If you’ve been hunting for a dish that’s creamy, bursting with flavor, and downright irresistible, then the Marry Me Chicken Recipe is going to win your heart (and maybe even your kitchen!). Imagine tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, garlicky sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s perfectly spiced and ready to deliver comfort on a plate. This dish feels special enough for celebrations but is so simple you’ll want to make it a weeknight staple. Trust me, once you try it, this is the kind of recipe that’ll have you whispering “I do” to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Marry Me Chicken Recipe starts with just a handful of straightforward ingredients that pack a punch. Each one is essential not only for the flavor but the lovely texture and inviting color that make this dish shine at the table.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas—tender and juicy when cooked just right.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Elevates every flavor and seasons the chicken beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden crisp on the outside.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings an aromatic depth that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Delivers a gentle heat and balances the creaminess wonderfully.
- ¾ cup chicken broth: Creates a rich base for the sauce while keeping it light.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luscious, silky, and decadently smooth.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and melts perfectly into the creamy sauce.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Imparts chewy bursts of tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers an earthy, fragrant herbal note to tie the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Lends a subtle floral touch that complements the tomatoes.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): A fresh finishing touch that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step ensures each bite will be perfectly flavored. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts. Let them sear for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop that gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside—this creates space to build that dream sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Lower the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes into the same skillet. The leftover oil and browned bits will infuse these ingredients with intense flavor. Sauté everything for about one minute until the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlicky aroma, making you even more excited for what’s ahead.
Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, carefully scraping up any tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom of your pan. This brings a deep savory base to the sauce. Then add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and thyme. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor all at once.
Step 4: Return Chicken to Simmer
Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon extra sauce on top to ensure every bite is coated with that luscious goodness. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 3 to 5 minutes to warm through and soak up all those wonderful flavors. This is the moment where the dish truly comes alive.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. This simple garnish makes the dish look as stunning as it tastes. Your spectacular Marry Me Chicken is now ready to be savored.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are a natural choice, but you can also experiment with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a few halved sun-dried tomatoes on top. These garnishes lend a vibrant, fresh finish that makes every plate feel inviting and chef-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish shines paired with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up all the sauce, or tossed with your favorite pasta to make an indulgent, satisfying meal. Crusty bread is a fantastic option too, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that savory cream sauce. For a lighter option, roasted or steamed vegetables add a nice balance and some fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the Marry Me Chicken over a bed of garlic butter rice for a comforting twist. Or, for a dinner party, plate each chicken breast individually with a drizzle of sauce artistically ladled on top, garnished with a basil sprig. The vibrant colors and creamy sauce make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so it’s a great candidate for transforming into a quick lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce, but to retain the best texture, freeze them separately if possible. Wrap the chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze the sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Stir frequently and add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce is too thick. Microwaving works too—cover loosely to keep moisture in, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will give you a juicier, more tender result and can add a richer flavor to the dish. Cooking times might vary slightly, so just check for doneness accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Marry Me Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure to check your chicken broth and other packaged ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Can I make the sauce without heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or a combination of milk and a little cornstarch to thicken, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Heavy cream really gives it that signature silky texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe uses just one teaspoon of red pepper flakes, providing a gentle warmth rather than overwhelming heat. You can adjust this up or down depending on your spice preference.
What wine pairs well with Marry Me Chicken?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the creamy, tangy flavors beautifully without overpowering the dish. If you love wine, adding a splash of white wine to the sauce while cooking can heighten the flavors even more.
Final Thoughts
This dish is truly special, and the Marry Me Chicken Recipe offers a perfect blend of ease and indulgence that you’ll want to keep in your go-to recipe box. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate yet impresses any dinner guest. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let this creamy, sun-dried tomato delight sweep you off your feet.
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: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful skillet chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
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, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper evenly.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish cooking the chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and let everything simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top just before serving for a fresh herbal finish.
Notes
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of white wine along with the chicken broth during the sauce preparation step.
