Easy Marry Me Chicken: A Quick and Delicious Chicken Dinner

When it comes to quick and easy weeknight dinners, Marry Me Chicken is the perfect go-to recipe. This easy chicken dinner is not only delicious but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy nights when you want something that feels special yet requires minimal effort. With its creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream, this dish is sure to win hearts – hence the name Marry Me Chicken. It’s the ultimate chicken dish that combines simplicity with a rich, indulgent taste, making it a favorite in any household.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the easy Marry Me Chicken recipe, offer tips for preparing it in an Instant Pot, and highlight why this quick and easy chicken dinner will become one of your favorite recipes for dinner.

What Makes Marry Me Chicken So Irresistible?

Why is Marry Me Chicken called “Marry Me”? It’s said that the rich, creamy sauce is so delightful that anyone who eats it might just be swept off their feet. But aside from its delicious name, this dish offers an incredible blend of flavors that make it irresistible.

Quick and Effortless: Despite being a luxurious dish, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From romantic dinners to weeknight meals, it suits any occasion.
Rich and Flavorful: A perfect balance of creamy, savory flavors that make this dish stand out.
One-Pan Wonder: It’s simple to clean up after a delicious meal with just one pan!

Ingredients for Easy Marry Me Chicken

To create the quick and easy chicken dinner you’ll love, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe because they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

- Heavy Cream: This adds the luscious, creamy texture to the sauce that makes the dish feel rich and indulgent.

- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan brings a savory depth to the sauce and melts seamlessly into the cream, creating a velvety texture.

- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, aromatic base to the sauce, which complements the other ingredients perfectly.

- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These provide a burst of tangy, umami flavor that enhances the overall richness of the sauce.

- Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and ensuring it gets golden and crispy on the outside.

- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.

Fresh Herbs (Optional): A sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley for garnish adds color and freshness to the dish.

How to Make Easy Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Lower the heat to medium, and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. This allows the tomatoes to release their intense flavor into the pan.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the cream simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Then, add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the cream, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 3: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the rich sauce.

Step 4: Serve

Once the chicken is tender and the sauce is bubbling, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a pop of color and a burst of freshness. Serve the Marry Me Chicken with your favorite sides, such as garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

Cooking Marry Me Chicken in an Instant Pot

If you’re short on time and want to make Marry Me Chicken in a fraction of the time, the Instant Pot is a great option. Here’s how to make this dish in your Instant Pot:

Instant Pot Method:

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode, and add olive oil. Brown the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, then remove and set them aside.
Add garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Place the chicken back into the pot.
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual high pressure for 6-7 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release and remove the chicken. Stir the sauce to combine the flavors, and serve the chicken with the creamy sauce.

Using the Instant Pot not only saves time but also locks in all the delicious flavors. It’s a perfect way to get a gourmet meal on the table quickly.

Why This Is the Perfect Easy Chicken Dinner

Quick and Effortless: With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, Marry Me Chicken is an excellent choice for an easy chicken dinner.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or a family gathering, this dish suits any occasion.
Flavors You’ll Love: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan creates a rich and mouthwatering flavor.
One Pan Wonder: Less cleanup with just one skillet or Instant Pot to wash after a delicious meal.

Variations to Try

Add Spices: For a spicy twist, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
Add Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
Use Chicken Thighs: Swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor.