Introduction

Ever heard of a dish so irresistible that it could allegedly inspire a marriage proposal? Welcome to Marry Me Chicken – a creamy, garlicky sensation that balances richness with the tangy punch of sun dried tomatoes. This viral dinner recipe earns its name by delivering restaurant-quality flavor in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for date nights or impressing guests. The magic lies in its simplicity: tender chicken bathed in a lush Parmesan-pepper sauce that clings to every bite.

Ingredients & Kitchen Tools

• • Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless breasts or thighs
• • Aromatics: 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• • Liquids: 1 cup chicken broth, ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• • Flavor Boosters: ½ cup sun dried tomatoes (oil-packed, chopped), ⅓ cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp dried oregano
• • Greens: 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
• • Tools: Large oven-safe skillet, tongs, measuring cups

Prep & Cook Time

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Total: 40 mins | Serves: 4

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. • Brown the Chicken: Season chicken with salt/pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. • Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant (1 min). Deglaze with broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in cream, Parmesan, pepper flakes, and oregano.
3. • Simmer & Combine: Add sun dried tomatoes and spinach (if using). Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it. Simmer 10-12 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
4. • Finish Strong: Garnish your Marry Me Chicken with basil or extra Parmesan. Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Nutritional Benefits / Advantages

This dish packs 35g protein per serving while offering vitamins A and C from tomatoes and spinach. Using olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Homemade versions skip preservatives common in restaurant sauces, reducing sodium by up to 30%.

Tips, Variations, or Substitutions

• • Swap chicken for turkey cutlets or portobello mushrooms (vegetarian)
• • Add cooked bacon or artichoke hearts for a salty twist
• • Use roasted red peppers if sun dried tomatoes aren’t available
• • For heat lovers: Double the red pepper flakes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• • Overcrowding the pan: Cook chicken in batches to ensure proper browning
• • Curdled sauce: Keep heat at medium-low when adding dairy
• • Overcooked chicken: Use a meat thermometer – 165°F is perfect

Storage / Maintenance Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the sauce. Freezing isn’t recommended due to the cream sauce’s texture changes.

Conclusion

With its proposal-worthy flavor and foolproof method, this Marry Me Chicken recipe proves why it’s earned its romantic reputation. The interplay of creamy Parmesan and intense sun dried tomatoes creates a sauce you’ll want to bottle. Ready to make someone fall in love with your cooking? Tag your creations #CookWithDemiMarryMeChicken!

FAQs

Can I make this less spicy?

Absolutely! Omit the red pepper flakes entirely.

What pasta pairs best?

Short shapes like rigatoni or farfalle catch the sauce beautifully.

Can I freeze leftovers?

We don’t recommend it – the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

Dairy-free alternatives?

Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.