Description
Creamy Garlic Marry Me Chicken is a luscious, flavorful skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. This comforting recipe combines savory spices and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, making it an irresistible entrée great for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry to ensure a good sear. If needed, slice thick breasts into thinner cutlets for even cooking. Season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika to create a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add unsalted butter and allow it to melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This step enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon sauce over each piece to coat well. Simmer on medium-low heat for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm with your choice of pasta, rice, potatoes, or vegetables.
Notes
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness or slice thick pieces into cutlets.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth; you can substitute with roasted red peppers if desired.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be gently reheated on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Creamy Garlic Chicken, Marry Me Chicken, Chicken with Cream Sauce, Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken, Skillet Chicken Recipe
