Try this Marry Me Chicken recipe – tender chicken in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. An easy, delicious dish that’s sure to impress!”
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook chicken breasts in the skillet for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add heavy cream to the skillet and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in Parmesan cheese, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Return chicken breasts to the skillet and coat with the creamy sauce. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Main dish
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Keywords: creamy chicken, garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, romantic dinner, weeknight dinner, savory chicken, chicken dinner
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 350-400 calories per serving (varies depending on portion size and ingredients used)
Marry Me Chicken Recipe – Creamy, Flavorful & Irresistible
If you’re searching for a chicken recipe that’s practically guaranteed to win hearts, look no further. Marry Me Chicken is tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Whether you’re cooking a romantic dinner, a family meal, or an easy weeknight supper, this dish is a showstopper that always delivers. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare and how elegant it looks on the table.
It’s no wonder this recipe has become an internet legend—one bite, and you’ll see why it’s called “Marry Me Chicken.” Creamy, savory, and full of bold flavors, it’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet requires minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- One Skillet: Minimal cleanup means you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
- Romantic & Comforting: The rich sauce and tender chicken make it special enough for date night.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the creamy garlic flavor.
- Customizable: Simple to adapt with extra veggies, pasta, or different cheeses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These wholesome ingredients create a decadent sauce that pairs perfectly with the seared chicken breasts.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
This dish comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how to create a creamy skillet chicken dinner that will impress everyone at your table.
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover lightly with foil.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Make the sauce: Pour in heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook for about 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken is heated through.
- Finish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Try these ideas to complete your meal:
- Pasta: Serve over linguine, fettuccine, or penne to soak up all that luscious sauce.
- Mashed potatoes: A perfect comfort food combination.
- Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus balance the richness.
- Crusty bread: Use slices of warm bread to mop up every drop of sauce.
- Rice or cauliflower rice: Great for a gluten-free option.
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary for the best golden crust.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and add extra salt or pepper if needed.
- Let the chicken rest: Resting helps the juices redistribute for perfectly tender meat.
- Garnish generously: Fresh basil or parsley brightens the flavors and adds a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prep this recipe ahead of time, you can:
- Cook the chicken: Sear and cook the chicken, then let it cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Make the sauce separately: Prepare the sauce and refrigerate in a jar.
- Reheat gently: Warm the sauce in a skillet over low heat, add the chicken, and cook until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize Marry Me Chicken to suit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Swap the protein: Use boneless thighs or pork chops instead of chicken breasts.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Try different herbs: Fresh thyme or oregano work beautifully in place of basil.
- Lighten it up: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream (the sauce will be thinner).
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay juicy. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or full-fat coconut milk can all be substituted, though the texture will vary.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast—165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature.
Can I freeze leftovers?
You can freeze cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (approximate)
- Calories: 350–400
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
- Sodium: 350 mg
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This Marry Me Chicken recipe is easy, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. It’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Serve it for a special occasion—or just because you deserve something delicious.