- Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear them for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they have a nice golden crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Add the fresh basil and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, adjust the seasoning of the sauce if needed. Serve the chicken breasts with a generous amount of the creamy sauce spooned over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
Marry Me Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a low-carb option, consider serving it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. If you’re not watching your carbs, it’s fantastic with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken Size: If your chicken breasts are particularly large, you might want to slice them horizontally to make them thinner, which will help them cook more evenly and quickly.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Fresh Herbs: Using fresh basil and parsley really elevates the flavor of the dish, but if you don’t have them on hand, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use them sparingly.
This “Marry Me Chicken” recipe is sure to become a favorite for its delightful flavors and the ease with which it can be prepared. Perfect for a romantic dinner or when you want to impress your guests, it’s a dish that speaks the language of love through food. Enjoy crafting this delectable meal that might just get you a marriage proposal!