If you’re searching for a show-stopper meal that’s equal parts irresistible and comforting, Marry Me Chicken is the recipe you need in your culinary toolkit. Each juicy chicken breast basks in a luxuriously creamy, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce kissed with fresh basil, making it a truly unforgettable weeknight (or date night!) main dish. Whether you’re wooing someone special or treating yourself to a fancy-feeling dinner, this Marry Me Chicken is delicious proof that a handful of pantry staples can create magic right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Marry Me Chicken brings an important flavor, texture, or pop of color, and together, they build the kind of sauce you’ll want to mop up with every last bit of bread. Trust that these simple items create something truly greater than the sum of its parts!

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect canvas for soaking up all the flavors in the creamy sauce.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps get that golden, flavorful sear on the chicken.
Butter: Balances the olive oil, deepens the flavor, and creates a luscious base for the sauce.
Garlic (minced): Three cloves bring a wonderfully aromatic kick that makes the sauce pop.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and builds savory depth—you’ll scrape up every last browned bit for flavor.
Heavy cream: For that silky, luxurious texture that’s the signature of Marry Me Chicken.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds nutty, salty notes and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Red pepper flakes: Just a touch for gentle, lingering heat (feel free to adjust to taste).
Dried oregano: Infuses the sauce with herbal, Mediterranean warmth.
Dried thyme: Earthy and woodsy, rounding out the sauce with an extra whisper of flavor.
Salt: Essential for bringing everything into perfect balance.
Black pepper: For a hint of sharpness that awakens all the creamy flavors.
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): The ingredient that truly makes Marry Me Chicken sing with sweet-tart bursts of color and texture.
Fresh basil (chopped): Bright and fragrant, it’s the fresh finish your sauce craves.
Extra basil and Parmesan for garnish: These special touches not only look gorgeous but also amplify every bite.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Chicken

Heat your oven to 375°F and pat those chicken breasts dry—this step guarantees a beautiful sear. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This quick pre-seasoning ensures the chicken itself is tasty all the way through, not just on the surface.

Step 2: Sear for Maximum Flavor

Grab a large, oven-safe skillet and heat up the olive oil and butter over medium-high. As soon as the butter melts and starts to sizzle, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, aiming for that golden crust. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through yet; you’re after color and flavor here. Once done, move the chicken to a plate and set aside for now.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet (don’t even think about wiping it out—there’s flavor in those crispy brown bits!), reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until soft and fragrant. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn; golden, not brown, is the secret to mellow, sweet garlicky notes in your Marry Me Chicken sauce.

Step 4: Simmer Up the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up every last tasty bit from the bottom of the pan. This is where the magic starts! Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble away for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly and blend all those fantastic flavors together.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Bake

Nestle the seared chicken back into the creamy sauce, spooning some over the tops so they’re well-coated. Transfer the whole skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling and irresistibly creamy. Just before serving, scatter lots of fresh basil and extra Parmesan over the top for a dazzling finish.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped basil brings color and a burst of herbal brightness to every bite of Marry Me Chicken. Don’t skimp on a final sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese just before serving—it melts gently on top and adds a savory, irresistible sheen.

Side Dishes

You’ll want something that can soak up all that dreamy sauce, so think fluffy mashed potatoes, plenty of al dente pasta, or thick slices of rustic, crusty bread. Even a simple heap of garlic butter rice or steamed green beans creates a plate worth swooning over.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra flair, slice the chicken before plating and fan it out over a generous puddle of sauce. Or, serve Marry Me Chicken family-style straight from the skillet in the center of your table for that cozy, share-the-love vibe. For a special occasion, garnish each plate with microgreens, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any extra Marry Me Chicken (with sauce) in an airtight container as soon as it’s cooled to room temperature. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner extra special and effortless.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze Marry Me Chicken, though the creamy sauce may separate slightly when thawed. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Stir the sauce well after warming up, and a splash of cream can revive its velvety texture.

Reheating

Gentle is the word here—reheat Marry Me Chicken in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works, too, in short bursts and at half-power, stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in Marry Me Chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and cook up just as beautifully in this recipe. They may need a few minutes longer in the oven, so use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce will be a little less rich and thick. Coconut cream also works for a dairy-free spin, though it will shift the flavor slightly.

How spicy is Marry Me Chicken?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but the overall dish is more creamy than spicy. If you prefer no heat, simply omit them; on the flip side, add a touch more for extra warmth.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes! Marry Me Chicken is naturally gluten-free as written, making it a great main dish for anyone looking to avoid wheat. Just double-check all your packaged ingredients to be sure.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken in advance?

You sure can—prepare the dish through the baking step, cool, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through, and garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Treat yourself and your loved ones to the pure comfort and flavor of Marry Me Chicken—it’s as loveable as its name suggests. Whether you serve it for a special celebration or a simple weeknight dinner, don’t be surprised if it becomes one of those recipes you can’t help coming back to again and again!

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 19 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Marry Me Chicken, a decadent dish perfect for a romantic dinner. This skillet chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Sauce:

1 cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Garnish:

Extra basil and Parmesan

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
Sear chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Prepare sauce: Sauté garlic, add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, herbs, and tomatoes. Simmer.
Bake: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake for 15–18 minutes.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan before serving.