Marry Me Chicken Recipe

The Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Recipe That Seals the Deal

Succulent marry me chicken delivers a romantic culinary adventure that promises to captivate your taste buds.

Passionate home cooks adore this irresistible dish for its creamy, rich flavors.

Simple ingredients combine to create a meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Tender chicken breasts swim in a luscious sauce that whispers sweet promises.

Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes add depth and complexity to every delectable bite.

Weeknight dinners transform into special moments with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Prepare to fall in love with every single mouthwatering forkful.

FAQs

  • Is Marry Me Chicken really that delicious?

Yes, it’s called “Marry Me” because the flavor is so incredible that it might actually make someone propose! The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked chicken creates an irresistible taste.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and can be even more flavorful and tender. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

  • What makes the sauce so special?

The magic is in the blend of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. These ingredients create a rich, tangy, and creamy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.

Marry Me Chicken Essentials

Marry Me Chicken Essentials

Savor Romantic Flavors: Discover why this Marry Me Chicken recipe steals hearts!

  • Create Culinary Magic: A simple yet impressive dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Packed with Irresistible Ingredients: Sun-dried tomatoes, creamy Parmesan sauce, and fresh herbs combine to deliver an explosion of rich, bold flavors that make every bite memorable.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a streamlined cooking process that goes from stovetop directly to oven, saving precious time and reducing dish washing.
  • Perfect Date Night Showstopper: Elegant enough to impress a special someone, yet straightforward enough for home cooks to master without stress, making it ideal for romantic dinners or intimate gatherings.

Ingredients in Marry Me Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A tender and lean protein that serves as the star of this delicious dish.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
  • Garlic, Thyme Leaves, Red Pepper Flakes: A fragrant blend that adds depth and subtle heat to the dish.
Sauce Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a rich liquid base for the creamy sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Deliver a concentrated, tangy flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Create a luxurious, velvety sauce with a sharp and creamy texture.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a golden-brown crust on the chicken.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: A bright, aromatic herb that adds a fresh finishing touch to the dish.

Step-by-Step Marry Me Chicken

Step-by-Step Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Skillet

Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Lower skillet heat to medium. Add more olive oil and introduce:
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh thyme leaves
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir ingredients until fragrant.

Pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Season with additional salt. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Return chicken to the skillet, coating thoroughly with sauce. Transfer skillet to oven preheated at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bake until chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear, approximately 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Serve with Flair

Place chicken on serving platter.

Drench chicken with creamy sauce. Sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant finish.

Serve immediately and watch everyone fall in love with this irresistible dish.

Tips for Marry Me Chicken Success

Tips for Marry Me Chicken Success
  • Opt for thin chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and faster preparation time.
  • Gently pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
  • Select high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for richer, more intense flavor profile.
  • Balance the cream sauce by adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice for brightness and depth.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter or dairy-free variations without compromising taste.

Variations of Marry Me Chicken

Variations of Marry Me Chicken
  • Vegetarian Chicken Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, sliced and pan-seared for a protein-rich alternative that absorbs the creamy, tangy sauce perfectly.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain the rich, creamy texture while keeping the recipe allergen-friendly.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Version: Increase red pepper flakes, add chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle za'atar spice blend for an intense, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that elevates the original recipe.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts, and reduce sun-dried tomatoes to minimize carbohydrate content while keeping the robust, savory essence of the dish intact.

Pairing Recommendations with Marry Me Chicken

Pairing Recommendations with Marry Me Chicken
  • Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce and complements the sun-dried tomatoes' tangy brightness.
  • Create a crusty, buttery side that soaks up the luxurious sauce, enhancing every delicious bite with additional garlic and herb flavors.
  • Prepare a fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Grill asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper to add a subtle green vegetable element that highlights the chicken's robust flavors and provides a nutritious side.

Storage Tips for Marry Me Chicken

Storage Tips for Marry Me Chicken
  • Store leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
  • Carefully place chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring sauce halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy marry me chicken promises a romantic Italian-inspired dinner that will win hearts at first bite. Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream create an irresistible sauce you cannot resist sharing with someone special.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 8 oz each)
  • 3 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (coarsely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
  • 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh basil leaves (torn, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil, garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until aromatic, about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir and simmer the sauce, seasoning with additional salt.
  3. Return chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s completely covered with the creamy sauce. Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Ladle the rich, velvety sauce over the chicken. Finish by scattering fresh torn basil leaves on top for a vibrant, herbaceous garnish. Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and fragrant.

Notes

  • Achieve golden-brown perfection by patting chicken dry before seasoning, ensuring a crispy exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
  • Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a lighter, diet-friendly version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using sweet paprika for a milder kick that suits different taste preferences.
  • Experiment with protein alternatives like tofu or turkey breast to create versatile, dietary-friendly adaptations of this delectable dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 435 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star