Description
Creamy marry me chicken promises a romantic Italian-inspired dinner that will win hearts at first bite. Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream create an irresistible sauce you cannot resist sharing with someone special.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 8 oz each)
- 3 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (coarsely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil leaves (torn, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil, garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until aromatic, about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir and simmer the sauce, seasoning with additional salt.
- Return chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s completely covered with the creamy sauce. Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Ladle the rich, velvety sauce over the chicken. Finish by scattering fresh torn basil leaves on top for a vibrant, herbaceous garnish. Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and fragrant.
Notes
- Achieve golden-brown perfection by patting chicken dry before seasoning, ensuring a crispy exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a lighter, diet-friendly version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using sweet paprika for a milder kick that suits different taste preferences.
- Experiment with protein alternatives like tofu or turkey breast to create versatile, dietary-friendly adaptations of this delectable dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg