If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s rich, comforting, and guaranteed to impress, look no further than this Marry Me Chicken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a luxuriously creamy sauce bursting with the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic herbs. It’s an unforgettable blend of flavors that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to show off your skills without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create an elegant and flavorful experience. Each component plays a unique role, from the juicy chicken breast to the savory, creamy sauce accented by the bright sun-dried tomatoes.
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, these provide a tender, juicy foundation.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle heat and depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or other neutral oil): Perfect for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden brown.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Imparts a fragrant, savory aroma essential to the sauce.
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and a subtle, savory backbone to the cream sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream (at room temperature): Creates the luscious texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
- ½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese (at room temperature): Brings a sharp, salty twist that enriches every bite.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil): Provides a burst of tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (more or less to taste): Adds a rustic herbaceous note that ties all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste): A subtle kick that enhances without overwhelming.
- Chiffonaded fresh basil: For a fresh, bright finish both in flavor and presentation.
- Grated fresh parmesan cheese: To sprinkle on top for extra indulgence.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry to ensure a perfect sear. Season them generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides. This simple step is crucial because it builds the foundational flavor, making sure every bite is perfectly seasoned. Don’t rush here—the seasoning process is your first step toward a dish that sings with flavor!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. This searing locks in juices and adds a satisfying texture contrast. When cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate, pouring off any excess oil but keeping the flavorful browned bits in the pan—they’re pure gold!
Step 3: Craft the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant. Quickly add the sun-dried tomatoes, stirring them in to release their deep, tangy flavor. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those browned bits—they add incredible depth. Next, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until the sauce is velvety and smooth. Season the sauce with oregano and crushed red pepper flakes, adjusting for your preferred spice level. This sauce is the heart of the Marry Me Chicken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe, bursting with creamy tang and subtle heat.
Step 4: Simmer Chicken in the Sauce
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let them simmer gently on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all those comforting flavors. The sauce will thicken slightly, coating the meat beautifully. This final simmer is where everything comes together, creating a dish that’s rich, tender, and utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chiffonaded basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese add freshness and an extra burst of flavor to your plate. These garnishes not only enhance the taste but make the presentation pop, giving your dish an inviting, restaurant-quality look right at home.
Side Dishes
This creamy, flavorful chicken pairs beautifully with simple, comforting sides. Think fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of sauce, or buttery pasta like fettuccine to twirl the creamy goodness around your fork. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad provide a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of garlic-infused rice or creamy polenta. You could also spoon the sauce generously on top and garnish with a few sun-dried tomato pieces for that extra visual wow factor. Presentation can turn a hearty dinner into a special occasion, and this Marry Me Chicken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is versatile enough to shine no matter how you plate it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week. The sauce helps keep the chicken moist, so reheated portions remain just as delightful.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, place portions of chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. This recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the texture tender and the flavors vibrant.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Microwave reheating works too—just cover the dish to keep the moisture in and heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Either way, you’ll enjoy the rich, comforting taste as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more richness and stay juicy, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time to reach perfection.
Are sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil necessary?
Using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes is ideal because they’re more tender and flavorful, but if you only have dry ones, soaking them in warm water before using works just fine.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can adjust the amount to your taste—omit it for a milder version or increase slightly for more heat.
What should I pair this dish with for a full meal?
Mashed potatoes, pasta, or even a crisp green salad are excellent choices. Roasted or sautéed veggies also complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy, delicious experience that feels special every time you make it. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself to something indulgent, this dish offers comfort and flavor in every bite. So go ahead—give it a try, and imagine the smiles around your table as this creamy, savory chicken steals the show.
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Marry Me Chicken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a luscious, creamy chicken dish simmered in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce with parmesan and herbs. This comforting recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection and bathed in a flavorful sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes. Garnished with fresh basil and extra parmesan, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or other neutral oil)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (at room temperature)
- ½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese (at room temperature)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (more or less to taste)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
Garnish
- Chiffonaded fresh basil
- Grated fresh parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavor during cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Allow the chicken to simmer gently in the sauce for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Finally, garnish with chiffonaded fresh basil and additional grated parmesan cheese before serving warm.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in the dish.
- Room temperature heavy cream and parmesan cheese help the sauce blend smoothly and prevent curdling.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provide more flavor and richness compared to dry-packed ones.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
