Ina Garten Style Marry Me Chicken Recipe

This Ina Garten Style Marry Me Chicken Recipe is a creamy and savory dish, which includes sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 35 minutes.

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Ina Garten Style Marry Me Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), sliced
• 3/4 cup chicken stock
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

How To Make Ina Garten Style Marry Me Chicken Recipe

1. Season and sear the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Build the flavor base: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
3. Deglaze the pan: Pour in chicken stock, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to slightly reduce.
4. Make the creamy sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, Dijon mustard (if using), and thyme. Simmer the sauce for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine and heat through: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Simmer on low for 5 more minutes until the chicken is heated through and coated in the sauce.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless thighs also work and remain juicy.
• How to make the sauce thicker: Let it simmer uncovered a bit longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water.
• What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes? Try roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes if needed.
• Can I skip the cream? You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, but the sauce may be less rich.
• Is this dish good for meal prep? Yes, it reheats well and can be stored for a few days.

What To Serve With Marry Me Chicken

This rich and creamy chicken dish pairs perfectly with:

• Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
• Buttered noodles or pasta
• Steamed green beans or asparagus
• Roasted vegetables
• A simple mixed greens salad

How To Store Marry Me Chicken

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Marry Me Chicken Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 480
• Total Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 630mg
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 37g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
The name comes from how irresistible the dish is—it’s said to be so good it could inspire a marriage proposal.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives, though the flavor may vary.

How do I keep chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook it. Sear just until golden, then finish cooking gently in the sauce.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger skillet or pot to accommodate extra chicken and sauce.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm slowly in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Turkey Roulade Recipe
• Ina Garten Grown Up Mac And Cheese Recipe
• Ina Garten Chicken With Morels Recipe