One-Pan Marry Me Chicken: A Dish to Fall in Love With

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If you’re looking for a recipe that’s rich, creamy, and sure to impress, One-Pan Marry Me Chicken is your answer. The name itself sparks curiosity—why “marry me”? The story goes that this dish is so irresistibly delicious, it might just inspire a proposal after the first bite. Even if no one gets down on one knee, this recipe will win hearts, one plate at a time.

With tender chicken breasts, a velvety sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, all cooked in a single skillet, this meal combines elegance and simplicity. You can create a restaurant-quality dish without the mess of multiple pans. Ready to wow yourself and others? Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love One-Pan Marry Me Chicken

This dish is a perfect storm of flavor, ease, and versatility. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

  • Minimal Cleanup: One skillet is all you need.
  • Incredible Flavor: A creamy tomato-garlic sauce wraps the chicken in pure magic.
  • Quick Yet Impressive: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
  • Customizable: Pair with pasta, rice, or even roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make this dreamy dish:

IngredientQuantity
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts4 (2 to 2 ½ pounds total)
Kosher salt1 ½ teaspoons, divided
Olive oil2 tablespoons, divided
Sun-dried tomato oil1 tablespoon
Garlic cloves, minced3
Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped½ cup (about 2 ½ ounces)
Red pepper flakes¼ teaspoon
Tomato paste1 tablespoon
Low-sodium chicken broth½ cup
Heavy cream½ cup
Fresh basil leaves2 sprigs, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

  • Place each chicken breast in a resealable plastic bag. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken to an even ½-inch thickness.
  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.

2. Sear the Chicken

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Add two chicken breasts at a time, searing each side for 3–5 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken using another tablespoon of olive oil.

3. Build the Flavorful Base

  • Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil and let it heat up.
  • Toss in the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Create the Sauce

  • Mix in the tomato paste, letting it cook until darkened (1–2 minutes).
  • Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Scrape the skillet’s bottom with a wooden spoon to release all the browned bits. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Return the Chicken to the Pan

  • Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated in sauce.
  • Cover and simmer for 4–7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.

6. Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the chicken. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Pairing Suggestions

This luscious dish deserves equally tasty sides. Here are some ideas:

  • Pasta: Toss your favorite pasta in the creamy sauce for an indulgent pairing.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully.
  • Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus provide a fresh contrast.
  • Crusty Bread: Mop up every last bit of that velvety sauce.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches for a crisp, golden crust.
  • Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures it cooks uniformly and stays tender.
  • Adjust Spice Level: Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and garlic elevate the dish’s flavor profile.

Nutritional Information

NutrientPer Serving
Calories420
Protein38g
Carbohydrates8g
Fat26g
Sodium740mg

FAQs About One-Pan Marry Me Chicken

1. Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?

The dish earned its name because it’s so delicious, it might inspire a marriage proposal! The creamy, flavorful sauce is simply irresistible.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, combining them just before serving.

3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk works as a lighter alternative.

4. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely! With minimal carbs, this dish fits perfectly into a keto meal plan.

5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and add extra juiciness to the dish.

6. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the sauce from breaking.

Why You Should Make This Tonight

One-Pan Marry Me Chicken isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in. Its rich flavors and creamy textures will leave everyone raving for more.

So, grab your skillet and get cooking. Who knows? This dish might just change your life—or at least your dinner plans.

Try It Out Today!

Don’t wait for a special occasion to whip up this incredible dish. With its easy preparation and unforgettable flavor, One-Pan Marry Me Chicken is perfect for any night of the week. Ready to fall in love? Start cooking now!

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One-Pan Marry Me Chicken: A Dish to Fall in Love With


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  • Author: Stacy
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

If you’re craving a dish that combines rich, creamy textures and incredible flavor, One-Pan Marry Me Chicken is the way to go. This meal is a perfect mix of tender chicken breasts and a velvety sun-dried tomato garlic sauce. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this dish will impress anyone who tries it. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.


Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 to 2 ½ pounds total)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (about 2 ½ ounces)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 sprigs fresh basil, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken
    Place each chicken breast in a resealable plastic bag and pound it to an even ½-inch thickness. Pat dry and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
  • Sear the Chicken
    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts, 2 at a time, for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Set aside.
  • Build the Flavor Base
    Lower the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil. Toss in minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes, stirring for 30 seconds.
  • Create the Sauce
    Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Scrape the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Simmer for 2-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Return the Chicken to the Pan
    Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, ensuring it’s coated in the sauce. Cover and simmer for 4-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
  • Garnish and Serve
    Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the chicken and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches for an even, crispy crust.
  • Pound the Chicken Evenly: Ensures uniform cooking and a tender result.
  • Adjust Spice Level: Modify the red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and garlic elevate the flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American, Italian

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