Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
If you are searching for a dish that delivers rich flavors with a luxurious, comforting texture, then your taste buds are in for a treat with this Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. This recipe combines tender chicken cooked in a velvety sauce made from plant-based cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors. It is an irresistible meal you will want to make again and again because every bite offers a perfect harmony of tangy, creamy, and savory notes that make it truly unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Every ingredient brings a bold yet balanced flavor that works together like magic in your mouth.
- Simple yet Elegant: Minimal, easy-to-find ingredients create a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: Creamy texture and sun-dried tomatoes provide a fresh take on classic chicken dinner.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, this dish shines.
- Adaptable to Your Pantry: Easily customize based on what you have, with plant-based options that taste amazing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in crafting the rich taste, succulent texture, and vibrant color that make this dish so special. From the juicy chicken breasts to the slightly tangy sun-dried tomatoes and smooth plant-based cream, everything comes together effortlessly.
- Chicken breasts: The tender, lean protein base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky depth without overpowering the dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Give a sweet and tangy punch that complements creamy elements wonderfully.
- Plant-based cream: Creates the luxurious, silky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Garlic cloves: Deliver a fragrant warmth that wakes up your palate.
- Spinach leaves: Add a fresh, vibrant green balance and slight earthiness.
- Apple cider vinegar (natural): Brightens the dish with a subtle acidity that lifts flavors.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Brings umami complexity to deepen the savory profile.
- Dried Italian herbs: A fragrant blend to infuse the sauce with classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, enhancing both flavor and texture beautifully.
- Onion: A natural sweetness that softens as it cooks into the sauce.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, ensuring every bite hits the right seasoning.
Variations for Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This recipe is delightfully versatile, making it easy to customize to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add a bit of heat, make it lighter, or swap ingredients, here are some creative ideas to inspire you.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a bold, spicy twist.
- Mushroom Lover’s Delight: Include sliced mushrooms for an earthier, umami-rich bite.
- Greens Swap: Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green option.
- Smoky Variation: Use smoked turkey slices in place of smoked turkey bacon for a slightly different smoky flavor.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta or grains.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on both sides until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Smoked Turkey Bacon
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Toss in the chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until slightly crisp, infusing the oil with smoky richness that will boost the flavor of the entire dish.
Step 3: Build the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with the aromatics and bacon bits. Pour in the plant-based cream and add a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural) along with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Simmer gently to let the sauce thicken slightly, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Simmer
Add fresh spinach leaves to the creamy sauce, stirring until wilted. Nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan and simmer on low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together harmoniously.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the creamy chicken and sauce to a serving dish or individual plates. Spoon extra sauce over the top and get ready to dig into a mouthwatering meal that satisfies both the eyes and the palate.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Perfect Chicken Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for quick, even cooking.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Quality: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor and softer texture.
- Low and Slow for Sauce: Simmer the sauce gently to allow the flavors to deepen without curdling the plant-based cream.
- Browning Matters: Don’t skip browning the chicken; it adds beautiful flavor complexity and texture.
- Fresh Herbs Finish: Add fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving for a bright, fresh contrast.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves over the dish for a pop of green color and herby aroma that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side of garlic roasted potatoes, fluffy steamed rice, or even creamy mashed cauliflower to keep the meal light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken over a bed of cooked orzo or gluten-free pasta for a hearty option. Alternatively, layer it onto toasted crusty bread as an open-faced sandwich for an elegant lunch or brunch idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, allowing the flavors to even deepen overnight.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken slowly in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of plant-based cream or water if the sauce seems too thick. This will help return it to that perfect creamy consistency without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, offering extra juiciness and a richer flavor, although the cooking time may be slightly longer.
Is plant-based cream necessary or can I use something else?
Plant-based cream gives the dish its signature creamy texture and dairy-free profile, but you can substitute with coconut cream or any rich nut-based cream if preferred.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes if I don’t have any?
Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes sautéed until caramelized can provide a similar sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free always check the label.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The total time needed is about 30 to 40 minutes, with most of the effort going into preparing the sauce and properly cooking the chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to impress guests. With its rich, creamy sauce and vibrant tomato tang, it’s a dish that invites you back to the table for seconds every time. Give it a try you may just find your new favorite comfort dinner!
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Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a velvety plant-based cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, smoked turkey bacon, garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. This flavorful and elegant meal balances tangy, creamy, and savory notes, perfect for any occasion and easily adaptable to your pantry.
Ingredients
Chicken and Protein
- 2 large chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred)
Sauces and Liquids
- 1 cup plant-based cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on both sides until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest while preparing the sauce.
- Cook the Aromatics and Smoked Turkey Bacon: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add the chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until slightly crisp, allowing its smoky flavor to infuse the oil.
- Build the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with the aromatics and bacon. Pour in the plant-based cream, then add a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish with Spinach and Simmer: Stir fresh spinach leaves into the sauce until wilted. Nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan and simmer on low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together harmoniously.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the creamy chicken and sauce to serving plates. Spoon extra sauce over the top and garnish as desired for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for quicker, even cooking.
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor and a softer texture.
- Simmer the sauce gently to prevent curdling and deepen flavors.
- Browning chicken adds extra flavor complexity and texture.
- Top with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a bright finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: creamy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, plant-based cream, smoked turkey bacon, gluten free, easy dinner, Mediterranean flavors
