First Step: Season the chicken with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, then dredge it in 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure an even coat. This prepares the chicken for browning and helps thicken the sauce later, making it adaptable for different preferences like adding herbs if you like.

Second Step: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat, which should take about 1-2 minutes. This creates a flavorful base that prevents the chicken from sticking and adds richness to your Marry Me Chicken.

Third Step: Brown the chicken on both sides for about 4-5 minutes each until it’s golden and cooked through, then transfer it to a plate and cover it to keep warm. For dietary needs, you could use a gluten-free flour here to make your Marry Me Chicken accessible to everyone, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Fourth Step: In the same skillet, sauté 3 cloves minced garlic until it’s fragrant, about 1 minute, then add 1 cup chicken stock and deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits. This step infuses the sauce with extra flavor, and you can adjust the stock amount for a thicker sauce if needed for low-calorie options.

Fifth Step: Reduce the heat to medium-low, add 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken. Stir occasionally to blend everything, and for variations, you might swap cream for a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt to suit diet-conscious individuals.

Sixth Step: Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon chili flakes, ¼ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon thyme, and additional salt and pepper to taste, then stir in ⅓ cup chopped sundried tomatoes packed in oil. This builds the signature taste of Marry Me Chicken, and you can tweak the herbs for different flavor profiles, perhaps reducing chili for milder tastes.

Seventh Step: Return the chicken to the sauce and simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully coated, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Check the chicken’s temperature to ensure it’s safe, and if adapting for vegetarians, this is where you could add plant-based proteins.

Final Step: Garnish with 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves and serve warm over pasta, rice, or your preferred sides. This adds a fresh pop to your Marry Me Chicken, and you can experiment with sides like homemade banana bread for a sweet contrast, making the meal even more versatile.