There are some dishes that are so rich in flavor and comforting in texture that they win everyone over at the very first bite. Marry Me Chicken is one of those meals. The name itself comes from the idea that this dish is so irresistibly delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. Whether or not that’s true, one thing is certain—this creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What makes this recipe perfect for beginners is its simplicity. It’s made in one pan, requires minimal prep, and relies on pantry staples for a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. Plus, with its creamy, garlicky sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that feels indulgent while still being easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Why This Recipe is Special
Marry Me Chicken stands out because of its balance of flavors. The savory depth of garlic and Parmesan complements the brightness of sun-dried tomatoes, while the heavy cream ties everything together into a silky sauce. It’s also incredibly versatile—serve it over pasta, rice, or even alongside roasted vegetables for a lower-carb option.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Chicken breasts: Provides a lean, protein-packed base for the dish. Boneless, skinless breasts work best, but chicken thighs can also be used for extra juiciness.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken, locking in flavor and keeping it tender. Butter can be used for a richer taste.
- Garlic: Adds depth and a mild sweetness to the sauce. Freshly minced garlic is preferred over pre-minced for better flavor.
- Chicken broth: Enhances the savory richness of the sauce. Vegetable broth can be substituted if needed.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety sauce that makes this dish irresistible. For a lighter version, half-and-half or coconut milk can be used.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide a tangy, slightly sweet contrast to the creaminess of the sauce. If unavailable, cherry tomatoes roasted in olive oil can work as a substitute.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish to the sauce. Aged Parmesan is ideal for the best texture and taste.
- Red pepper flakes: Lends a subtle heat that enhances the dish’s depth of flavor. Adjust according to spice preference.
- Basil: Offers a fresh, aromatic finish. Dried Italian seasoning can be used in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, then sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
Add the Cream and Tomatoes: Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes, letting the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it slightly thickens.
Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F.
Finish with Parmesan and Basil: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the sauce, stirring gently to incorporate. Garnish with fresh basil just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, use a meat thermometer and remove it from heat as soon as it reaches 165°F.
- Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
- Spice Level Customization: Increase or decrease the red pepper flakes to match your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over pasta or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. For a healthier twist, spoon it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. A crisp side salad or roasted asparagus also makes a great complement.
For leftovers, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s consistency.
Engagement Features
If you try this Marry Me Chicken recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments. Did it impress your family or significant other? Share your experience and any creative variations you made. Happy cooking!
FAQ About Marry Me Chicken
What is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful chicken dish cooked in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. The name comes from its irresistibly delicious taste, rumored to be proposal-worthy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They tend to be juicier than chicken breasts and may require a slightly longer cooking time to reach 165°F internally.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
To avoid curdling, make sure the heat is kept at a gentle simmer when adding the heavy cream. Avoid boiling the sauce, and stir frequently for a smooth, velvety texture.
More Relevant Recipes
Print
Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a rich and creamy one-pan dish made with seared chicken breasts in a velvety Parmesan sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for a special dinner. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then place them in the pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Combine the Cream and Tomatoes: Add the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over them and let everything cook together for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Finish with Parmesan and Basil: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil before serving for added freshness and aroma.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a little extra chicken broth to loosen it.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach instead of pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently over low heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
