- Prep the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Brown the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cover and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the chicken is done, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish the dish with fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Marry Me Chicken is best served over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad complements the meal perfectly.
Tips:
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: You can use either oil-packed or dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes. If using oil-packed, you might want to reduce the amount of olive oil used for browning the chicken.
- Cream Substitute: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and a tablespoon of flour to help thicken the sauce. However, the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Storing Leftovers: Leftover Marry Me Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce needs thinning.
Enjoy your Marry Me Chicken, a dish so delightful it just might elicit love at first bite!