Marry Me Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with the delightful and creamy Marry Me Chicken. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich sauce enriched by sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of fresh basil. The mere aroma of it bubbling away can whisk you back to cherished family dinners and comfort food memories. A stroke of culinary magic, Marry Me Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience—fast, satisfying, and undeniably crave-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for the family or planning a romantic dinner, this recipe brings the nostalgia of home-cooked meals straight to your table. With its creamy texture and burst of flavors, it’s no wonder that this dish has earned its name—guaranteeing that your loved ones will be head-over-heels in no time!
Have You Ever Had a Meal So Good That It Made You Want to Propose?
Picture this: It’s been a long day, and you walk into a kitchen where an extraordinary dish is waiting for you. The enticing scent of garlic and creamy goodness fills the air, making your mouth water. Just that first bite—succulent chicken enveloped in a dreamy sauce—takes you straight to Flavor Town. It’s the kind of meal that sparks joy and warmth, leaving you to wonder, “How can something this easy taste this divine?” Have you ever had a dish so delicious it made you want to shout about it to the world?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Prep: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this dish in a snap.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family gatherings or a cozy date night, Marry Me Chicken is a guaranteed hit that will bring everyone to the table.
Minimal Ingredients: You won’t need a pantry filled with special items—just basic ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Heartfelt Comfort: This dish evokes memories of home-cooked meals, delivering warmth and nostalgia with every bite.
Luxurious Flavor: Marry Me Chicken strikes the perfect balance between decadent and sophisticated, ensuring a dining experience that feels special every time.
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts that soak up all the flavors, giving each bite a juicy burst.
Heavy Cream: The creamy essence that transforms the sauce into a luxurious, rich delight, enveloping the chicken in its velvety embrace.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems provide a delightful tang, adding depth and a hint of sweetness to the dish.
Fresh Garlic: A staple of flavor that brightens everything it touches, contributing to the dish’s aromatic appeal.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this sharp, nutty cheese enhances the creaminess, creating a truly indulgent experience.
Fresh Basil: The aromatic herb that freshens up the dish, transporting your taste buds to sunny Italian kitchens.
Chicken Broth: A liquid gold that adds a savory depth, forming the backbone of the rich sauce.
Cornstarch: A thickening agent that ensures the sauce coats the chicken perfectly.
Butter & Olive Oil: A combination that gives a rich flavor to the chicken while sealing in the juiciness.
Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that build the flavor profile, enhancing the overall experience.
Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes: A hint of spice and Mediterranean flair that rounds out the dish beautifully.
Timing
Marry Me Chicken beautifully balances fast and indulgent culinary demands, making it ideal for both weekday dinners and special occasions. With preparation and cook time, you can have this delicious meal on the table in under an hour. However, if you choose to slow-cook it, a couple of hours allows the flavors to bloom even more fully, wrapping your kitchen in aromas that invite everyone to gather ’round.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Pat dry the boneless skinless chicken breasts with paper towels, ensuring they’re ready to absorb all the flavors. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder with 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Season the chicken generously on both sides to make sure every bite is bursting with flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons each of butter and olive oil. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and irresistibly fragrant, creating a stunning crust.
Prepare the Sauce: In a slow cooker, whisk together 1 cup of chicken broth with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to create a smooth mixture. Add in 1 cup of heavy cream, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, stirring to combine into a luscious sauce.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Gently transfer the beautifully seared chicken into the slow cooker. Pour the remaining pan juices over the chicken to infuse every bite with flavor. Top the chicken with 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for that sweet-tangy burst. Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen for 6-7 hours on low heat.
Finish with Cheese: During the final 30 minutes of cooking, add a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker and let it melt into the sauce. Once the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, making time for those mouthwatering flavors to meld into every delicious bite.
Nutritional Information
A serving of Marry Me Chicken typically contains around 450-500 calories, offering a hearty indulgence perfect for a Saturday night dinner. This dish allows for occasional indulgence while providing the nutrition needed in your daily meals. With a beautiful balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, you can enjoy it guilt-free!
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to lighten the dish, consider these swaps for a healthier yet equally enjoyable experience:
Low-Fat Cream or Almond Milk: You can substitute heavy cream with low-fat cream, or for a dairy-free version, try unsweetened almond milk combined with a touch of cornstarch for thickening.
Chicken Thighs: Swap boneless chicken breasts for skinless chicken thighs; they provide a deeper flavor and can be a bit more forgiving when cooking.
Reduced-Fat Cheese: Use a reduced-fat Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheese flavor without the extra calories.
Fresh Veggies: Add in fresh vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase fiber and nutrients without drastically changing the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Chicken isn’t just a standalone dish; it pairs beautifully with various sides. Serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or al dente pasta, drizzling the velvety sauce all over. You can also enjoy it alongside sautéed greens for a nutritious complement. This dish is perfect for entertaining, making it a wonderful centerpiece for holiday feasts or casual family dinners.
Common Mistakes
While creating Marry Me Chicken is simple, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
Overbaking: If you’re not using a slow cooker, be careful not to overbake the chicken, or it will dry out. Keep an eye on the internal temperature; 165°F is your sweet spot!
Texture Issues: Ensure thorough saucing; whisk the cornstarch well into the chicken broth for the right thickness. Clumps of cornstarch can detract from the creamy experience.
Messes: Managing the sautéing process can lead to splatters. Consider using a splatter guard to keep your stove clean.
Storing Tips
For optimal freshness, store any leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you’d like to save portions for later, freeze individual servings in freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Tempting Readers to Bake It ASAP
Now that you know all the delicious details and reasons to make Marry Me Chicken, what are you waiting for? Dive straight into creating this delightful dish that will not only impress but also become a staple in your culinary repertoire. The combination of tender chicken, rich sauce, and heartwarming flavors is just begging to be savored. We promise that once you try it, you won’t be able to resist making it again!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just increase the cooking time since frozen chicken will take longer to cook through.Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with Gouda or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.Is Marry Me Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and cornstarch.Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to toss in some spinach or bell peppers during the last cooking phase for added nutrition and color.What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a simple side salad to balance the richness of the dish.
With an irresistible mix of flavors and comforting notes of nostalgia, Marry Me Chicken is destined to be your new favorite recipe to share with loved ones!
Print
Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 445 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A creamy and delicious chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped
- 6 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken breasts and season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- In a slow cooker, whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch, then add heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker, top with sun-dried tomatoes, and let cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Add Parmesan cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking and let it melt into the sauce.
- Remove the chicken, let it rest for 5-10 minutes, and serve.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream or almond milk and add fresh veggies for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 430 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
