Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful chicken dish that’s earned its name for being so irresistibly good, it’s rumored to spark marriage proposals. Made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich parmesan sun-dried tomato cream sauce, this recipe is perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or any time you want to impress someone special with a comforting, gourmet-style meal.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breasts
olive oil
salt
black pepper
garlic cloves
crushed red pepper flakes
chicken broth
heavy cream
grated parmesan cheese
sun-dried tomatoes
Italian seasoning
fresh basil (optional for garnish)
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
Use boneless thighs instead of chicken breasts for extra juiciness.
Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Swap parmesan for asiago or pecorino cheese.
Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating.
FAQs
What makes this dish so popular?
The combination of juicy chicken and a creamy, savory sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan makes it incredibly flavorful and comforting.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the flavor will change slightly.
Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, just drain any excess oil before using.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to taste.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and store in the fridge, then reheat gently when ready to serve.
Can I freeze it?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Just note the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing.
What sides pair well with Marry Me Chicken?
It goes great with pasta, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Can I cook this on the stovetop only?
Yes, after simmering the sauce, add the chicken back in, cover, and simmer until fully cooked.
Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?
It’s said to be so delicious, it could inspire someone to propose after one bite!
Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely! You can reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is more than just a catchy name—it’s a decadent, crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy, cheesy, and tangy flavors in one irresistible skillet. Perfect for romantic dinners or family meals, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Cook it once, and don’t be surprised if people start asking for seconds—or maybe even your hand in marriage!
PrintMarry Me Chicken: A Recipe That Will Win Hearts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful chicken dish made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan cheese — perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Can be served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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