Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, savory, and flavor-packed chicken dish that lives up to its charming name. It’s made with juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich sun-dried tomato and parmesan cream sauce that’s so good, it might just inspire a marriage proposal. I find it’s an easy yet indulgent dinner perfect for any night I want to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish comes together in just one pan, making cleanup simple. The chicken stays incredibly tender while the sauce is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. It feels like a fancy restaurant meal, but it’s surprisingly simple to make at home. I often serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
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Garlic cloves (minced)
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Chicken broth
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Heavy cream
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Grated parmesan cheese
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Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
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Red pepper flakes
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Fresh thyme or basil (for garnish)
Directions
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I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden on both sides. I remove them from the pan once they’re nicely browned.
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In the same skillet, I sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
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I pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom for extra flavor, then add the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
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I stir everything together and let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
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I return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce until fully cooked and juicy.
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Before serving, I sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a little kick and garnish with fresh herbs.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cook time, making the total time approximately 35 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
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I sometimes swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
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To lighten the dish, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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I like to toss in some baby spinach or mushrooms to add more texture and nutrients.
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If I’m in the mood for a spicy twist, I double the red pepper flakes.
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For a dairy-free version, I use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan substitute.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwaving is also an option, but I do it in short bursts to avoid overcooking the chicken.
FAQs
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
I like to use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil because they’re more flavorful and tender. I drain them slightly before chopping and adding them to the sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the sauce a day ahead and reheat it with freshly cooked chicken when I’m ready to serve.
What’s the best side dish to serve with Marry Me Chicken?
I usually serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also go well with the rich sauce.
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?
I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the cream-based sauce can separate when thawed and reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
I use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If I don’t have one handy, I cut into the thickest part to check that the juices run clear.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining comfort and elegance in one skillet. Whether I’m cooking for a date night or just want something satisfying after a long day, this dish never fails to impress. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe I find myself coming back to again and again.
Print
Marry Me Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a rich and creamy chicken dish featuring juicy seared chicken breasts smothered in a parmesan and sun-dried tomato cream sauce. It’s easy to make in one skillet and delivers restaurant-quality flavor perfect for any special or casual dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh thyme or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden on both sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze, then add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Stir and simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce until fully cooked through.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and garnish with fresh thyme or basil before serving.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for better flavor and texture.
- Substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add baby spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and dairy-free parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
