Marry Me Chicken

Ingredients

• 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp fresh basil

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. If any breast is much thicker than the others, gently pound it to an even thickness so all pieces finish together.
2. Step 2.Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken without crowding the pan and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden, then transfer it to a clean plate.
3. Step 3.Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, minced garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but still pale and the tomatoes soften slightly.
4. Step 4.Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release the browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes so the broth reduces and carries the concentrated pan flavor into the sauce.
5. Step 5.Add the heavy cream, oregano, and red pepper flakes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep the heat moderate so the cream stays smooth instead of boiling rapidly and separating.
6. Step 6.Stir in the Parmesan a little at a time until it melts into the sauce. Simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon.
7. Step 7.Return the chicken and any juices on the plate to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the pieces and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until the chicken reaches at least 165°F in the thickest part.
8. Step 8.Taste the sauce before adding more salt because Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes contribute plenty of savory flavor. Add a splash of broth if the sauce becomes thicker than you prefer.
9. Step 9.Remove the pan from the heat and scatter fresh basil over the chicken. Let the dish stand for 2–3 minutes so the sauce settles and the basil releases its aroma without turning dark.
10. Step 10.Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to catch the sauce. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat gently so the cream sauce stays as smooth as possible.