Marry Me Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream or dairy-free substitute (coconut cream) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Marry Me Chicken. Start with the chicken. I use four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Next, you'll need olive oil for searing the chicken. A tablespoon is enough to get that nice golden crust. The spices are where the flavor starts. I use garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Each adds depth to the dish. Don't forget salt and black pepper. They help balance the flavors. For a burst of color and taste, add sun-dried tomatoes. Chopping one cup gives you a sweet, tangy punch. Cream makes this dish rich. I prefer heavy cream, but you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. One cup will create a velvety sauce. Parmesan cheese is a must. One cup adds a salty, nutty flavor that pairs well with the cream. Lastly, fresh spinach brightens up the dish. Two cups, roughly chopped, make it colorful and healthy. Top it off with fresh basil leaves for a lovely finish. They add freshness and aroma to your plate. Now you’re ready to make a meal that tastes as good as it sounds! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to cooking the chicken evenly. While the oven heats, season both sides of the chicken breasts. Use garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to rub the spices well for a full flavor. Next, grab a large oven-safe skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear each side for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds a nice crust. Once browned, place the chicken on a plate to rest. In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them for about 2 minutes. This will help bring out their rich taste. Then, pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently until it simmers but does not boil. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts. The sauce will become creamy and smooth. Finally, add the chopped spinach, stirring until it wilts and turns bright green. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Make sure to spoon some of the sauce over each piece. Carefully move the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, take the skillet out and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy goodness of this dish! To sear chicken well, use a hot skillet. I like to warm the olive oil until it shimmers. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This adds flavor. Sear each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Don't overcrowd the pan. This helps keep the heat high and the chicken crispy. For a thicker sauce, add more Parmesan cheese. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk. Stir it in slowly until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, the sauce should coat the chicken without being runny. To serve, place the chicken on a plate and drizzle with sauce. Add fresh basil leaves on top for color. This makes the dish look great. Serve with creamy garlic mashed potatoes or a green salad. This adds balance and makes your meal complete. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the flavor of the dish. Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a beautiful golden crust. Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, add more broth or a splash of white wine instead of using only heavy cream. Serve with Style: Pair the dish with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. {{image_4}} You can change the spinach and cheese in Marry Me Chicken to fit your taste. Try kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach. Both add a nice flavor and color. For cheese, goat cheese or feta gives a tangy taste. You can even leave out cheese if you want a lighter dish. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream for coconut cream. This change keeps the dish creamy while adding a subtle coconut flavor. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy taste without dairy. You can also add a bit of lemon juice for extra brightness. Feel free to add other veggies to the dish. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms work great. Just chop them small so they cook well. Sauté them with the sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. You can mix and match based on what you have at home. This dish can become your own creation! To store your leftover Marry Me Chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. Reheat your Marry Me Chicken in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking often. You can freeze Marry Me Chicken for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. Marry Me Chicken is a creamy chicken dish that warms the heart. It uses chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich cream sauce. This dish is famous for its delicious flavor and tender chicken. Many say it’s so good, it might even lead to a proposal! Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs have more fat, making them juicy and flavorful. Just ensure they cook fully to 165°F (75°C). The cooking time may change slightly, so check for doneness. To make Marry Me Chicken gluten-free, stick to gluten-free ingredients. Use gluten-free flour or skip flour altogether. Ensure your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish! Marry Me Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Creamy garlic mashed potatoes - Simple green salad - Steamed asparagus - Roasted vegetables - Garlic bread These sides enhance the meal and balance the rich chicken flavor. Cooking chicken in the oven takes about 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy. You learned how to make Marry Me Chicken and why it’s so loved. With just a handful of ingredients and some easy steps, you can whip up this dish. Remember to choose your favorite cheese or veggies for your own twist. Proper storage and reheating help keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy sharing this meal with loved ones. A great dish like this brings joy and smiles to your table, making any occasion special. Happy cooking!$

A creamy and flavorful chicken dish that is sure to impress.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and black pepper
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's hot and ready for the chicken.
In a large, oven-safe skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
When the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow their rich flavors to develop.
Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer, taking care not to let it boil. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and transforms the sauce into a creamy delight.
Add the rough-chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce until wilted and vibrant green.
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring to spoon some of the luscious sauce over the top of each piece.
Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves for a bright finish, then serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy garlic mashed potatoes or a refreshing simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, easy