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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Dinner

creamy marry me chicken - featured image

A quick and easy creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 g), pounded to even thickness
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup packed, chopped sun-dried tomatoes (preferably oil-packed)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thick. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. (2 minutes)
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep warm. (10 minutes)
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. (1 minute)
  5. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release flavors. (2 minutes)
  6. Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to lift browned bits. Allow to simmer and reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes. (3 minutes)
  7. Stir in 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream and 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and becomes silky, about 4-5 minutes. (5 minutes)
  8. Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Let everything warm together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. (3 minutes)
  9. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the dish before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to avoid steaming. Stir sauce frequently to prevent scorching. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream. For dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternative. Chicken thighs can be used but require longer cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, creamy sauce, weeknight dinner