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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup fresh spinach - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish For this recipe, I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay moist. You can also use thighs if you like more flavor and fat. Just adjust cooking times as needed. If you're out of chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth. This adds a nice flavor without the meat. For a lighter option, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut cream. You can use feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a salty twist. Here are some quick conversions: - 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons - 1 cup = 8 ounces - ½ cup = 4 ounces These conversions help when adjusting the recipe for different servings. Always keep these handy when cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Seasoning the Chicken Breasts First, take four chicken breasts. Place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides. Use your hands to coat the chicken well. Cooking Techniques for Chicken Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in one tablespoon of olive oil. Wait for the oil to shimmer. This means it is hot enough to cook. Searing Tips for Optimal Flavor Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. This will give your chicken a nice flavor. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside. Deglazing and Building Flavor Lower the heat to medium. Pour in one cup of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits from the skillet. This adds great flavor. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Adding Cream and Cheese to the Sauce Now stir in one cup of heavy cream and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Incorporating Vegetables into the Sauce Add one cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and one cup of fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts. This adds color and nutrients to your dish. Combining Chicken with the Sauce Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over each piece. This helps the chicken soak up the flavor. Simmering for Proper Temperature Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 3 to 5 minutes. This warms the chicken through and melds all the flavors. Presentation Techniques Plate the chicken with the sauce drizzled on top. For a stunning look, serve it on a bed of mashed potatoes or pasta. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and add fresh basil leaves for garnish. - Overcooking or Undercooking Chicken: Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe at 165°F. This helps keep it juicy and tender. - Balancing Seasoning for the Sauce: Taste as you go. Add salt and pepper slowly. This helps you avoid a bland or overly salty sauce. - Texture Tips for Creaminess: Stir the sauce gently. This keeps it smooth. If it gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. - Suggested Spices and Herbs: Try adding Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes. These add depth and warmth to the dish. - Adding Extra Ingredients for Variety: Consider mushrooms or bell peppers. They bring extra flavor and texture. You can also swap sun-dried tomatoes for fresh ones if you prefer. - Pairing with Side Dishes: Serve it over pasta or rice. Fluffy mashed potatoes work great, too. This helps soak up the delicious sauce. For a fresh touch, add a side salad with tangy dressing. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness. Flavor Boosting: Marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking for enhanced flavor. Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to help it thicken up nicely. Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with crusty bread or a side salad to balance the richness of the creamy sauce. {{image_2}} Alternatives for Heavy Cream If you want a lighter dish, use half-and-half or coconut milk. These options still create a creamy texture. For a dairy-free version, try cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth. Variations Using Different Proteins You can swap chicken for turkey, pork, or tofu. Each protein brings its own flavor. If using pork, adjust cooking time, as it cooks faster than chicken. For tofu, press it to remove excess water, then sauté until golden brown. Other Vegetable Options Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Each vegetable adds color and flavor. You can also use frozen spinach if fresh is not available. Just thaw and squeeze out water before adding to the sauce. Slow Cooker Method To use a slow cooker, season the chicken and place it in the pot. Pour the broth and cream over it. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach on top. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken will be tender and soak up all the flavors. Oven-Baking Instructions For oven-baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). After searing the chicken, place it in a baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over it. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. This method keeps the chicken juicy and lets the sauce thicken. Instant Pot Version Using an Instant Pot can save time. Sear the chicken in the pot first. Then, add the broth and cream. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes. Quick-release the steam and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Enjoy a quick, tasty meal! - Refrigerating Leftovers: After cooking, let the chicken cool down. Place it in a sealed container. Store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any odors before eating. - Freezing Instructions for Longevity: For longer storage, freeze the chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Use a freezer bag for extra protection. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Label the bag with the date. - Reheating Tips for Best Results: To reheat, use the microwave or the stove. If using the stove, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat on low to avoid drying out the chicken. Stir the sauce to keep it creamy. - How Long Will It Last in the Fridge? Properly stored, Creamy Marry Me Chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Enjoy it within this time for the best taste. - Signs of Spoilage to Look For: Check for any off smells or changes in color. If the chicken feels slimy, it's time to discard it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. To add heat, use crushed red pepper flakes. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust. You can also add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. If you want a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. It gives a nice depth while adding some spice. Yes! You can swap Parmesan for mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese. Each cheese changes the flavor. Mozzarella gives a creamy stretch, while cheddar adds sharpness. Goat cheese brings a tangy twist. Feel free to mix and match for fun! This dish pairs well with fluffy mashed potatoes or pasta. Both soak up the sauce nicely. You can also serve it with rice or a fresh green salad. Add some crusty bread to scoop up the sauce. Enjoy the meal! In this post, we explored how to create Creamy Marry Me Chicken. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips to avoid common mistakes. You learned how to make a rich sauce while ensuring the chicken stays juicy. Don't forget to try different variations and sides to make it your own. With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy leftovers too. Follow these simple steps for a flavorful dish that impresses. Happy cooking!

Creamy Marry Me Chicken ❤️🍗

A delicious creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach that is sure to impress.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
  • Add the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until the spinach wilts.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to warm the chicken through.
  • Plate the chicken with the creamy sauce drizzled over it. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve the creamy chicken on a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, easy