce, Italian seasoning, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about five minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Stir in the $1/2text{ cup}$ of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the luscious sauce evenly over the chicken.
6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of $165^{circ}text{F}$ ($74^{circ}text{C}$).
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Drizzle with the remaining sauce.

Notes

Bake the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of $165^{circ}text{F}$ ($74^{circ}text{C}$) to ensure optimal juiciness. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to redistribute the juices. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh herbs (like basil or parsley) before serving. The dish can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.

Conclusion

Incredible Marry Me Chicken lives up to its name, offering a simple yet profoundly delicious meal that everyone will fall in love with.

Would you like me to find a recipe for Roasted Asparagus or Garlic Bread?