Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe to impress your loved ones? Look no further than the Creamy Marry Me Chicken! This dish is not only flavorful but also quick to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish. With tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy sauce packed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe is sure to win hearts—hence the name “Marry Me Chicken.”
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Cover and cook for 7-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Treat your family and friends to this delightful Creamy Marry Me Chicken dish, and watch as it brings smiles to their faces and warmth to their hearts! Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Season the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Heat the Skillet
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Sear the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the Garlic
In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant.
Add Sauce Ingredients
Next, stir in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly to combine the ingredients.
Incorporate Additional Flavors
Add 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if desired). Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
Return the Chicken
Place the seared chicken back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Cover the skillet and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot.
Notes
Chicken Breasts
Ensure the chicken breasts are boneless and skinless for best results.
Heavy Cream
Using heavy cream ensures a rich and thick sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor and texture to the dish.
Optional Ingredients
Red pepper flakes can be adjusted or omitted based on your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cook Techniques
Seasoning the Chicken
Before cooking, it’s important to season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat.
Searing Chicken
Sear the chicken in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. This technique helps to lock in moisture and adds a nice color to the chicken.
Cooking Garlic
Add minced garlic to the skillet to cook until fragrant. This step is essential for infusing the dish with a rich, aromatic flavor.
Making the Cream Sauce
Stir together chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese in the skillet, cooking on low heat to create a creamy sauce. This process requires constant stirring to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning.
Simmering with Vegetables
After adding sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings, simmer the sauce to allow the flavors to meld together. This step intensifies the taste of the sauce.
Finishing the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook until it reaches the appropriate internal temperature. This technique ensures that the chicken is tender and infused with the sauce’s flavor.
Garnishing
Before serving, garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and fresh flavor. This adds visual appeal and enhances the overall taste.
FAQ
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use thighs or drumsticks, but cooking time may need to be adjusted.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream, though this may alter the richness of the sauce.
Is it necessary to add sun-dried tomatoes?
While they add a unique flavor, you can omit them or replace them with fresh tomatoes or spinach if preferred.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is a reliable way to check.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken separately ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, then reheat when ready to serve.
Conclusion
The Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken recipe is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce. The infusion of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasonings creates a flavorful experience that is sure to impress your loved ones. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is both straightforward and satisfying.
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