One-Pan Marry Me Chicken from The Kitchn is creamy, cozy, and just indulgent enough to feel special—without turning dinner into a whole production. Made in a single pan, it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day when you want something romantic, comforting, and low-stress. The rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken make it a meal that feels intentional and swoon-worthy, proving that a meaningful dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to feel deeply special.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (2 1/2 ounces)
- 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 to 2 1/2 pounds total)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 sprigs fresh basil
INSTRUCTIONS
- Mince 3 garlic cloves. Coarsely chop 1/2 cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes.
- Working with 1 piece of chicken at a time, place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable bag and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season all over with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the chicken in a single layer and sear until browned, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a large plate (the chicken will not be cooked through). Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to the skillet and repeat searing the remaining chicken. Transfer to the same plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil and heat until shimmering. Add the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until darkened in color, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened, 2 to 4 minutes.
- Return the chicken and any accumulated juices on the plate to the pan. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and registers at least 165ºF on an instant-read thermometer, 4 to 7 minutes. Meanwhile, pick the leaves from 2 fresh basil sprigs and coarsely chop until you have about 2 tablespoons.
- Garnish the chicken with the basil.