Description
Experience love at first bite with this Original Marry Me Chicken recipe, featuring tender seared chicken breasts baked in a rich, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, thyme, and Parmesan, finished with fresh basil for a vibrant touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Chicken thighs can be substituted for more juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (Sea salt can be used as an alternative)
- 1 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil (Avocado oil is a great substitute)
Sauce
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves, finely chopped (Garlic powder can be used for convenience)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme leaves (Dried thyme works in a pinch)
- 1/4 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (Omit for a milder flavor)
- 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth (Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (Substitute with fresh tomatoes if preferred)
- 1 cup Heavy cream (Coconut cream is a dairy-free substitute)
- 1/2 cup Finely grated Parmesan (Nutritional yeast is an excellent vegan alternative)
- 1 cup Torn fresh basil (Parsley can be used as a replacement)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sear the chicken in the hot oil until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Prepare the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet. In the same pan, add the chopped garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the low-sodium chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Bake the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the creamy sauce in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and it is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the chicken breasts to a serving plate, spoon the luscious sauce generously over each piece, and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier dish.
- Sea salt can substitute kosher salt if preferred.
- Garlic powder can be used instead of fresh garlic for convenience.
- Dried thyme works in place of fresh thyme if necessary.
- Crushed red pepper flakes can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version, though the dish will no longer have chicken.
- Fresh tomatoes can substitute sun-dried tomatoes if preferred.
- Coconut cream is a great dairy-free substitute for heavy cream.
- Nutritional yeast is an excellent vegan alternative to Parmesan cheese.
- Parsley can replace fresh basil as garnish if desired.
