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+ servings

California-Style Marry Me Chicken (30-Minute Recipe!)

Tender chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with Parmesan and herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Chicken, Dinner, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 6 oz each
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or oil from sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth low-sodium recommended
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream do not substitute with milk
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and chopped
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/3 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated from a block

Method
 

Sear the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, slice them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. In a large skillet (12-inch or larger), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook without moving them for 5-6 minutes, until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip and cook the other side for 5-6 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
  1. Reduce the heat to medium. Add a splash of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just golden.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, dried thyme, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan. Stir with a wooden spoon until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  3. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
Finish and Serve
  1. Remove from heat. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 42gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 175mgSodium: 780mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

For extra flavor, use oil from the sun-dried tomato jar instead of plain olive oil when sautéing the garlic.
Don't skip patting the chicken dry - it's essential for a good sear.
If your chicken breasts are very thick (over 1 inch), sear them for 5-7 minutes per side, then finish in a 420°F oven for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block; pre-grated varieties may not melt as smoothly.
To lighten the sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
This recipe works well with boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders - adjust cooking time accordingly.

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