If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish so good it could inspire a marriage proposal, Marry Me Chicken is the one. This creamy, savory, and slightly tangy chicken dinner will absolutely sweep you off your feet. Picture this: tender chicken seared until golden, then simmered in a luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Oh, and that little kiss of garlic? Pure magic. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why they call it “Marry Me” Chicken!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Bomb: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with umami goodness.
- Date Night Perfection: Impress without breaking a sweat!
- One Pan Wonder: Less dishes = more time to savor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day (seriously!).
- Elegant but Easy: Fancy enough for guests, simple enough for a weeknight.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Flavor Profile | Creamy, savory, slightly tangy |
| Serves | 4 |
Ingredients
(No measurements yet — check the recipe card below for full amounts!)
- Chicken breasts – Tender and juicy, they soak up that creamy sauce like a dream.
- Olive oil – For a golden sear that locks in all the juices.
- Garlic – Adds a warm, aromatic punch you’ll crave.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-luxurious.
- Chicken broth – Deepens the flavor and creates a silky sauce base.
- Heavy cream – Rich and indulgent, it’s the heart of the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – For a salty, nutty kick that ties it all together.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – Just a whisper of heat to keep things interesting.
- Fresh basil – Bright and herbaceous, perfect for a fresh finish.
📝 Psst…scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden on both sides. Don’t rush this—that gorgeous crust = flavor city!
Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
In the same pan, toss in minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until fragrant. Your kitchen is about to smell divine.
Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and let it bubble up, scraping the yummy browned bits off the bottom. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir until silky smooth.
Simmer and Serve
Nestle the chicken back into the sauce, spooning some over the top. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens. Finish with fresh basil, and voilà!
Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the dreamiest melt.
- Pound your chicken breasts to even thickness for quick, even cooking.
- Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes—they add that irresistible sweet-tangy bite.
Flavor Variations
- Swap chicken thighs for an extra-juicy version.
- Add mushrooms for earthy depth.
- Stir in a handful of spinach at the end for a pop of green.
Serving Suggestions
- Over buttered noodles for the ultimate comfort meal.
- On a bed of garlicky mashed potatoes.
- With roasted asparagus or a simple green salad.
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can make the sauce a day ahead and store it separately! Reheat gently and add fresh basil just before serving.
Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Trust me, it’s even tastier after a night in the fridge!
Freezing
Freeze cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce is too thick.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs stay super juicy and taste amazing in this recipe.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can swap it for half-and-half or coconut cream, but keep in mind the sauce will be a bit thinner.
Is Marry Me Chicken spicy?
Not really! The red pepper flakes just add a tiny hint of warmth. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Sure thing! Use a dairy-free cream substitute and skip the Parmesan (or use a dairy-free cheese).
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright magical about a dish that feels fancy but effortless, and Marry Me Chicken fits the bill perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for date night, a cozy Sunday dinner, or just treating yourself (because you deserve it!), this dish promises creamy, savory happiness in every single bite. Pull up a chair, pour yourself a glass of something lovely, and dig in—you’re about to fall head over heels.
Marry Me Chicken
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 3/4 cup chicken broth low sodium preferred
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and sauce is thickened.
- Finish with chopped fresh basil. Serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.