If you’ve ever wanted to wow someone—whether it’s a special date or a weeknight family dinner—look no further than Marry Me Chicken. This irresistibly creamy skillet chicken recipe features tender, golden-seared chicken breasts bathed in a velvety, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce that’s downright enchanting. With its beautiful balance of savory, tangy, and herby flavors, it’s no wonder this dish has captured so many hearts (and appetites). Let’s dive in and discover how to make Marry Me Chicken the star of your table tonight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Marry Me Chicken recipe keeps things simple but every ingredient truly earns its place. Each element brings a special depth—flavor, richness, or color—that makes the final dish both gorgeous and mouthwatering.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show; opt for evenly-sized pieces for even cooking and beautiful presentation.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and earthy bite to the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Gives the chicken that glorious golden sear and a touch of fruity flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The backbone of savory flavor, releasing aroma and depth into the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Brings just the right amount of heat to make the creaminess pop.
- ¾ cup chicken broth: Loosens the sauce, lifts up all the caramelized bits, and brings extra savoriness.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Delivers that decadent, lush texture everyone craves in Marry Me Chicken.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For umami overload—salty, nutty, and luxuriously melty in the sauce.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Packed with tangy-sweet flavor and a gorgeous ruby red color.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses the sauce with Mediterranean charm and aromatic depth.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle woodsy note that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Finishing touch for color and a burst of fresh flavor.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by generously seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer, giving each piece room to sear. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until each breast is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—don’t worry, they’ll be reunited with all the saucy goodness soon!
Step 2: Build Flavor with Garlic and Red Pepper
With the skillet still hot (and now brimming with flavorful brown bits), reduce the heat to medium. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about a minute—just long enough for the garlic to turn fragrant but not brown. Right here is where the magic foundation of your Marry Me Chicken sauce begins!
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping up all those golden bits stuck to the bottom. That’s pure flavor! Let it simmer for a minute, then add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and thyme. Stir everything together and let it gently bubble for 3 to 4 minutes, giving the sauce a chance to thicken slightly and the flavors to mingle.
Step 4: Return the Chicken to the Sauce
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over the tops and allow everything to simmer together for another 3 to 5 minutes. The chicken will soak up the luxurious flavor, and the final result will practically beg everyone at the table to gather around for seconds (or thirds!).
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, shower your Marry Me Chicken with a pop of chopped fresh basil or parsley. This bright, herbal finish pulls the whole dish together, making each plate as beautiful as it is flavorful.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken
Garnishes
Fresh chopped basil or parsley does double duty as a garnish—not only adding a pop of lively color but also bringing a hint of freshness that perfectly offsets the richness of the sauce. For a little extra dazzle, sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan on top or even a pinch more red pepper flakes for kick.
Side Dishes
Marry Me Chicken is a standout main, but what you serve alongside can elevate the experience even more. Classic choices like al dente pasta, buttery mashed potatoes, or crusty bread are ideal for soaking up every last drop of that irresistible sauce. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, steamed green beans or a crisp green salad offer a lovely balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Marry Me Chicken over creamy polenta, or pile it high atop garlic-roasted cauliflower for a gluten-free option. Hosting a dinner party? Slice the cooked chicken and layer it on a platter, spooning the sauce artfully over the top—garnished with extra basil leaves for a stunning presentation that’s sure to draw “wow” reactions!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extra Marry Me Chicken, you’re in for a treat the next day. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it (with all that luscious sauce) to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days—the flavors actually deepen after a day in the fridge, making leftovers almost as swoon-worthy as the original meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze Marry Me Chicken. Simply let it cool, then pack the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. The sauce may separate a bit upon thawing, but a gentle reheat with a splash of cream or broth will quickly bring it back to silky perfection.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a bit of broth or cream if the sauce looks too thick. You can also microwave individual portions—just use a lower power setting and stir occasionally to ensure even heating. In just a few minutes, your Marry Me Chicken will be ready to enjoy all over again!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will be just as delicious (if not more so!) and tend to stay extra juicy. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs can be a bit thicker and fattier.
Is there a dairy-free substitution for the heavy cream?
Yes! For a dairy-free take, try full-fat coconut milk or a rich, plain oat or cashew cream. The flavor will be slightly different, but the sauce will still turn out creamy and dreamy.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?
You sure can. Prepare the dish as directed, let it cool, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat and add a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silkiness.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes work best?
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are my favorite for this recipe as they’re more tender and have extra flavor. If you use the dry-packed kind, soak them in hot water for 15 minutes first to soften them up.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, and it’s a cozy touch! Splash in a bit of dry white wine (about 1/4 cup) when you add the chicken broth. The wine adds another layer of complexity to the already irresistible Marry Me Chicken sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a meal that’s cozy, flavorful, and incredibly simple yet feels restaurant-special, Marry Me Chicken is calling your name. I truly hope you give this recipe a try—the sauce is the stuff of weeknight (or date night) dreams, and you’ll be surprised how quickly it disappears from everyone’s plates. Now go ahead—make someone fall in love with your cooking tonight!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a deliciously creamy and flavorful chicken dish that will win your heart with its rich sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and thyme. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine and simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 3–5 minutes. Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Substitute boneless thighs for extra tenderness.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine with the broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
