Marry Me Chicken Parmesan (Print View)

Tender chicken in creamy sun-dried tomato sauce finished with finely grated Parmesan snow.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (21-24.5 oz)
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Sauce

05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tsp dried oregano
07 - ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
08 - 4.25 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
09 - 1 cup chicken stock (gluten-free if needed)
10 - ¾ cup heavy cream
11 - 2 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Garnish

13 - 1 oz finely grated Parmesan cheese (microplaned)
14 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through; then remove to a plate.
03 - Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Incorporate sliced sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet and cook for an additional minute to release flavors.
05 - Pour in chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift browned bits. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
06 - Stir in heavy cream and 2 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
07 - Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes, basting with sauce occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
08 - Swirl in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to add gloss and richness to the sauce.
09 - Transfer chicken to serving plates, spoon sauce generously over. Dust with finely grated Parmesan ‘snow’ and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce is silky and rich without being heavy, with sun-dried tomatoes adding a sweet tang that keeps it from feeling one-note.
  • It looks like you spent all day cooking when you actually finished it in under 45 minutes.
  • The Parmesan snow garnish transforms it from ordinary to unforgettable with just one extra grating.
02 -
  • The Parmesan snow only stays fluffy for a minute or two, so grate it right over the plate just before eating—it's the difference between delicate and clumpy.
  • Don't let the sauce boil aggressively once the cream is in; gentle heat keeps it silky instead of breaking into a separated, greasy mess.
03 -
  • Don't skip patting the chicken dry; even 30 seconds with a paper towel means the difference between a pale sear and a deep golden crust that tastes incredible.
  • Taste the sauce before the chicken goes back in and adjust the seasoning then—it's your last chance to fix it without worrying about the chicken overcooking.
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