Marry Me Chicken (35 Minutes)

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Marry Me Chicken is a dish so deliciously captivating, it’s said to have the power to elicit a marriage proposal!

Featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed in a sumptuous cream sauce, this dish is enriched with the bold flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, red pepper flakes, and basil. The addition of crispy fried bacon adds a savory crunch that perfectly complements the creamy texture.

It’s an ideal meal for a romantic dinner or when you want to create a special dining experience at home. This dish is not just about the taste; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together in a harmonious and impressive way.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped and fried until crispy
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for frying
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken (5 minutes): Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken breasts until golden and cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
  2. Cook Bacon (10 minutes): In the same skillet, fry the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
  3. Make Cream Sauce (10 minutes): In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, red pepper flakes, and dried basil. Bring to a simmer and let cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce (5 minutes): Return the chicken breasts to the skillet with the cream sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat well.
  5. Serve (5 minutes): Serve the chicken hot, topped with crispy bacon, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Notes

The secret to Marry Me Chicken is in the sauce – it should be creamy but not too thick, with a balance of tanginess from the sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes. The chicken should be perfectly cooked to remain tender and juicy.

Crispy bacon adds a delightful contrast in texture. Serve this dish with a side of pasta, rice, or bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s a dish that promises not just a feast for the taste buds but also a memorable culinary experience. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Pair this with...

Garlic Breadsticks

To whip up a batch of garlic breadsticks, start with a basic dough mixture of flour, water, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Knead until smooth and let it rise until doubled. Once risen, divide the dough into even portions and roll each into the classic breadstick shape. Place them on a baking sheet with a little space in between. While they take a short rest, melt some butter and mix in minced garlic, a touch of salt, and perhaps some chopped parsley for a fresh twist. Brush this delightful garlic butter mixture over the top of each breadstick. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until they're golden brown and emit that irresistible garlic aroma. Once out of the oven, give them another quick brush with the remaining garlic butter for good measure.

Parmesan and Lemon Broccolini

Start with fresh broccolini, ensuring they're cleaned and trimmed. Lay them out on a baking sheet, so they've got some space to get nice and crispy. Drizzle with olive oil, letting it coat each stalk with a shiny gloss. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the broccolini, ensuring each piece gets its fair share of cheesy goodness. Into a preheated oven they go, roasting until they're tender with crispy, golden edges. Just before serving, zest a lemon over the top, adding a bright, zingy contrast to the savory Parmesan. Perhaps a squeeze of fresh lemon juice too, for an extra kick.

Simple Green Salad

Begin by selecting crisp lettuce leaves, giving them a thorough wash and a gentle pat dry. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them as the foundation of your salad. Next, slice ripe tomatoes, their juicy segments promising a burst of sweetness. Add these to the lettuce, their vibrant red contrasting beautifully against the green. For a refreshing crunch, slice a cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, layering them amongst the other ingredients. For dressing, a light drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice will enhance the salad's natural flavors without overshadowing them. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and any herbs of your choosing.

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Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!