If you’re looking to impress someone special—or simply treat yourself to a dinner that feels like a celebration—then the Marry Me Chicken Recipe is absolutely the one you need in your life. Creamy, rich, and bursting with bold flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and a touch of Italian seasoning, this beloved dish brings together perfectly seared chicken breasts in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal that wins hearts (and taste buds) every time, and after just one bite, you’ll understand how it got its swoon-worthy name!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Marry Me Chicken Recipe shines thanks to a short list of powerful ingredients. Each one contributes something essential, creating a harmony of savory, creamy, and tangy notes that make every bite unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few tips along the way!

Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless for quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps achieve that beautiful golden sear.
Unsalted butter: Infuses richness and deep flavor to the sauce and chicken.
Garlic: Just a few cloves add a wonderful, aromatic foundation—don’t skip it!
Heavy cream: The secret to that indulgent, silky texture in the sauce.
Chicken broth: Balances the fattiness of the cream and boosts savory depth.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for creamy melt and classic Italian flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil): Bring sweet, tart intensity and lovely color.
Italian seasoning: A pinch adds herby complexity that rounds out the sauce.
Red pepper flakes: A little heat wakes up the rich cream sauce—adjust for preference.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce.
Fresh basil or parsley: Sprinkle on top for fresh flavor and a pop of green (the perfect finishing touch).

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Season

First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature while you work on the chicken. Meanwhile, pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. This little step is key for locking in moisture and ensuring your chicken is flavorful through and through.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Grab a large oven-safe skillet and warm the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. When the butter is foaming and just barely golden, lay in the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3–4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Don’t move them around too much—this lets them develop deep color and flavor. Once done, set the chicken aside so you can build the sauce in the next step.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Start the Sauce

In that same glorious skillet, lower the heat to medium and toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for just 30 seconds; you want it fragrant but not brown. Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping the bottom to loosen up all the tasty browned bits left behind from searing—the foundation of a truly mouthwatering sauce.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Now comes the fun part: add the Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and another touch of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it starts to thicken. Watch as the sauce transforms, melding into a glossy, creamy dream infused with sun-dried tomato richness and herby aromas.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Bake

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each piece. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (it should reach 165°F or 74°C). Baking lets all those flavors soak into the meat, while the sauce finishes thickening around it. The result is pure magic.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

As soon as the chicken comes out of the oven, top it generously with chopped fresh basil or parsley. The herbs add brightness and a pop of color that makes the whole dish feel restaurant-worthy. Now, you’re ready to plate up and enjoy!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

This dish practically begs for a final shower of fresh herbs—think vibrant basil or parsley, coarsely chopped for texture and flavor. A little extra grated Parmesan over the top is another fabulous choice, adding a salty finish and a bit of irresistible melt. For a little visual drama and even more flavor, you could also scatter some extra sun-dried tomato pieces on top.

Side Dishes

The Marry Me Chicken Recipe plays beautifully with a range of sides. Pair it with pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti are both dreamy), creamy mashed potatoes, steamed white rice, or a hunk of crusty bread to help you scoop up every last drop of that glorious sauce. For freshness, a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli are both perfect counterpoints to the richness of the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out over a pool of sauce before garnishing with herbs. Serve individual portions in shallow bowls with sauce spooned over, or, for a family-style approach, present everything straight from the oven-safe skillet placed proudly on your table. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes just before serving adds a subtle pop of color and spice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Marry Me Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the sauce sits, it soaks even deeper into the chicken, making the leftovers arguably as delicious as the first night. Just be sure to keep the chicken and sauce together to retain moisture and flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce might separate a touch, but a quick whisk while reheating should bring it right back together.

Reheating

Gently reheat the Marry Me Chicken Recipe in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. Cover the pan so the chicken stays juicy as it warms. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring the sauce in between to avoid scorching.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a delicious substitute, remaining juicy and tender throughout baking. Just adjust the cook time slightly as thighs may need an extra few minutes in the oven to reach 165°F internally.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter sauce, try using half-and-half or whole milk, but be aware the sauce will be a bit less thick and rich. For a dairy-free alternative, unsweetened coconut cream provides a similar texture, though the flavor will have a coconut twist.

Is the Marry Me Chicken Recipe very spicy?

Not particularly. The red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick—perfect for lifting all the creamy flavors without overwhelming the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount up or down based on your heat preference.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Definitely! Adding a big handful of baby spinach or a few halved cherry tomatoes in with the sauce is a wonderful way to boost color, nutrients, and freshness. Let them wilt or soften briefly before returning the chicken to the pan.

What should I do if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

Not a problem—just transfer the chicken and sauce from your regular skillet into a baking dish before finishing in the oven. You’ll still get all the magic of the Marry Me Chicken Recipe, just in a different pan.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Marry Me Chicken Recipe becomes the showstopper in your own kitchen, earning you rave reviews and maybe even a few new fans. Every creamy, savory bite proves why it’s such a beloved classic. Don’t wait for a special occasion—try it tonight and let it wow you!

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

A delectable and creamy chicken dish that’s so delicious, it might just make someone propose! Marry Me Chicken features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauce:

3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garnish:

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sear the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken in a skillet until golden brown. Set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add cream, broth, cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
Bake: Return chicken to the skillet, top with sauce, and bake for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.