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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe Easy Rich Tomato Sauce Dinner

creamy marry me chicken - featured image

A quick and easy creamy marry me chicken with a rich tomato sauce that balances silky creaminess with tangy tomato and a hint of heat, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste (about 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (10 minutes prep)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. (12 minutes)
  3. Lower heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute. (3 minutes)
  4. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Let simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly. (5 minutes)
  5. Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in 1 cup heavy cream. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  6. Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over them. Simmer for another 2 minutes to meld flavors and warm through. Stir in fresh chopped basil just before serving. (3 minutes)

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure a nice crust. Let broth reduce before adding cream to deepen flavor. Stir gently after adding cream and cheese to avoid curdling. If sauce is too thin, add cornstarch slurry; if too thick, add broth or cream. Fresh basil added at the end keeps flavor bright. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently and stir in broth or cream if sauce thickens.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy marry me chicken, tomato sauce chicken, easy chicken dinner, creamy tomato chicken, quick chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food