Introduction
Marry Me Chicken is the internet sensation that lives up to its romantic name. This dish is so rich, savory, and utterly irresistible that legend claims serving it could lead to a marriage proposal. Originating from Tuscan chicken recipes, this version distinguishes itself with a luxurious, velvety sauce built on heavy cream, sharp Parmesan cheese, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for a special occasion, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a staple in modern comfort cooking.
Ingredients
- 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 600g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (15g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (75g)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- ½ cup chicken broth (120 ml)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-step Preparation
- Prepare and Sear the Chicken (5-7 minutes): Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets (this ensures faster, more even cooking). Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics (2 minutes): Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for about 90 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, ensuring it does not burn.
- Build the Cream Sauce (4 minutes): Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds depth of flavor. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer, then stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning (2 minutes): Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and homogeneous. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Tip: Always use freshly grated Parmesan, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Finish the Dish (10-15 minutes): Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, nesting them gently into the cream sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat. Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and ensuring it is heated through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Serve: Garnish generously with fresh basil or parsley before serving immediately.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is inherently rich due to the heavy cream and cheese content. Per serving (based on 4 servings), Marry Me Chicken typically contains approximately 580–650 calories, 45–50g of protein, 40–45g of fat, and 5–8g of carbohydrates. It is an excellent source of lean protein and calcium. Due to the high saturated fat content, it is best enjoyed in moderation or as an occasional treat.
Storage
Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Cream-based sauces tend to separate when reheated, especially in the microwave. For the best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s smooth consistency.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is a testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients. The balance between the richness of the cream, the savory chicken, and the bright acidity of the sun-dried tomatoes is truly spectacular. It pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, a light pasta like linguine, or served simply alongside crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the sauce. For a variation, consider adding a handful of fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms when you add the sun-dried tomatoes.