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This hearty Marry Me Chicken has become my go-to recipe for impressing dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The name doesn't lie—the creamy sundried tomato sauce makes it so irresistible that legend says it's prompted marriage proposals!
I first made this for my boyfriend on our anniversary, and the look on his face when he took the first bite told me everything. Now it's requested at least twice a month in our home, especially when we want to feel fancy without the fuss.
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil: crucial for achieving that perfect golden sear on your chicken
- Chicken breast cutlets: the star of the show, they cook faster and more evenly than full breasts
- Salt and pepper: the foundation of good seasoning, be generous
- Italian seasoning: brings Mediterranean herbs in one convenient blend
- Crushed red pepper flakes: adds gentle heat that elevates the sauce
- Fresh garlic cloves: always fresh for the brightest flavor
- Chicken broth or dry white wine: creates depth and helps scrape up those flavorful browned bits
- Heavy cream: creates the luxurious texture that makes this dish unforgettable
- Sundried tomatoes: concentrated bursts of sweet acidity that make this dish special
- Parmesan cheese: adds umami and thickens the sauce naturally
- Fresh herbs: brightens the finished dish and adds visual appeal
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F and allow it to fully preheat while you work on the stovetop components. This ensures even cooking when it's time to finish the chicken.
- Create Your Seasoning Blend:
- Combine salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution. This simple blend brings tremendous flavor to the chicken without overwhelming the delicate sauce.
- Prep and Sear the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for achieving a proper sear. Season both sides generously with your spice blend. Heat your oil in a skillet until it shimmers, then add the chicken. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden before flipping. The goal is color, not full cooking.
- Build the Signature Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium and add fresh garlic to the same pan, sautéing just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Pour in your chicken broth or wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits contain incredible flavor. Add heavy cream, stirring gently, then incorporate parmesan and sundried tomatoes.
- Finish in the Oven:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. If your skillet isn't oven-safe, transfer everything to a baking dish. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. The sauce will reduce slightly and the flavors will meld together perfectly.
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The sundried tomatoes are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered their magic after trying the dish with fresh tomatoes first—the concentrated flavor of sundried varieties brings a sweet intensity that transforms the sauce completely. My mother-in-law actually called me for the recipe after trying it at our house, which is the ultimate cooking compliment!
Serving Suggestions
This chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides depending on your dietary preferences. For a traditional presentation, serve over pasta like fettuccine or linguine—the sauce coats each strand perfectly. If you're keeping things low-carb, zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice make excellent foundations that allow the sauce to shine. For a company-worthy meal, I serve it alongside roasted asparagus and creamy polenta for the perfect texture contrast.
Make-Ahead Options
This recipe actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare the entire dish up to two days ahead and reheat gently in a 325°F oven until warmed through. The sauce may thicken in the refrigerator, so add a splash of chicken broth when reheating if needed. For meal prep, portion into individual containers with your side of choice for easy lunches throughout the week.
Ingredient Swaps
If sundried tomatoes are unavailable, roasted red peppers make a surprisingly good substitute—just chop them finely and proceed as directed. Thigh meat works wonderfully in place of breast cutlets for those who prefer darker meat, though cooking time may increase slightly. For a lighter version, half and half can replace heavy cream, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. When serving those avoiding alcohol, always opt for chicken broth rather than wine.
Common Queries
- → How do you ensure chicken breasts stay juicy?
Searing the chicken over medium-high heat helps lock in moisture before finishing in the oven, ensuring a juicy, tender result.
- → Can I substitute sundried tomatoes?
Roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes can be used, though sundried tomatoes offer a unique, concentrated flavor.
- → Is an oven-safe skillet necessary?
No, simply transfer the chicken and sauce to a greased casserole dish for baking if your skillet isn't oven-safe.
- → What can I serve alongside this chicken?
Pair with pasta, mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- → Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, prepare up to the baking step, refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for optimal freshness.