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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Tomato Basil Sauce Easy and Best

creamy marry me chicken - featured image

A quick and easy creamy marry me chicken with tomato basil sauce that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, comforting sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and cream. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • Salt and pepper, to season
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred, drained slightly)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml) (alternatives: half-and-half or coconut cream)
  • ½ cup fresh basil, chopped (substitute with dried basil if needed)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but highly recommended)
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Avoid moving them too much to develop a nice sear. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. (10 minutes)
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. (1 minute)
  4. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often. (2 minutes)
  5. Pour in chicken broth while scraping up browned bits from the skillet. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly. (4 minutes)
  6. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream, chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Whisk gently and let sauce thicken for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. (5 minutes)
  7. Nestle chicken breasts back into the skillet, spoon sauce over them. Cover and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). (7 minutes)
  8. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Brown the chicken properly for a flavorful crust. Keep heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling. Fresh basil added at the end brightens the sauce. If sauce is too thick, add more broth or cream; if too thin, simmer longer uncovered. Rest chicken after browning to keep it juicy. Can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter or dairy-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy marry me chicken, tomato basil sauce, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce