Tuscan 'Marry Me Chicken'

Think tender, pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich creamy sauce, flavoured with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, garlic and thyme.  Made famous by social media as 'Marry Me Chicken', a dish so delicious and appealing that it inspires marriage proposals.  Even if you are not romantically inclined, give this Tuscan style one-pan wonder a go.  Serve it with pasta and a green salad on the side for a truly outstanding meal.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 650g / 1lg 7oz chicken breast
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• a few fresh basil leaves, for garnishing
• cooked pasta, to serve

METHOD

1. Slice chicken breasts in half if they are large.  Season them generously with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat onen to 180°C/350°F.
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof frying pan over medium high heat until hot.  In 2 batches, sear the chicken for 1-2 minutes or until golden on one side, then flip over and sear for 30 seconds on the other.  Transfer chicken to a plate. 
4. Melt butter in the same pan over medium heat.  Add garlic, chilli flakes and thyme.  Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Stir in chicken stock.  Let it come to a boil.  Stir in cream and let it come to a simmer.  Season with salt, to taste.
6. Transfer chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan and arrange them in a single layer.
7. Bake chicken in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer chicken to individual plates.
8. Reduce the sauce slightly in the pan by letting it simmer for 1 minute or so.  Stir in parmesan cheese.  Spoon sauce over chicken and garnish with basil.  Serve with pasta.