Introduction

Creamy Garlic Marry Me Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. It’s easy to make and sure to impress!

The image shows a plate with a white marbled background holding a serving of golden brown grilled chicken breast cut into thick slices arranged in a row. The chicken is covered with a creamy sauce speckled with green herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes are placed on top, adding a dark red color contrast. To the side, there is a smooth pile of pale yellow mashed potatoes. A fork held by a woman's hand is gently lifting one slice of chicken. Fresh green mint leaves are placed at the back for a touch of fresh color. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon paprika

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

Step 1: Pat the chicken dry and slice thick breasts into thinner cutlets if needed. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden, then transfer it to a plate.

Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer on medium-low for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F and the sauce is creamy.

Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm with pasta, rice, potatoes, or vegetables.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian seasoning and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.

Substitute sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a different twist.

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich and creamy.

Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for more vegetables.

If you don’t have fresh basil or parsley, dried herbs can be used, but add them earlier in the cooking process to release their flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and other ingredients do not contain gluten. Always check labels if you have gluten sensitivities.