If you’re searching for the ultimate creamy chicken recipe that’s equal parts comforting and impressive, look no further than Marry Me Chicken. This dish is beloved for its tender, golden-seared chicken smothered in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. It’s the kind of recipe that wins hearts and brings everyone to the table—whether you’re cooking for a romantic night in or a cozy family dinner. With just one skillet and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up something so irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken is how it transforms everyday staples into something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays its part—bringing savory depth, creamy richness, vibrant color, or a pop of fresh flavor to every bite.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook up tender, perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce.
Salt: Seasons the chicken, enhancing its natural flavor right from the start.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and earthy aroma.
Olive oil: Helps achieve that gorgeous golden sear while adding richness.
Garlic: Sautéed until fragrant, garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible savory depth.
Chicken broth: Lifts the sauce with a savory, slightly tangy backbone and keeps it from feeling too heavy.
Heavy cream: The key to a silky, indulgent sauce that feels restaurant-worthy.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity and helps thicken the sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring a burst of sweet-tart flavor and a gorgeous pop of color.
Dried thyme: Offers delicate herbal notes that complement the creaminess perfectly.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that balances the richness of the dish.
Dried oregano: Adds a cozy, Mediterranean touch to round out the flavors.
Fresh basil or parsley: A final sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens up each serving beautifully.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then generously season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until each piece is deeply golden and just cooked through. This step adds so much flavor and locks in all the juices, ensuring every bite is tender. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside—you’ll return it to the pan later so it can soak up all the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant (careful not to burn it!). Next, pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up those golden browned bits left from searing—that’s pure flavor gold. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and oregano. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a dreamy, creamy sauce.

Step 3: Return the Chicken to the Sauce

Now for the magic: nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of that sumptuous sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 3 to 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to reheat and absorb all those bold, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors. The result? Marry Me Chicken that’s impossibly juicy and bursting with flavor in every forkful.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, shower the dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. The herbs add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that brightens up the whole plate. Get ready for oohs and aahs at the table—this is the moment Marry Me Chicken truly shines.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley is the classic finishing touch for Marry Me Chicken, but you can also add an extra dusting of Parmesan or a few extra sun-dried tomato strips for extra flair. If you love a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top is fantastic too. These little touches make the dish look as beautiful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Marry Me Chicken is practically begging to be served over something that will soak up all that incredible sauce. Pasta is a favorite—think fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice are also perfect partners. For a lighter meal, try steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp green salad on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, present Marry Me Chicken in individual shallow bowls over a nest of pasta or mashed potatoes, with the sauce spooned generously over top. For a family-style dinner, serve it straight from the skillet at the table—just add a big spoon for ladling that irresistible sauce. You can even make open-faced sandwiches on toasted sourdough for a casual, crowd-pleasing twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container to keep everything moist and flavorful. The sauce may thicken a bit as it chills, but a splash of broth or cream will loosen it right up when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze Marry Me Chicken for up to two months, though the creamy sauce may separate slightly when thawed. To help maintain the best texture, let everything cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place Marry Me Chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Gently warm until the chicken is heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring the sauce between each to keep it smooth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option for Marry Me Chicken and often turn out even juicier. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.

Is Marry Me Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can easily make Marry Me Chicken a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and gently reheat before serving. The flavors deepen and meld as it sits, making leftovers extra tasty!

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, try roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor profile. Both options pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If your sauce feels a bit thin, let it simmer for an extra few minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally. The Parmesan will help thicken it up, or you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra richness.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Marry Me Chicken has become a modern classic—it’s simple, spectacular, and always delivers that wow factor. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it work its magic for your next dinner. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for both special occasions and weeknight cravings!

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Marry Me Chicken is a rich, creamy skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious sauce of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, seasoned with garlic and herbs. This comforting and flavorful recipe is perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or a romantic meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Garnish

Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to ensure the meat is well-flavored.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the hot oil and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
Prepare Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and dried oregano. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine and Simmer: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to reheat the chicken and enhance the melding of flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the chicken and sauce before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

Served best over pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier option.
Doubling the sauce ingredients makes for a creamier variation.

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