Marry Me Chicken is the kind of dish that wins hearts at first bite, and it’s easy to see why: it’s rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan all swirled together in a dreamy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic date night, a family dinner, or just craving some serious comfort food, this is the recipe that always delivers a chorus of “How did you make this?” at the table. It’s one of those rare dishes that’s fast and simple, yet feels totally restaurant-worthy, making it the ultimate weeknight–or anytime–chicken dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The success of Marry Me Chicken comes down to a handful of classic, easy-to-find ingredients that work real magic together. Each element adds either luscious creaminess, savory depth, or a pop of color for pure dinnertime delight.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless and skinless pieces for quick cooking and maximum tenderness; thighs will be even juicier if you like dark meat.
Olive oil: For searing and flavor; a light drizzle helps the chicken get that beautiful golden crust in the skillet.
Salt and black pepper: The essentials for boosting every other flavor here, especially the chicken itself.
Garlic: Fresh and minced for best results; it brings a fragrant punch that makes the sauce irresistible.
Heavy cream: Key to the creamy, silky texture—don’t skimp here, as it’s what gives the sauce its luscious body.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances out all the flavors in the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: For nutty, salty richness that melts right into the creamy sauce; grate it fresh if you can for best flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Their intense tangy-sweet flavor, chopped small, delivers gorgeous pops of color and taste in every bite.
Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs that brings a warm, familiar undertone to the dish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a whisper of heat; add more or less to suit your spice preference.
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Explodes with fresh flavor and color at the finish—don’t skip it for that perfect final touch.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry and sprinkling both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This not only gives the chicken a great foundation of flavor, but also helps it develop a gorgeous sear in the skillet. Well-seasoned chicken is the backbone of an unforgettable Marry Me Chicken experience!

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat up your olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, lay in the chicken pieces and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a rich golden-brown crust—don’t worry about cooking them all the way through yet, they’ll finish in the oven. Set the chicken aside when done; you’ll use all those tasty bits left in the pan for the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Start the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add your minced garlic to the same skillet. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant and beginning to turn golden. This step infuses the oil and the whole pan with that irresistible aroma and taste that sets Marry Me Chicken apart.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits clinging to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let it gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce starts to thicken and all the flavors marry together beautifully.

Step 5: Finish in the Oven

Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning a little of the luscious sauce over each piece. Transfer the whole skillet to your preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the chicken is completely cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. This finish melds everything together, making each bite impossibly tender and savory.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

As soon as your Marry Me Chicken comes out of the oven, shower it with freshly chopped basil or parsley. This bright, herbal pop brings everything to life and makes the final dish as beautiful as it is delicious. Carry it straight to the table and bask in the oohs and aahs from everyone lucky enough to eat it.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

Top your Marry Me Chicken with a flurry of fresh basil or parsley right before serving; these herbs provide brightness that contrasts the rich, creamy sauce. Don’t hesitate to add extra shaved Parmesan or a twist of freshly ground black pepper for even more flavor and a little restaurant flourish.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely begs to be paired with something perfect for sopping up that glorious sauce. Serve it over a bed of silky pasta, with fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a hunk of crusty bread to capture every drop. Steamed green beans, garlicky broccoli, or a simple green salad are all wonderful for adding freshness and balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your Marry Me Chicken by slicing each piece before plating, fanning the slices across the sauce for a stunning presentation. Serve in individual skillets or ramekins for an extra-special touch at romantic dinners or dinner parties. For a cozy, family-style meal, bring the whole skillet to the table and let everyone dig in—just don’t forget those extra napkins for cleaning up the saucy smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Marry Me Chicken left (and that’s a big if), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce actually thickens and develops even more flavor overnight—major bonus for next-day meals.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. For best results, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it with its sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again. Cream-based sauces sometimes separate after freezing, but a gentle reheating will usually restore their creamy texture.

Reheating

Warm Marry Me Chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to help the sauce come back together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave at medium power, covering the dish to keep everything tender and saucy.

FAQs

Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish holds up beautifully in the fridge for a day or two. Prep it a day ahead, then simply reheat gently on the stovetop before serving. The sauce will thicken when chilled, but a splash of cream or broth will bring it right back to its original lusciousness.

What are the best substitutes for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, try using roasted red peppers or a handful of halved cherry tomatoes—both will add lovely color and brightness. Just note that sun-dried tomatoes bring a uniquely sweet-tangy punch to the dish.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The easiest way to check is by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast or thigh. Look for the juices to run clear and the chicken to feel firm to the touch as well.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken entirely on the stovetop?

Yes! After returning the chicken to the sauce, cover your skillet and let it gently simmer on low heat until the chicken is cooked through. Just keep an eye on the sauce so it doesn’t get too thick—add a splash of broth if needed.

What’s the best pasta or carb to serve with Marry Me Chicken?

This is one versatile main! Fettuccine or pappardelle are lovely for soaking up the sauce, but mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even rice will make you just as happy. Don’t underestimate the power of crusty bread for cleaning your plate, too.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that feels special yet is secretly simple, Marry Me Chicken absolutely fits the bill. Every bite is creamy, flavorful, and sure to win rave reviews (and maybe even a proposal or two!). Give it a try and watch this dish become a beloved staple in your kitchen lineup.

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Marry Me Chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a romantic dinner. Tender chicken cooked in a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, this recipe is sure to impress your loved one.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Season chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Prepare sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Bake: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and bake for 15–18 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
This dish can also be made entirely on the stovetop by simmering the chicken in the sauce until fully cooked.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Baking
Cuisine: American