Perfect Barefoot Contessa Marry Me Chicken Recipe for Date Night

Barefoot contessa marry me chicken transforms an ordinary meal into a romantic culinary experience that sparks joy at the dinner table.

Tender chicken breasts bathe in a luscious, sun-dried tomato cream sauce that whispers comfort and elegance.

Savory herbs and rich Parmesan cheese elevate this recipe beyond typical weeknight fare, creating a dish that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of creamy textures and vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

The magic happens quickly, turning basic ingredients into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this impressive yet straightforward preparation that practically guarantees recipe request repeats.

Every forkful tells a story of culinary love that transforms an ordinary evening into something special: get ready to fall head over heels.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Marry Me Chicken by Barefoot Contessa

• Perfectly Sear Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a golden-brown crust that locks in juicy flavors.
• Herb Intensity Hack: Crush fresh thyme between your fingers before adding to release more aromatic oils and enhance the overall taste.
• Sauce Rescue Technique: Warm cream slowly and stir constantly to prevent separation and create a smooth, luxurious sauce consistency.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes gradually, tasting as you go to find your perfect balance of heat without overwhelming the dish.
• Garnish Like a Pro: Tear fresh basil leaves instead of chopping to preserve their vibrant color and release maximum flavor just before serving.

Preserving Barefoot Contessa Marry Me Chicken

• Overnight Flavor Infusion: Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or store in a sealed container to let herbs and sun-dried tomato flavors deepen. Refrigerate and enjoy enhanced taste the next day.
• Freezer Preservation: Pack individual or family-sized portions in vacuum-sealed bags to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and use within 2 months for optimal texture and flavor integrity.
• Gentle Reheating: Splash a tablespoon of chicken broth or cream before warming to restore moisture. Warm in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender without drying out.

Fun Variations on Barefoot Contessa Marry Me Chicken

• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted green chiles, add cumin and smoked paprika to the sauce. Replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Include chopped kalamata olives in the sauce, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Replace thyme with fresh oregano and add a splash of white wine for deeper Mediterranean notes.
• Mushroom Cream Chicken: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with garlic before adding chicken broth. Incorporate a touch of truffle oil and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an earthy, rich version of the original recipe.
• Coconut Curry Chicken: Replace cream with coconut milk, add mild yellow curry powder and ginger. Top with chopped cilantro and serve over jasmine rice for an aromatic international adaptation.

Parting Remarks on Barefoot Contessa Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken emerges as an irresistible culinary masterpiece from Ina Garten’s repertoire, blending Mediterranean flavors with classic comfort.

Garlic-infused cream sauce envelops perfectly seared chicken breasts, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes elevate this dish beyond ordinary weeknight meals, promising restaurant-quality results at home.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe demonstrates how simple ingredients can become extraordinary when combined with precision and passion.

Succulent chicken bathed in rich, creamy sauce guarantees a dining experience that lingers in memory long after the last bite.

When shared with loved ones, this dish might just spark proposals – hence its cheeky name!

Bon appétit, culinary adventurers – share this recipe, spread the love, and let deliciousness inspire connections around your table.

What Makes Barefoot Contessa Marry Me Chicken So Tempting

• Flavor Explosion: Combines bold, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with perfectly seasoned chicken that bursts with Mediterranean-inspired taste sensations.
• Quick Comfort Cooking: Delivers restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or impressive date nights with minimal cooking skills required.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamlines cooking process by using a single skillet for searing, sauce-making, and baking, reducing cleanup time and creating deliciously concentrated flavors through each cooking stage.
• Texture Magic: Offers crispy golden chicken exterior with tender, juicy interior, complemented by a rich, velvety sauce that coats each bite with luxurious creaminess.

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Marry Me Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that forms the main star of the dish, best when boneless and skinless for even cooking.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce with its natural umami characteristics.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves provide a pungent and warm base flavor to the sauce.
• Thyme: Fragrant herb that brings earthy and slightly minty notes to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and mild spiciness to complement the creamy sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil for sautéing chicken and creating a smooth cooking base.
• Chicken Broth: Provides depth and liquid foundation for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, luxurious texture and smooth consistency in the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy and concentrated tomato flavor that adds complexity to the sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, fresh herb used as a final garnish to add color and aromatic finish.

Simple Directions for Barefoot Contessa Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Get a large ovenproof skillet ready for cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Move chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

• Minced garlic
• Fresh thyme
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté for 1 minute until the kitchen fills with an amazing aroma.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Season with salt and let the sauce simmer until it starts to blend together.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Return chicken to the skillet, including any collected juices. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Generously spoon the rich sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tip: Serve with crusty bread or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Barefoot Contessa Marry Me Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s Marry Me Chicken promises passion on a plate with its creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and tender chicken breasts. Rich parmesan and herbs elevate this romantic Italian-inspired dish that will make dinner companions swoon with delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces/225 grams each)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 15 grams fresh thyme leaves
• 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 5 grams crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

• 45 milliliters (3 tablespoons) extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
• 180 milliliters (¾ cup) low-sodium chicken broth
• 120 milliliters (½ cup) heavy cream
• 75 grams (½ cup) chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 30 grams (⅓ cup) finely grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil (torn, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Carefully preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
2. Select a large ovenproof skillet and warm of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly.
3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Gently place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 5 minutes on each side until a rich golden-brown crust develops.
5. Remove the seared chicken and transfer to a clean plate, keeping any accumulated juices.
6. Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium and add the remaining of olive oil.
7. Mince the garlic finely and add to the skillet along with fresh thyme leaves and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for about 60 seconds until the aromatics become fragrant.
8. Pour in the chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
9. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
10. Carefully return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and including any accumulated juices.
11. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and the juices run clear.
12. Remove from the oven and let rest for 3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
13. Plate the chicken breasts and generously spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the top.
14. Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Watch the chicken carefully to prevent drying out, ensuring it remains tender and juicy by checking doneness early.
• Swap dried thyme with fresh for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor profile that enhances the overall dish.
• Customize the sauce’s thickness by gradually adding chicken broth if it becomes too dense during cooking.
• Boost the heat level with extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
• Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves right before serving to bring a bright, herbaceous finish to the meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 880mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 47g
• Cholesterol: 160mg