Marry Me Chicken

Tender chicken bathed in a luscious, sun-dried tomato cream sauce with the perfect balance of garlic and herbs – that’s Marry Me Chicken in all its glory. This indulgently creamy dish earned its charming name because it’s supposedly so delicious that serving it might just prompt a marriage proposal! The combination of juicy chicken thighs, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky cream sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and comforting. You’ll learn how to create this restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen, impressing anyone lucky enough to share your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken is the epitome of accessible luxury – a gourmet dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact. The contrast between the crispy-skinned chicken and the velvety sauce creates a textural wonderland that keeps your fork coming back for more. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of flavors: the slight sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes balances the savory chicken, while fresh basil adds brightness that cuts through the richness of the cream.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to something special on a weeknight, this chicken recipe fits the occasion perfectly. The ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, and the techniques required are straightforward, making this an approachable recipe even for novice cooks. Plus, the entire dish comes together in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation.

Ingredients

To make Marry Me Chicken for 4 servings, you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish

The chicken breasts should be of similar thickness for even cooking – if they’re particularly thick, consider butterflying or pounding them to about ¾-inch thickness. For sun-dried tomatoes, the oil-packed variety adds extra flavor to the dish, but you can substitute dry-packed tomatoes that have been rehydrated in warm water. Fresh basil is strongly recommended for its aromatic qualities, though in a pinch, 1 tablespoon of dried basil can work.

Pro Tips

Perfect Chicken Searing: The key to exceptional Marry Me Chicken starts with a proper sear. Heat your skillet until it’s genuinely hot before adding the oil and chicken. This ensures a golden-brown crust that seals in juices and creates a foundation of flavor. Resist the urge to move the chicken around – let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when it releases easily from the pan.

Sauce Consistency Control: Achieving the ideal sauce thickness makes or breaks this dish. After adding the flour, cook it with the garlic for a full minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. When incorporating the liquids, add them gradually while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. If your sauce becomes too thick, thin it with additional chicken broth a tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a few minutes longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Temperature Management: The cream sauce requires careful temperature control to prevent curdling. Once you’ve added the heavy cream, reduce the heat to medium-low and avoid boiling the sauce. When returning the chicken to the pan, nestle it gently into the sauce and simmer on low heat just until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. This gentle approach ensures tender chicken and a silky-smooth sauce every time.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, pressing the seasonings gently into the meat. This step is crucial as it builds the foundation of flavor for your Marry Me Chicken. Take your time here – proper seasoning makes all the difference between good and exceptional chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. You’re not cooking the chicken through at this point – just developing color and flavor. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Those beautiful browned bits left in the pan? That’s flavor gold for your sauce.

Step 3: Start the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Quickly add the flour and whisk continuously for one minute to create a roux that will thicken your sauce. Your kitchen should be filling with an amazing garlic aroma by now.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Once well combined, pour in the heavy cream while continuing to whisk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (not a boil) and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add Flavor Components
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated, then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. The cheese adds richness while the tomatoes bring a sweet-tart element that makes Marry Me Chicken so distinctive. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Finish the Dish
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. In the last minute of cooking, stir in the fresh chopped basil, reserving some for garnish.

Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest in the sauce for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring moist and tender chicken. Plate the chicken, spoon generous amounts of sauce over each piece, and garnish with the reserved fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Variations

Tuscan Marry Me Chicken: Transform the classic Marry Me Chicken into a Tuscan-inspired delight by adding 2 cups of fresh baby spinach and ¼ cup of sliced marinated artichoke hearts to the sauce during the final 2 minutes of cooking. The spinach will wilt perfectly into the cream sauce, adding color, nutrition, and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the sun-dried tomatoes beautifully.

Spicy Marry Me Chicken: For heat lovers, create a fiery version by doubling the red pepper flakes and adding 2 tablespoons of calabrian chili paste to the sauce. This variation delivers a slow-building warmth that enhances rather than overwhelms the dish’s creamy richness. Balance the increased heat by stirring in an extra tablespoon of honey, which creates a sublime sweet-heat combination.

Dairy-Free Option: Create a dairy-free version of Marry Me Chicken by substituting full-fat coconut milk for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to mimic the tangy notes of the cheese. While different from the original, this alternative captures the spirit of the dish with its own unique, tropical-influenced character that pairs surprisingly well with the sun-dried tomatoes.

Storage and Serving

Marry Me Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to revitalize the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can toughen the chicken and cause the sauce to separate.

For a stunning presentation, serve this chicken over a bed of angel hair pasta, allowing the delicate noodles to catch every drop of the sumptuous sauce. Alternatively, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, which provide the perfect neutral canvas for the flavorful sauce to shine. For a lighter option that still complements the richness of the dish, serve alongside roasted asparagus or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

For an impressive dinner party, present the Marry Me Chicken in the skillet it was cooked in, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of additional red pepper flakes for color. Serve with warm, crusty bread on the side for soaking up the irresistible sauce – trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in Marry Me Chicken and often result in more tender meat. Adjust cooking time accordingly – thighs typically need a few extra minutes to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?
Half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. If using milk, increase the flour to 1.5 tablespoons to help maintain thickness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Marry Me Chicken up to a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

Is there a way to make this without sun-dried tomatoes?
While sun-dried tomatoes are signature to this dish, you could substitute roasted red peppers for a different but still delicious flavor profile.

What wine pairs best with this chicken?
A medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir works surprisingly well with the sun-dried tomato elements.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken is comfort food at its finest — a sophisticated blend of tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and silky cream sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary evening into a special occasion, whether you’re cooking for someone special or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved culinary indulgence. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its amazing flavor, but in how it brings people together around the table, creating moments of connection and joy. So don’t be surprised if this chicken does indeed inspire declarations of love – or at the very least, requests for seconds!

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