Swoon-Worthy Marry Me Chicken Recipe by Barefoot Contessa

Tender chicken breasts swimming in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce define this remarkable marry me chicken recipe that promises to steal hearts at the dinner table.

Its name hints at the romantic potential of this irresistible dish.

Bold flavors of basil, garlic, and parmesan create a symphony of taste that’s impossible to resist.

The sauce comes together effortlessly, making this meal look like it took hours of careful preparation.

Restaurant-quality ingredients blend into a weeknight dinner that feels luxurious and special.

Each bite delivers a rich, creamy experience that could spark love at first taste.

Let this marry me chicken recipe be your secret weapon for an unforgettable meal that impresses without overwhelming.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 4

Barefoot Contessa Marry Me Chicken – What You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender canvas for absorbing rich, velvety sauce, select boneless and skinless cuts for even cooking and clean presentation.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking medium that adds subtle Mediterranean essence and prevents sticking.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse bringing depth and warmth to the sauce, choose fresh cloves for most intense flavor.
• Thyme: Earthy herb lending delicate herbal notes, fresh sprigs provide more vibrant taste than dried.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and exciting spicy undertone, adjust quantity based on personal heat preference.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy ingredient adding luxurious Mediterranean character, opt for oil-packed varieties for richer taste.

• Chicken Broth: Foundational liquid creating rich, savory base, low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.
• Heavy Cream: Silky binding agent delivering luxurious texture and rounded mouthfeel, full-fat version ensures most decadent result.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty ingredient providing ultimate umami depth, freshly grated delivers superior melting quality.
• Fresh Basil: Bright finishing herb offering fresh, peppery contrast, select vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning agents balancing and elevating overall flavor profile.

Tools for Cooking the Perfect Barefoot Contessa Marry Me Chicken

• Large Ovenproof Skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating a delicious sauce directly in the pan.
• Cooking Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken breasts and moving them between skillet and plate.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring olive oil, salt, and spices.
• Sharp Chef's Knife: Great for chopping fresh basil and precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring and mixing sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Meat Thermometer (optional): Ensures chicken is cooked to perfect safe temperature.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Barefoot Contessa Marry Me Chicken

• Kitchen Essentials

Gather a large ovenproof skillet, olive oil, and seasonings for a delicious culinary adventure.

• Golden Chicken Prep

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in hot olive oil until beautifully golden and crispy on both sides.

• Flavor Explosion

Create a magical sauce by sautéing garlic and herbs, then blending in rich cream, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and savory Parmesan cheese.

• Oven Magic

Nestle the seared chicken into the creamy sauce and slide the skillet into a preheated oven, allowing the flavors to mingle and the chicken to cook perfectly.

• Finishing Touch

Plate the chicken, drench with the luxurious sauce, and sprinkle fresh basil leaves for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’ll make everyone swoon.

Barefoot Contessa Marry Me Chicken – Tips to Make It Unforgettable

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs or tenders for different textures and flavor profiles. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the meat to ensure even cooking.
• Deglaze the skillet with white wine before adding broth to enhance the sauce's complexity and add a subtle aromatic dimension to the dish.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce. Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano instead of thyme. Blend different herbs to create a unique and personalized flavor combination that suits your taste preferences.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control the dish's spiciness. Add smoked paprika or cayenne for an extra kick that transforms the flavor profile without overwhelming the other ingredients.

How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Marry Me Chicken

• Pair with Creamy Polenta: Spread silky polenta on plates before nestling the chicken, letting the rich sauce mingle with the smooth corn base.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty Italian bread to soak up every drop of the luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
• Fresh Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, adding a bright, peppery contrast to the creamy chicken.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to complement the dish's creamy texture and sun-dried tomato notes.

Meal Prep & Storage Advice for Barefoot Contessa Marry Me Chicken

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the sauce separate to maintain the chicken's texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Marry Me Chicken stays delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the meat moist and prevent drying out.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Marinate chicken and chop ingredients the night before, reducing cooking time and making dinner preparation a breeze during busy weeknights.

Dreamy Barefoot Contessa Marry Me Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s marry me chicken creates a romantic, flavor-packed dinner with tender chicken breasts coated in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Simple ingredients blend beautifully, promising a meal you’ll want to share with someone special.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz/225 g each)
• 45 ml (3 tbsps) extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
• 180 ml (¾ cup) low-sodium chicken broth
• 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream
• 75 g (½ cup) chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 30 g (⅓ cup) finely grated Parmesan
• 15 g fresh thyme leaves
• 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 5 g crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh basil (torn, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prep Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Sear Chicken: Cook chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden-brown, creating a crisp exterior. Transfer to a plate, reserving any juices.
3. Create Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining oil, and sauté garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes for 60 seconds until fragrant, releasing their intense flavors.
4. Develop Sauce: Introduce chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, stirring to form a luxurious, velvety sauce. Adjust seasoning and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Bake Dish: Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the sauce. Transfer to a preheated 190°C (375°F) oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) internal temperature.
6. Finish and Serve: Allow chicken to rest for 3 minutes, then plate and lavishly coat with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check chicken’s internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Sauce Consistency: Stir sauce continuously and maintain gentle simmer to prevent separation and achieve smooth, velvety texture without curdling.
• Resting Technique: Allow chicken to rest after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring moist and tender meat with maximum flavor retention.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg