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Marry Me Chicken

Seared chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce, the perennial viral skillet dinner people swear will get you a proposal.

35 minMediumServes 4560 cal/serving

ItalianDinnerStovetopStandardHigh ProteinLow CarbNut-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded even
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, cracked
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 4 leaves fresh basil, torn

Instructions

  1. 1

    Season the 2 lbs pounded even boneless skinless chicken breasts on both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper, then dust lightly with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.

  3. 3

    Lower the heat to medium, add 4 cloves minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

  5. 5

    Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.

  6. 6

    Whisk in 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.

  7. 7

    Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 2 more minutes to warm through.

  8. 8

    Scatter 4 leaves torn fresh basil over the top and serve the chicken with the sauce spooned generously over each piece.

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Questions

What is Marry Me Chicken?

Seared chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce, the perennial viral skillet dinner people swear will get you a proposal. This reference files it under Italian dinner: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 35 minutes start to finish.

Why rest the meat in Marry Me Chicken?

Step 2 reads: "Transfer to a plate and tent with foil." Heat drives the juices toward the center. The rest in step 2 lets them spread back out, so they stay in the meat instead of running onto the board when you cut.

Is there a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes in Marry Me Chicken?

The entry for Marry Me Chicken calls for 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped. In its place: A tablespoon of tomato paste plus chopped roasted red peppers gives the concentrated tomato flavor and the chew.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in Marry Me Chicken?

Yes. Boneless thighs at the same weight are more forgiving and stay juicier. Give them two to four minutes longer; they are at their best around 175 F rather than 165 F. As written, the entry for Marry Me Chicken uses 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded even.

Is Marry Me Chicken spicy?

Moderately. The heat in Marry Me Chicken comes from 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. For a milder plate, halve the pepper flakes; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Marry Me Chicken is 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated. Swap the cream for full-fat coconut milk or an oat cooking cream; the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How many calories are in Marry Me Chicken?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 560 calories, with 42 g protein, 12 g carbohydrate and 28 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 720 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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