Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Discover the best Marry Me Chicken recipe! This creamy, flavorful chicken dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, perfect for romantic dinners or easy family meals. Quick to make and packed with Italian-inspired flavors, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or vegetables. Learn tips, substitutions, and serving ideas for this crowd-pleasing favorite. Try this Marry Me Chicken recipe today for a restaurant-quality dish made at home!

Ingredients

Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce:

• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• ½ chicken bouillon cube or ½ teaspoon Better Than Bouillon
• ½ cup half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (see notes)
• ½ cup white wine (see notes)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and diced
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese (room temperature)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Sauce Seasonings:

• ¾ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon each: dried oregano, dried basil, mustard powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Prep Work:

1. In a large measuring cup, combine chicken broth, bouillon, half-and-half, honey, hot sauce, and sauce seasonings. Mix well and set aside.
2. Measure out all remaining ingredients before starting.

Make the Chicken:

1. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Cover with plastic wrap and pound to ½-inch thickness using the textured side of a meat mallet.
2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle flour over the chicken and rub it evenly to coat. (The flour adds texture, prevents sticking, and helps thicken the sauce.)
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

1. Turn off the heat and add white wine to the skillet. Set heat to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom (this “fond” adds flavor to the sauce). Bring to a gentle bubble and reduce by half, about 3 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Melt butter in the skillet, then add flour. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually add the prepared chicken broth mixture in small splashes, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
5. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until fully incorporated, then gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and the sauce to thicken further.
8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The creamy, tangy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes is irresistible.
• Easy to Make: Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion.
• Versatile: Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
• Impressive Presentation: A restaurant-quality dish made right at home.

Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality Parmesan enhance the flavors.
• Don’t Skip the Wine: It adds depth to the sauce, but chicken broth can be substituted if needed.
• Cook Chicken Evenly: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender.
• Pre-Mix the Sauce: Having the sauce ingredients ready beforehand saves time and ensures smooth cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Use pork chops, turkey cutlets, or tofu for a different take.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or mushrooms.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for half-and-half and use dairy-free Parmesan.
• Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta or rice.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken separately. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat together before serving.

What can I use instead of white wine?
Substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth and a teaspoon of lemon juice for acidity.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over fettuccine, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta.
• Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Complement with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.

Enjoy this Marry Me Chicken recipe, a flavorful and creamy dish that’s sure to impress!