Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)

If you’re looking for a dish that will make everyone at the table swoon, then you’ve come to the right place! Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) is one of those recipes that captures hearts and stomachs alike. It’s creamy, flavorful, and downright comforting—perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. The best part? It’s simple enough for a Wednesday dinner but delicious enough for a romantic date night.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings people together. Imagine serving this creamy delight, and the smiles it brings to your loved ones’ faces! The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce is simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic nights when you still want something gourmet.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves a good creamy chicken dish! It’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the sauce in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve, making dinner stress-free.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this delightful Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce), you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients. They come together effortlessly to create a dish that feels fancy but is super approachable!

For the Chicken

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

For the Sauce

• ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• Chiffonaded fresh basil

Variations

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) lies in its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the Protein: Try using turkey or even hearty mushrooms for a vegetarian twist!
• Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or cooked kale for added nutrition and color.
• Change the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of parmesan, feel free to substitute with mozzarella or another cheese of your choice.
• Spice it Up: For those who love heat, add some sliced jalapeños or increase the crushed red pepper flakes.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Searing the chicken until browned on both sides locks in all those delicious flavors! Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. This step is crucial! Cooking garlic releases its beautiful aroma and sets a flavorful base for your sauce.

Step 3: Create Your Sauce

Next, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while scraping up any brown bits from the pan. This adds extra flavor to your sauce! Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let this simmer until smooth—the creaminess is what makes this dish so comforting!

Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Incorporate those sun-dried tomatoes along with oregano and crushed red pepper flakes; mix everything together well. These ingredients bring out such vibrant flavors that will elevate your meal!

Step 5: Finish Up

Return the seared chicken back into the skillet, making sure it gets nicely coated with that luscious sauce. Garnish with chiffonaded fresh basil before serving—it adds brightness both visually and taste-wise!

Now you’re ready to enjoy Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) with your loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)

Cooking can be an adventure, and with these handy tips, you’ll elevate your Marry Me Chicken to new heights!

• Use good quality sun-dried tomatoes – Opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for added flavor and moisture. This enhances the richness of your sauce and gives it that irresistible taste.
• Don’t rush the browning process – Searing the chicken properly creates a flavorful crust. Take your time to achieve a nice golden-brown color; it adds depth to the dish.
• Customize the heat – Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. This way, you can tailor the dish to suit everyone’s palate!
• Let it simmer – Allowing the sauce to simmer after adding cream and cheese will help thicken it and deepen the flavors. Patience is key to achieving that creamy consistency!
• Fresh herbs make a difference – Always use fresh basil instead of dried. Fresh herbs add brightness and a pop of flavor that really makes this dish shine.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)

Presentation is everything, and serving your Marry Me Chicken beautifully will make it even more enticing! Here are some ideas to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves – A few extra chiffonaded basil leaves on top not only look stunning but also add a burst of freshness.
• Parmesan shavings – Lightly shaved parmesan sprinkled over the dish can enhance its richness while providing an attractive visual contrast.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic serve as a perfect base for soaking up that luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
• Steamed Asparagus – Bright green asparagus lightly steamed makes for a vibrant, nutritious side that complements the richness of the chicken beautifully.
• Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette offers a light and zesty counterpoint to the creamy chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and texture to your plate while providing additional nutrients.

With these serving suggestions, your Marry Me Chicken dinner will not only taste amazing but also look like it’s straight out of a gourmet restaurant! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) is perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or special gatherings. You can easily store leftovers or even make it ahead of time to ensure a stress-free dinner.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days.
• To maintain the best flavor, try to consume within this timeframe.

Freezing

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Place in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat gently on the stove over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I use other types of chicken for Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)?

Absolutely! You can substitute boneless chicken thighs or even chicken tenders if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.

How do I make Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) without heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative to achieve a similar creamy texture without using dairy. This works beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes!

What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even roasted vegetables. A fresh green salad on the side also complements it nicely!

Can I add more vegetables to this Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)?

Definitely! Feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the broth.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and cheese alternatives if needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and love to your dining table. Remember, food has a magical way of bringing people together. So gather your loved ones and savor every bite of this delicious dish. Happy cooking!