Marry Me Chicken is one of those magical recipes that boldly delivers flavor, comfort, and a little bit of romance, all in one creamy skillet. With tender chicken bathed in a luscious, sun-dried tomato cream sauce and finished off with fragrant basil, this classic dish is beloved for good reason: it’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to wow guests or mark a date night. Every bite is a symphony of savory, tangy, and subtly spicy notes that come together effortlessly—no wonder it’s rumored to inspire marriage proposals!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Marry Me Chicken recipe proves that you don’t need a complicated grocery list to make a heart-stealing dinner. Each ingredient serves an important purpose, whether it’s infusing the sauce with depth or bringing out the best in juicy chicken.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and soak up all the creamy, tangy flavors of the sauce—feel free to substitute with thighs for even more richness.
Olive oil: Just a touch adds flavor and helps achieve that golden sear on the chicken’s surface.
Unsalted butter: This brings a subtle richness and silkiness to the sauce right from the start.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic caramelizes beautifully and is the cornerstone of that irresistible aroma.
Chicken broth: Scraping up the browned bits after searing chicken with broth adds major flavor depth.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce so dreamy—you want it ultra creamy and comforting.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty notes that blend seamlessly with the cream and tomatoes.
Red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to make every bite interesting without overpowering the dish.
Dried oregano: Brings a touch of earthy, classic Italian vibe to the sauce.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce—remember to taste and adjust as you go.
Black pepper: Balances with a little bite and brings everything together.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These gems add pockets of tangy sweetness and gorgeous color.
Fresh basil: Chopped and sprinkled, basil enlivens the finish and lends freshness to each serving.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for the final bake. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning ensures every bite of Marry Me Chicken is juicy and flavorful—even before it hits the sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Grab a large oven-safe skillet and heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter foams, add the chicken breasts. Sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes, letting them develop a beautiful golden crust. Don’t rush this step—the caramelized exterior locks in juices. Set the chicken aside when done; you’ll finish cooking them in the oven soon.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium. To the same skillet (no need to clean it out), add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute, letting that incredible aroma fill your kitchen without letting it burn. Pour in the chicken broth, and as it simmers, use a spatula to scrape up all those browned bits left from the chicken. That’s pure flavor right there, forming the base of your Marry Me Chicken sauce.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Flavorful

Slowly stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. As you mix, the sauce will come together—creamy, savory, and speckled with color. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring gently so nothing sticks. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon a little of that dreamy sauce over the top of each piece. Transfer the whole skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C) and the sauce bubbly and thickened. If you’re tempted, broil for 1 to 2 minutes for an even more golden finish.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Remove the skillet from the oven—careful, the handle will be hot! For a fresh and aromatic finish, sprinkle more chopped basil over the top before serving. Marry Me Chicken looks as good as it tastes, especially with that vibrant pop of green from the basil.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

For a restaurant-worthy presentation, top each serving with a generous sprinkle of additional fresh basil. You can also add a few extra Parmesan shavings or a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes for extra color and spark. The basil adds a burst of freshness and makes each plate irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dish is all about the sauce, so you’ll want something that can soak up every luxurious drop. Serve Marry Me Chicken over pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or with slices of crusty bread. Even a simple rice pilaf or sautéed greens can turn this meal into a feast—the sauce is fabulous on just about anything.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, plate each chicken breast individually atop a small mound of pasta or pillows of mashed potatoes, spooning extra sauce on top. For a cozy family-style meal, bring the entire skillet to the table and let everyone help themselves. You could even slice the chicken and serve it over a fresh salad with a drizzle of the creamy sauce for a lighter twist on Marry Me Chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, Marry Me Chicken stores beautifully. Place cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together, making leftovers just as delicious as the first night!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze Marry Me Chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s best used within 2 to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator so the creamy sauce stays as smooth as possible.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover Marry Me Chicken on the stovetop over low heat, stirring the sauce as it warms to prevent it from separating. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce needs reviving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs add extra richness and flavor to Marry Me Chicken. Just adjust the baking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, try using roasted red peppers for a similar tangy sweetness and brilliant color. You can also simply skip them for a more classic creamy chicken sauce.

Is there a way to make Marry Me Chicken lighter?

For a lighter take, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or use a blend of milk and Greek yogurt. The sauce will be thinner but still flavorful and satisfying.

Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite plant-based cream and cheese alternatives to make this a dairy-free Marry Me Chicken. Look for coconut or cashew-based creams for the richest results.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

To keep your sauce silky, make sure to simmer gently on medium or low heat after adding the cream and cheese—never let it boil vigorously. Stir often and remove from heat as soon as it’s thickened and glossy.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Marry Me Chicken has become a legend—it feels like the kind of recipe you’ll cherish and want to share time and time again. If you’re looking to impress or simply want a cozy night in with a meal that feels special, give this dish a spot in your rotation. Go ahead and make it; you just might fall in love all over again with every bite!

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and flavorful goodness of Marry Me Chicken, a deliciously rich dish that will win your heart with every bite. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luxurious cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Sauce:

3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped, plus more 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 and sear in a skillet.
Prepare the sauce: Make the creamy sauce with garlic, broth, cream, cheese, and herbs.
Bake: Bake the chicken in the sauce until cooked through.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with basil and serve hot.