Marry Me Chicken is pure comfort in a skillet: tender, juicy chicken breasts are bathed in a luxuriously creamy, Parmesan-laced sauce studded with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and brightened by fresh basil. This wildly popular dish wins hearts (and rave reviews!) for good reason — it’s incredibly easy, downright decadent, and perfect for those evenings when you want to impress with minimal fuss. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night, a family dinner, or simply craving something deliciously satisfying, Marry Me Chicken is the recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of staple ingredients to make Marry Me Chicken, but each one brings essential flavor, creaminess, or color to the plate. Here’s what makes this dish truly magical, plus a few tips to guarantee the best results every single time.

Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless for quick, even cooking and a lean but tender bite.
Olive oil: Provides a golden sear on the chicken and a silky base for the sauce.
Salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings that make the chicken sing.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a beautiful color to each piece.
Garlic: Three fresh cloves infuse the sauce with irresistible savory aroma.
Chicken broth: The foundation of the sauce, adding body and extra savoriness.
Heavy cream: Delivers the luscious, creamy texture that sets Marry Me Chicken apart.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated gives the sauce irresistible nutty depth—avoid pre-shredded!
Dried thyme & oregano: Classic Italian herbs that bring warmth and balance.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch wakes up the sauce with a gentle touch of heat.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped and scattered throughout, they offer bursts of tangy sweetness.
Fresh basil: The final flourish, adding freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle each side generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This not only adds flavor but also creates a lightly smoky, colorful crust once the chicken hits the pan.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Carefully lay in the chicken breasts, leaving space between them. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until they’re gorgeously golden brown but not fully cooked through yet. Set the chicken aside on a clean plate—you’ll bring it back soon!

Step 3: Build Your Flavorful Sauce

Reduce the skillet heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant (watch closely so it doesn’t burn!). Pour in the chicken broth, then add the heavy cream, Parmesan, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes, whisking as you go. The sauce should come together silky smooth and already smell fabulous.

Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let the whole mixture simmer for about 3–4 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken ever so slightly—a key stage for that signature Marry Me Chicken irresistibility.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Simmer

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the tops. Lower the heat and cover, letting everything cook for 10–15 minutes. The chicken should be perfectly cooked through, juicy, and infused with the creamy, herby magic of the sauce!

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil

Right before serving, scatter the chopped fresh basil over everything. This final touch adds fresh aroma, color, and a hint of peppery brightness that makes the Marry Me Chicken extra special.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, I love sprinkling on more fresh basil or a light dusting of grated Parmesan right before serving. A little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few slivers of sun-dried tomato can also make each plate look and taste extra gourmet.

Side Dishes

Marry Me Chicken is begging for something to soak up all that dreamy sauce. Pile it over buttery mashed potatoes, nestle it onto al dente pasta, or keep things lighter with steamed rice or fluffy cauliflower mash. A crisp side salad or roasted asparagus always balances out the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t hesitate to think outside the skillet! Serve this dish family-style in the pan for a rustic, cozy vibe, or plate each chicken breast individually with a spoonful of sauce and a few basil leaves. For date night, try slicing the chicken and fanning it over pasta with the sauce for restaurant-worthy presentation you can pull off at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only get deeper, and the sauce thickens up deliciously as it sits.

Freezing

Marry Me Chicken freezes surprisingly well! Portion cooled chicken with sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating—just note the sauce may need an extra splash of broth or cream to regain its silky texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen if needed. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, but the stovetop method helps keep the chicken perfectly juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs are actually even juicier and infuse the sauce with a richer flavor. Just extend the simmering time as needed until the chicken is fully cooked through.

Is Marry Me Chicken really spicy?

The red pepper flakes add only a gentle heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, simply reduce the amount or leave them out altogether—the sauce will still be creamy and flavorful.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time for guests?

Yes! You can make the sauce a day in advance and sear the chicken ahead, then simply combine and simmer before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld, making this a perfect dish for entertaining.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter option, half-and-half works well, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. You can also try unsweetened coconut cream for a dairy-free version, keeping in mind it will lightly change the flavor.

How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer for best results—the thickest part should read 165°F. If you don’t have one handy, cut into the center of the thickest piece; the juices should run clear and the meat no longer look pink.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve tasted the creamy, savory, and unbelievably satisfying flavors of Marry Me Chicken, you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation. The dish is simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to celebrate life’s memorable moments. Give it a try and watch everyone at the table fall in love—no proposals required!

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and creamy chicken dish that is sure to impress, Marry Me Chicken features tender chicken breasts smothered in a flavorful sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

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

Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear chicken until golden brown, then set aside.
Prepare the sauce: Cook garlic, add broth, cream, Parmesan, herbs, and tomatoes, simmer until thickened.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, cover, and simmer until cooked through.
Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.