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Marry Me Chicken: tender seared chicken pieces in a vibrant creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, topped with chopped fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. The dish is surrounded by small bunches of wild rosemary, thyme, lavender flowers, and other fresh herbs arranged on a rustic wooden table next to a silver fork and knife.
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Marry Me Chicken Recipe | Legendary Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Madhu Savara

The Marry Me Chicken Recipe is a rich, creamy, and flavour-packed chicken dish that has won the hearts of home cooks across the world. Tender chicken breasts are lightly pan-seared until golden and then gently simmered in a velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and seasonings. The result is a restaurant-style meal that looks impressive yet is surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian-American
Keyword American Chicken Recipe, Chicken Breast Recipe, Comfort Food, Creamy Chicken Recipe, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, Date Night Dinner, Easy Chicken Dinner, Family Dinner Recipe, Garlic Parmesan Chicken, High Protein Chicken Recipe, Marry Me Chicken Recipe, One-Pan Chicken Recipe, Restaurant Style Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 People
Author Madhu Savara

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan, TongsMeat mallet (optional, for pounding chicken)Sharp knife and cutting boardMeasuring cups/spoonsWhisk

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 900 g / 2 lb)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour for lightly coating the chicken
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • For Garnishing
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves chopped
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional
  • Freshly cracked black pepper optional

Instructions

  • ## How to Make Marry Me Chicken
  • ### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  • Pat the chicken breasts dry with a kitchen towel. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lightly coat each piece with all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This helps create a beautiful golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce.
  • ### Step 2: Sear the Chicken
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer it to a plate and keep aside.
  • ### Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
  • Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, then stir for a few seconds.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 2 minutes.
  • ### Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • ### Step 5: Finish the Chicken
  • Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over each piece. Cover and cook on low heat for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of **74°C (165°F)**.
  • ### Optional Oven Method
  • For extra tender and juicy chicken, preheat the oven to **190°C (375°F)**. After placing the chicken back into the sauce, transfer the oven-safe skillet to the preheated oven and bake for **10–12 minutes**, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
  • ### Step 6: Garnish and Serve
  • Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil and, if desired, a little extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve the **Marry Me Chicken** hot with buttered pasta, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or warm crusty bread.

Notes

Madhu Savara's Tips

  • Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
  • Do not overcook the chicken. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
  • Reserve a little oil from the sun-dried tomatoes and use it for searing the chicken to enhance the flavour.
  • Simmer the sauce over low to medium heat to prevent the cream from curdling.
  • Taste the sauce before adding extra salt, as Parmesan cheese is naturally salty.

Variations

  • Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or cooking cream for a lighter sauce.
  • Spicy Version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add finely chopped fresh red chillies for extra heat.
  • Juicier Chicken: Replace chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavour and juicier texture.
  • Add Vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Toss the creamy sauce with cooked fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti for a delicious pasta meal.