If you’re looking to sweep someone off their feet (or just treat yourself to a little decadence), Marry Me Chicken is the dish that promises love at first bite. Picture golden seared chicken breasts nestled in a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce, dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and finished with fresh herbs—every bite as dreamy as it sounds. Whether you’re preparing a special date night or a cozy family dinner, this crowd-pleasing classic is about to earn a top spot in your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great Marry Me Chicken starts with simple, flavorful ingredients that shine on their own and become truly magical together. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each is a game-changer for this irresistibly creamy skillet chicken.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully; you can swap for chicken thighs if you prefer extra juiciness.
Olive Oil: Adds depth and helps achieve that gorgeous, golden sear on the chicken.
Butter: Gives the sauce a silky finish and provides richness that ties everything together.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the pan with aroma and flavor for the ultimate savory base.
Chicken Broth: Deglazes all those lovely pan bits, building complexity in your creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: The secret to that luxurious, perfectly thickened sauce—no skimping here!
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending saltiness and a nutty depth that balances the creamy texture.
Chili Flakes (optional): For a subtle kick of heat that elevates the flavor profile—use as much or as little as you like.
Dried Thyme: Adds earthy, aromatic notes that complement the creaminess and tomatoes.
Dried Oregano: Offers a hint of Mediterranean flair, tying all the flavors together.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their concentrated, tangy-sweet flavor pops in every bite and adds beautiful color.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: Sprinkled on top before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high. Once the butter melts and begins to sizzle, add the chicken. Sear each piece for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, creating a golden crust while locking in juices. Once cooked through, set the chicken aside—don’t worry, all those caramelized bits left behind are pure flavor gold for the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Deglaze the Pan

With the skillet still hot, dial the heat down to medium and toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, just enough to let that wonderful aroma bloom (but not so long it burns!). Next, pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up all the browned bits—this technique, called deglazing, helps build a flavorful foundation for your Marry Me Chicken sauce.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, then add the grated Parmesan, chili flakes (if you’re feeling spicy), thyme, and oregano. Stir gently as the cheese melts and the sauce transforms into a smooth, rich blanket. Let it bubble away for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens to that irresistible creaminess you just know will coat each chicken piece perfectly.

Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Return Chicken to Sauce

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes—watch how the sauce gains gorgeous color and bursts of flavor. Return your golden chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Simmer everything together for another 5 to 6 minutes, spooning the luscious sauce over the chicken as it cooks so every bite is extra flavorful. Just before serving, scatter over chopped fresh basil or parsley for a bright, vibrant finish.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

For that final touch, don’t skip the fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top! These herbs bring a lovely burst of color and a light, refreshing note that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A final crack of black pepper or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan is always a good idea for an even more mouthwatering presentation.

Side Dishes

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken is its versatility—serve it over a tangle of pasta that soaks up every drop of sauce, a pile of fluffy mashed potatoes, or even a bed of steamed rice. If you want to add freshness, a simple green salad or some garlicky sautéed greens are ideal partners.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re out to impress, slice the chicken before arranging it back in the skillet, fanning the pieces for a show-stopping look. Try serving in individual mini-cast iron skillets or shallow bowls for a rustic, restaurant-style vibe—absolutely photo-worthy! And don’t forget to serve some crusty bread on the side; it’s the best utensil for scooping up extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Marry Me Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply let the leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them (along with all the sauce) to an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight, making those leftovers just as crave-worthy!

Freezing

If you want to make Marry Me Chicken ahead or store a batch for another night, freezing is totally doable. Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating so the creamy sauce stays smooth.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently on the stove over medium-low, adding a splash of extra chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. If using the microwave, do it in short bursts to avoid overcooking the chicken or splitting the sauce. Stir often for even heating—your Marry Me Chicken will taste just as dreamy as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more forgiving than chicken breasts. The flavor is a little richer, and they pair perfectly with the creamy sauce in Marry Me Chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, Marry Me Chicken is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your chicken broth and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with an allergy.

What’s the best way to get that perfect golden sear?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning—this helps it brown, not steam. Make sure your pan is hot enough, and avoid crowding the chicken so it sears evenly. Flip just once for the best color!

How do I adjust the heat level?

If you love a little spice, go big with the chili flakes! For a milder Marry Me Chicken, simply leave them out or use just a pinch. The dish is delicious either way.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken dairy-free?

You can! Try substituting full-fat coconut milk for the cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The sauce will have a slightly different flavor but will still be rich and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Marry Me Chicken has captured so many hearts and taste buds—it’s easy, wildly flavorful, and makes every dinner feel like an occasion. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just indulging in comfort food at its finest, give this recipe a try and discover why it’s so beloved. You just might end up making it again and again!

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and flavorful dish that will make you fall in love with every bite. Marry Me Chicken features tender chicken breasts in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauce:

½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)

Garnish:

Chopped fresh basil or parsley

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Instructions

Season and Sear Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil and butter until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Prepare Sauce: Sauté garlic, deglaze with chicken broth, add cream, Parmesan, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until thickened.
Finish Dish: Return chicken to skillet, simmer in sauce. Garnish and serve hot.