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Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

creamy one-pan marry me chicken - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan chicken dish featuring a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, perfect for cozy dinners and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g), pounded slightly for even cooking
  • 1/3 cup chopped, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drain excess oil; use dried if needed, but soak first)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth, low sodium
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each breast to about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through (internal temp about 150°F / 65°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  4. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Let simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently and let the sauce thicken for 3-4 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Nestle the chicken breasts back into the sauce. Spoon sauce over each breast, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer on low heat for 7-10 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
  7. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the dish before serving.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, whisk in a splash more chicken broth or cream to loosen. If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. Do not overcrowd pan when searing chicken to maintain a golden crust. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Parmesan cheese should be added last to prevent clumping. For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken, one-pan chicken, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, creamy sauce, weeknight meal