This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner! Juicy chicken pieces are bathed in a stunning creamy sauce with hints of tomato, garlic, and thyme. It’s simple to make yet bursting with flavor, sure to impress your loved ones (or maybe even get you a proposal ;)).
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients:
- Marry Me Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (about 1-2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (regular or double concentrated)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 (14.5-ounce) jar petite diced tomatoes, drained
- Salt to taste (around ½ teaspoon kosher salt)
- Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins (thinly sliced)
- Cooking oil or butter (for pan-frying)
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika (for seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for a light breading)
Instructions:
- Prep the Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the butter, garlic, and tomato paste. Sauté for a few minutes, until fragrant and softened.
- Whisk and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and whisk until the tomato paste is smooth. Add the chicken broth and thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. It should reduce slightly and coat the back of a spoon.
(Optional Air Fryer Step): If using an air fryer for your chicken, start it now while the sauce simmers.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the drained diced tomatoes to the sauce and stir them in gently.
- Cook the Chicken (Stovetop Method):
- Heat oil or butter in the same skillet (if not using air fryer).
- Season your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (optional).
- Dredge the chicken in flour (optional) for a light breading.
- Pan-fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken back to the finished sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and your favorite side dish, like rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes (highly recommended!). Garnish with fresh thyme, parsley, or basil for a final touch.
Tips:
- Thinly sliced garlic creates a smoother texture in the sauce compared to minced garlic, but both work.
- “Petite diced” tomatoes are preferable for a more pleasant texture in the sauce.
- Adjust salt based on your broth’s sodium content. Start with a little, taste, and add more if needed.
- Don’t have an air fryer? No problem! Simply pan-fry the chicken as described in step 4.
Keywords: marry me chicken, creamy chicken, creamy chicken skillet dinner, chicken breast recipe
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