The magic begins by coating the chicken breasts in a light dusting of plain flour, which helps seal in the juices and creates a golden crust when pan-fried. The chicken is then simmered in a creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun dried tomatoes, paprika, and oregano a combination that delivers bold and unforgettable flavors. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth, while fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon juice brighten the dish just before serving.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion from date nights and family gatherings to dinner parties where you want to impress your guests. It pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the incredible sauce.
The key to getting the best results is to cook the chicken evenly and avoid overcooking it. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Another tip is to add the lemon juice only after turning off the heat to prevent curdling this keeps the sauce silky smooth.
While the sauce itself is indulgent, you can easily make adjustments to suit your preference. For a lighter version, you could use half cream and half milk, but if you want the full luxurious experience, stick to the double cream.
Why This Recipe Works So Well:
- Balanced Flavors: Creamy, tangy, and savory notes blend perfectly.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep with only 30 minutes total cooking time.
- One-Pan Meal: Easy cleanup and all flavors develop together in one pan.
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Looks and tastes gourmet without the complexity.
Serving Ideas:
Serve Marry Me Chicken over pasta, with steamed vegetables on the side, or even spooned over buttery mashed potatoes. For a low-carb option, try pairing it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Tips & Notes:
Cooking Time: The thickness of the chicken breasts will affect cooking time. Always check doneness before serving.
Lemon Juice Trick: Adding lemon juice while the sauce is too hot may cause curdling. Add it after removing from heat.
Texture Control: If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of chicken stock or cream.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and gently reheat it before serving with freshly cooked chicken.
Marry Me Chicken
4 servings
Prep time 5
Cooking time 25 minutes
Total time 30 minutes
Ingredients
50g (6 tbsp) plain flour- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled & crushed
- 150g (1 cup) sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp paprika
- 150ml (0.75 cup) double cream
- 200ml (0.75 cup) chicken stock
- 50g (0.5 cup) parmesan cheese, grated
- 15g (3 tbsp) fresh basil leave
- ½ lemon, juicSea salt & freshly ground black peppere only
Directions
- Coat chicken breasts with plain flour.
- Heat olive oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside
- Reduce heat to low, add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir for 3–5 minutes until garlic softens.
- Pour in cream, chicken stock, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Flip and cook another 5 minutes.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat, sprinkle basil, and finish with lemon juice. Serve hot.
