If you are searching for a dish that brings irresistible comfort with a touch of elegance, look no further than Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. This dish features tender chicken bathed in a rich plant-based cream sauce, infused with the sweet tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes and the smoky depth of smoked turkey bacon. Easy to prepare yet bursting with gourmet flavors, this is a meal that promises to delight anyone lucky enough to enjoy it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple yet Sophisticated: Combines easy ingredients to make a restaurant-quality dish without stress.
Rich and Creamy Texture: The plant-based cream sauce coats every bite for ultimate indulgence.
Flavorful Protein: Smoked turkey bacon adds a smoky, savory element that elevates the chicken.
Bright Burst of Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds depth and a slight tang that balances the richness perfectly.
Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, adapting easily to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes come alive. Each element adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color to the dish, making every bite unforgettable.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless for tender, juicy chicken that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Smoked Turkey Bacon: Adds an irresistible smoky crunch and depth without overpowering the creaminess.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provides a sweet, tangy punch that brightens the rich sauce.
Plant-Based Cream: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that is smooth and dairy-free.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced to infuse the dish with aromatic warmth.
Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce: Adds an umami-packed, savory boost to the sauce.
Natural Gelling Agent: Ensures the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency without overpowering texture.
Fresh Herbs: Such as thyme or basil to add a fresh, fragrant finish.
Olive Oil: For perfectly searing the chicken and sautéing the other ingredients.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential to enhance all the natural flavors.

Variations for Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to swap ingredients or adapt based on dietary needs, it’s flexible enough to delight every palate.

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño for a bit of heat.
Mushroom Addition: Sauté cremini or button mushrooms with the garlic to add earthiness.
Green Veg Boost: Stir in fresh spinach or kale near the end for added nutrition and color.
Alternate Protein: Use chicken thighs for a juicier option without sacrificing flavor.
Dairy-Free Cheese: Sprinkle with plant-based parmesan (plant-based) for an extra creamy finish.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Delight

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Once done, transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Smoked Turkey Bacon and Garlic

In the same skillet, add chopped smoked turkey bacon and sauté until crispy. Remove the bacon and add minced garlic to the rendered fat, cooking just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Deglaze the pan with a splash of apple cider vinegar, scraping any browned bits from the bottom to add flavor. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the plant-based cream along with the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Add a small amount of natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce, stirring gently.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken and crispy smoked turkey bacon to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Just before serving, sprinkle fresh thyme or basil on top for a fresh and fragrant touch that complements the rich sauce perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Dry Chicken Thoroughly: This helps achieve a beautiful golden crust when searing.
Don’t Rush the Sauce: Low and slow simmering ensures the flavors marry perfectly and the sauce thickens just right.
Use Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Opt for oil-packed for more flavor or rehydrate dry ones properly before using.
Adjust Thickness Gradually: Add the natural gelling agent carefully to avoid over-thickening your sauce.
Rest the Chicken: Let it sit briefly after cooking to retain juices for maximum tenderness.

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Garnishes

Top your dish with freshly chopped basil or thyme leaves to add a pop of color and fresh aroma. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper enhances the savory flavors and presentation.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic roasted vegetables, or a light arugula salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy quinoa or creamy polenta (plant-based) to soak up every drop of sauce. For an elegant touch, arrange sliced chicken in a fan shape with the sauce drizzled artistically on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining its creamy texture and rich flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and creamy sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of plant-based cream if the sauce needs loosening up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully and add extra juiciness and flavor, making the dish even more succulent.

Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?

Absolutely. Using plant-based cream keeps the sauce creamy and luscious without any dairy.

Can I substitute smoked turkey bacon with another ingredient?

Smoked turkey bacon adds a signature smoky flavor, but you can substitute with smoked turkey slices or even smoked turkey for a similar savory element.

What can I serve with this dish if I want something light?

A fresh green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette or steamed broccoli offers a balanced contrast to the rich and creamy chicken.

How do I get the sauce to thicken perfectly?

Use the natural gelling agent sparingly and simmer on low heat; this allows for smooth thickening without any lumps.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is truly a dish to keep in your cooking rotation. It’s easy, flavorful, and impressive all at once. Whether for a casual dinner or special celebration, this recipe is sure to win hearts and become a fast favorite. Give it a try tonight and savor every creamy, flavorful bite!

Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Author: Jonathan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free, Dairy-Free

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Description

Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a tender and juicy chicken breast recipe cooked in a rich, plant-based cream sauce, enhanced with the smoky depth of smoked turkey bacon and the bright tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes. This sophisticated yet easy-to-prepare dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering a creamy, flavorful experience that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Cook Smoked Turkey Bacon and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped smoked turkey bacon and sauté until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, then add the minced garlic to the rendered fat in the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Deglaze the skillet by adding a splash of apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to enhance the flavor. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the plant-based cream and add the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Add the natural gelling agent and stir gently to thicken the sauce.
Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken breasts and crispy smoked turkey bacon to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together over low heat for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh thyme or basil on top for a bright, fragrant finish that complements the rich sauce perfectly.

Notes

Dry chicken thoroughly before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
Simmer the sauce slowly on low heat to ensure perfect flavor blending and thickening.
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor or properly rehydrate dry ones.
Add the natural gelling agent gradually to avoid over-thickening the sauce.
Allow the chicken to rest briefly after cooking to retain its juices and tenderness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American