Why Make This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken is a dish that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. The creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and bursts of flavor from the cherry tomatoes make it a favorite among family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a regular weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. It combines simple ingredients to create a rich and delicious meal that anyone can make. Plus, it has a fun name that promises romance, perfect for valentine’s or date night.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until well combined.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken
Serve Marry Me Chicken hot, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A fresh green salad also complements the dish nicely, adding brightness to the meal.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool down at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can warm it up in the oven or microwave. Just make sure to cover it to keep the chicken moist.
Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the chicken back in.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps the flavors meld together.
Variation
You can switch the chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you want a richer flavor. For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but make sure to completely thaw them before cooking for even cooking.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the chicken fresh before baking.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut milk or a mixture of milk and butter as a lighter alternative, but the taste will differ slightly.
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Use freshly grated for better flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh basil
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until well combined.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
Baking
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Serve hot, straight from the oven, paired with pasta, rice, or a side of crusty bread.