Marry Me Chicken: The Irresistible Creamy Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Welcome to the world of Marry Me Chicken – a dish so incredibly delicious, it’s rumored to inspire marriage proposals! This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience that transforms simple, juicy chicken breasts into a luxurious, creamy, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan masterpiece. Infused with aromatic Italian herbs, every bite is a symphony of rich flavors that will captivate your senses and leave you craving more. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or simply seeking an extraordinary weeknight meal, this one-pan wonder promises restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken served in a skillet with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, ready to be enjoyed. — Indulge in the creamy perfection of Marry Me Chicken, a dish guaranteed to impress!

From the Kitchen of Chelsea Lords

Why Marry Me Chicken Will Win Your Heart!

I’ve never had a recipe requested more often than this creamy chicken dish. It truly stands out as a crowd-pleaser for countless reasons:

Unforgettable Flavor, Effortless Creation: Achieve gourmet results in just thirty minutes, all within a single pan. This dish delivers restaurant-worthy vibes without the fuss, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
Pantry Powerhouse: Many of the ingredients are kitchen staples! If you keep sun-dried tomatoes on hand, you might not even need a trip to the grocery store. It’s an ideal recipe for those busy evenings.
A Dish for Every Occasion: Whether you’re planning a cozy date night, aiming to impress the in-laws, or simply need a delicious and quick weeknight dinner, Marry Me Chicken rises to the occasion. Its elegant presentation and rich flavors make it versatile for any mood.
Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: There’s a reason this recipe earned its charming name! Its irresistible creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes consistently gather rave reviews and requests for the recipe. Prepare for compliments!

Close-up of the flavorful sun-dried tomatoes used in the Marry Me Chicken recipe, highlighting their rich color and texture. — Sun-dried tomatoes are the star ingredient, bringing a rich, tangy depth to the creamy sauce.

Essential Ingredients for Your Marry Me Chicken Masterpiece

Creating this iconic creamy chicken dish relies on a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in building its signature flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need, along with expert tips to ensure perfection:

Key Ingredient	Expert Tip for Best Results
Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil	Opt for tomatoes packed in oil, preferably with herbs. The infused oil is crucial – use a splash to sear the chicken, ensuring every drop of savory flavor stays in your pan and enriches the final sauce. Julienne-cut varieties save precious prep time.
Minced Garlic	Freshly minced garlic delivers the most vibrant and pungent flavor, truly elevating the sauce. However, if you’re in a pinch, good quality jarred minced garlic is a convenient alternative that still works well.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth	A crucial ingredient for balancing the salt levels in the dish. Since Parmesan cheese and seasoning add inherent saltiness, low-sodium broth allows you to control the seasoning precisely while adding a robust, savory depth to the sauce.
Heavy Whipping Cream	This is non-negotiable for that luxuriously thick, rich, and undeniably delicious sauce. Full-fat heavy cream ensures the perfect texture and flavor. Lighter cream options or non-dairy alternatives will result in a thinner sauce that lacks the desired body.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese	Always grate your own Parmesan from a block using the fine holes of a grater. This yields the smoothest melt and prevents a grainy texture. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melt and flavor, and it’s typically saltier, which can overpower the dish.
Dijon Mustard	A secret ingredient that adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the richness of the creamy sauce. It’s a subtle addition that enhances the overall complexity. If you prefer a very mild flavor, you can slightly reduce or even omit it, but it truly adds depth.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional)	For those who enjoy a gentle kick! Sprinkle these in to introduce a subtle warmth and adjust the amount according to your personal spice preference. They complement the Italian flavors beautifully.

How to prepare chicken breasts for Marry Me Chicken: butterfly, pound to even thickness, and pat dry before searing in a skillet. — Proper chicken preparation ensures even cooking and tender, juicy results.

Customize Your Marry Me Chicken: Delicious Flavor Twists

While the classic Marry Me Chicken recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with these exciting flavor twists to tailor the dish to your personal taste and ingredients on hand:

Smoky Bacon Addition: For an extra layer of savory depth, cook and crumble crispy bacon pieces. Stir them in with the sun-dried tomatoes, allowing their smoky richness to meld with the creamy sauce.
Vibrant Greens or Capers: Introduce a handful of fresh baby spinach during the last few minutes of simmering; it will wilt beautifully into the sauce, adding a touch of color and nutrients. Alternatively, for a briny, tangy kick reminiscent of Chicken Piccata, stir in a tablespoon or two of drained capers.
Earthy Sautéed Mushrooms: Elevate the umami factor by sautéing sliced mushrooms (cremini or button work well) until golden and tender. Add them to the pan along with the sun-dried tomatoes for an earthy and robust flavor in your Marry Me Chicken recipe.
Slow Cooker Convenience: Transform this skillet favorite into a hands-off crockpot meal. This is an excellent option for busy weeknights when you want dinner ready with minimal fuss.
Your Culinary Creations: Don’t be shy! We encourage you to share your unique spins and creative additions in the comments section below. I’d love to hear your ideas and perhaps give them a try in my own kitchen!

Chicken being cooked to perfection in a skillet, followed by the addition of garlic and broth to begin building the creamy sauce for Marry Me Chicken. — Achieving golden-brown chicken is the first step to building a flavorful sauce.

Effortless Entertaining: Marry Me Chicken Make-Ahead Tips

Craving a speedy dinner without compromising on flavor? Marry Me Chicken is fantastic for meal prepping, allowing you to whip up a gourmet meal in as little as 15 minutes on a busy night. Here’s how to get ahead:

Chicken Preparation: Up to 24 hours in advance, butterfly your chicken breasts to create thinner fillets, then lightly pound them to ensure even thickness. Season them generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Store the seasoned chicken in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator.
Sauce Mix Assembly: Combine your heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese in a mason jar or another sealable container. Give it a good shake to mix thoroughly, label it, and chill in the fridge until ready to cook. This pre-mixed sauce is a game-changer for quick assembly.
Dinner Time Dash: When hunger strikes, simply sear the prepped chicken in a hot skillet. While the chicken cooks, give your pre-mixed sauce another quick shake, then pour it into the pan to simmer until thickened. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and basil, and you’re done! Enjoy a spectacular meal with minimal last-minute fuss.

Creamy sauce for this Marry Me Chicken recipe being whisked and simmered together in a skillet, creating a rich and smooth consistency. — The luscious creamy sauce is where the magic truly happens.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken is a star on its own, but its rich, creamy sauce also makes it incredibly versatile for pairing with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delightful suggestions to complete your meal:

Luxurious Creamy Pasta: This pairing is a match made in heaven. Cook your favorite pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work wonderfully) until al dente. Drain it, then swirl it directly through the Marry Me Chicken sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency. Fold in the diced chicken and twirl for a truly decadent meal. Consider our dedicated Marry Me Pasta recipe for inspiration!
Sauce-Soaking Grains: Fluffy grains are perfect for soaking up every drop of that irresistible creamy sauce. Prepare a bed of fragrant basmati or jasmine rice to serve alongside the chicken. Quinoa or couscous are also excellent choices for a lighter alternative.
Hearty Potato Party: Potatoes are always a comforting side. Classic mashed potatoes offer a smooth canvas for the sauce. Crispy roasted potatoes or unique smashed potatoes provide a textural contrast that’s simply divine.
Crusty Bread for Dipping: Don’t let a single drop of that amazing sauce go to waste! A warm, crusty baguette or a rustic French loaf is essential for mopping up the skillet clean. Garlic bread is also a fantastic choice, adding another layer of flavor.
Fresh Roasted Vegetables: Balance the richness of the chicken with some vibrant, healthy vegetables. Roasted asparagus, tender broccoli, or crisp green beans make for an easy and delicious side. Our oven-roasted Parmesan asparagus recipe is a particularly good match.
Light & Refreshing Salad: A simple, fresh garden salad tossed with a bright lemon vinaigrette provides a lovely counterbalance to the creamy main course. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness beautifully.

Explore More Easy & Delicious Chicken Recipes:

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Marry Me Chicken Recipe

By

Chelsea Lords

Marry Me Chicken features tender chicken in a creamy Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. It’s so delicious, it might just inspire a proposal!

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Video

Equipment

Large skillet

Ingredients

1.2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 even-sized breasts)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, plus surrounding oil (see Note 1)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided (see Note 2)
1 cup heavy cream (see Note 3)
1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (see Note 4)
2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
3/4 cup ribboned fresh basil (.75 oz packet)

Instructions

Slice each chicken breast in half widthwise to create two thinner pieces. Pound lightly if necessary to ensure even thickness. Combine 1 tsp Italian seasoning with the salt and pepper and season one side of each chicken piece.
Heat 2 tbsp of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken, seasoned side down. Season the other side with the remaining seasoning mixture. Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken from the pan and cover with foil to keep warm.
Reduce heat to medium. Add another drizzle of sun-dried tomato oil (~1 tsp) and the garlic. Stir, but don’t let burn, about 10 seconds, then add 1/2 cup chicken broth. Stir, scraping up browned bits from pan. Let broth simmer for about 1 minute or until mostly evaporated. Add in remaining 1/2 cup broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (optional—add to spice preference), remaining 1 tsp Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is nicely thickened, about 2–4 minutes. Taste sauce, and adjust seasoning as needed.
Stir through basil leaves, then add chicken (plus any reserved juices on the plate) to pan. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Opt for sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil with herbs instead of dry-packed. Use the oil to sauté the chicken for added flavor. Bonus: choose julienne-cut tomatoes to skip the chopping!

Note 2: Since we’ve seasoned the chicken, and Parmesan cheese naturally has a good amount of salt, using low-sodium chicken broth ensures this dish isn’t too salty, allowing better control over the final seasoning.

Note 3: Heavy whipping cream is essential for the dish’s rich flavor and creamy texture. Lower-fat substitutes or non-dairy alternatives will not thicken properly and will compromise the dish’s signature consistency.

Note 4: For the best results, use a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it finely. Gently pack it into your measuring cup. Avoid pre-grated or jarred Parmesan, as it can be too salty and may contain additives that prevent a smooth melt.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken

Why does the sauce sometimes appear too thin? How can I thicken it?

If your sauce seems thinner than desired, simply let it simmer gently for an additional two to four minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. The reduction will naturally thicken it. Alternatively, whisk in 1 tablespoon of finely grated Parmesan cheese, which will help emulsify and thicken the sauce beautifully.

My sauce separated or ‘broke’ after reheating. Can I fix it?

Yes, it’s a common issue with cream-based sauces! To bring it back together, remove the pan from the heat immediately. Whisk in 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh heavy cream (or cold milk) slowly and continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and emulsified again. Gentle reheating afterward will help maintain its creamy texture.

Why did my chicken turn out dry and tough?

Overcooking is the primary reason for dry chicken. To ensure perfectly juicy chicken breasts, stop cooking as soon as the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Any higher, and the meat begins to dry out quickly. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness also helps ensure it cooks uniformly without overcooking thinner sections.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative, offering even more moisture and rich flavor. The cooking time might need slight adjustment, as thighs often take a little longer to cook through than breasts. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 175°F (79°C) for optimal tenderness. The robust flavor of thighs pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or a teaspoon of heavy cream to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency if it has thickened too much.