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Quick 20-Minute One-Pan Marry Me Chicken

one-pan marry me chicken - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan chicken recipe featuring a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 1 lb / 450 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml), low sodium if possible
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml) or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan version)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to get a golden-brown crust, then flip and cook the other side for another 4 minutes. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet.
  4. Push the chicken to one side of the pan, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the other side. Stir frequently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and bring to a low simmer. Let cook for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  7. Nestle the chicken back into the sauce and spoon some on top. Reduce heat to low and cover loosely with a lid or foil. Let simmer gently for 5 more minutes to cook through and soak up flavors. (Internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C.)
  8. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving. Serve hot with your choice of sides like mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a green salad.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing. Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. Pat chicken dry to get a good crust. Keep heat low when simmering to avoid curdling the cream. If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered a bit longer or add more broth/cream. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain sauce texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan chicken, marry me chicken, quick dinner, creamy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner