There’s something magical about a dish that combines creamy, savory flavors with just the right touch of indulgence. Enter Marry Me Chicken—a dish so rich, comforting, and flavorful that it might just inspire a marriage proposal! This recipe is a perfect balance of tender, golden-seared chicken, a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce, and the slight tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a warm, satisfying richness that makes this meal a must-try.
This dish isn’t just about great flavor; it’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and just 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a cozy date night at home, a special family dinner, or even a weeknight meal when you want something a little more exciting than the usual chicken recipes. Despite its elegant and restaurant-worthy taste, it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly, so you don’t need to be a professional chef to nail this dish.
One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken Recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or even low-carb options like zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash. Plus, with just a few simple tweaks, you can adjust it to suit different dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing your significant other, or just treating yourself to a comforting homemade meal, this dish is a guaranteed winner.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Marry Me Chicken is a true crowd-pleaser, combining bold, rich flavors with a luxuriously creamy texture. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy and indulgent but requires very little effort, making it a perfect go-to for special occasions and busy weeknights alike.
Rich & Flavorful – The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a sauce that’s both decadent and well-balanced. The creaminess is cut by the subtle tang of sun-dried tomatoes, making every bite bold and satisfying.
Easy to Make – You only need a single skillet and about 45 minutes to whip up this dish. There’s minimal prep involved, and most of the cooking happens in the oven, so you don’t have to stand over the stove the entire time.
Versatile – Whether you want to serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even crusty bread, this dish pairs beautifully with so many sides. You can also make simple modifications to adjust for dietary preferences or personal tastes.
Keto & Gluten-Free – No need for major substitutions! The creamy sauce is naturally low-carb, and if you serve this dish with zucchini noodles or a salad instead of pasta, it’s 100% keto-friendly.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a family meal, or even a meal prep option for the week, this dish works beautifully. It’s comforting, indulgent, and packed with flavor, making it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
Ingredients of this Marry Me Chicken Recipe
You don’t need a ton of ingredients to make Marry Me Chicken, but each one plays an important role in creating the dish’s rich, well-balanced flavors.
For the Chicken:
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (trimmed and patted dry to ensure a good sear)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste (seasoning is key for a flavorful dish!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil for extra depth of flavor)
For the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce:
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic enhances the flavor of the sauce)
- ¾ cup chicken broth (low sodium works best to control salt levels)
- ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature (ensures a smooth, creamy texture without curdling)
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (use freshly grated for the best melt and consistency—pre-grated cheese can be grainy)
- ½-1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (packed in oil for the richest flavor and best texture)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the creaminess)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference, but a little heat adds great depth!)
- Fresh basil, chiffonade (for garnish) (adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish)
Step-by-Step Instructions to make this Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare & Sear the Chicken
Before you begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a seamless cooking process. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for the dish. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil. If you’re using oil from the sun-dried tomato jar, this will add even more flavor to the chicken.
Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. Don’t worry if the inside isn’t fully cooked yet—it will finish cooking in the oven later. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Next, pour in the chicken broth, using a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add amazing depth of flavor to the sauce!
Once the broth is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Adding the cream off-heat helps prevent curdling and ensures a smooth, velvety consistency. Next, mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted. Return the skillet to low heat, then add the sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine all the flavors, letting the sauce simmer gently for about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Finish in the Oven
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure they are coated in the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each piece of chicken to infuse even more flavor. Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy. Garnish with freshly chopped basil for a burst of herbaceous freshness. Spoon extra sauce over each serving, and enjoy it with your favorite side dishes!
Serving Suggestions of this Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Marry Me Chicken is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
Pasta – Serve over linguine, fettuccine, or penne to soak up the creamy sauce.
Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes complement the rich sauce beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a fresh contrast.
Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Storage & Reheating of this Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
Freezing: Not recommended, as dairy-based sauces tend to separate when frozen.
FAQs
Can I make Marry Me Chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make this in a slow cooker, sear the chicken first as directed, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Mix the sauce ingredients and pour over the chicken. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender. Stir in the Parmesan at the end to keep the sauce smooth.
How can I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Make sure the heavy cream is at room temperature before adding it, and always stir it in off the heat. Also, avoid using low-fat substitutes, as they are more prone to curdling.
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work well, but they will need extra cooking time in the oven—about 25-30 minutes at 375°F.
Can I double the sauce for extra creaminess?
Absolutely! If you love extra sauce, double the sauce ingredients and use a larger skillet to ensure everything simmers evenly.
What other proteins can I use?
You can use salmon, shrimp, or even tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version of this dish! Adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts: Try This Creamy, Flavor-Packed Marry Me Chicken Recipe!
Marry Me Chicken is a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for special occasions. The golden-seared chicken, the velvety sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and the bold Parmesan flavors make it a meal that everyone falls in love with after the first bite. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or just treating yourself to a comforting homemade meal, this dish is a must-try.
I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for you! If you make Marry Me Chicken, snap a photo and tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!
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Marry Me Chicken Recipe – Creamy, Flavorful & Easy One-Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful chicken dish made with juicy seared chicken breasts, a rich Parmesan cream sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes. This one-pan meal is perfect for a romantic dinner, family meal, or an easy weeknight dinner. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or veggies for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Seasoning: Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Oil: 2 tbsp olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil)
- Aromatics: 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- Liquid: ¾ cup chicken broth
- Dairy: ½ cup heavy cream, ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Flavor: ½-1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Garnish: Fresh basil, chiffonade
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and season chicken with salt & pepper.
- Sear chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth.
- Return to low heat and add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and season chicken with salt & pepper.
- Sear chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth.
- Return to low heat and add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for more or less heat.
- Substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired