Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken is one of those unforgettable dishes that earns its name with just one bite. Creamy, savory, and deeply flavorful, this recipe combines tender seared chicken breasts with a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce—making it so good that someone might just propose after tasting it.

Perfect for date night, family dinner, or whenever you want a luxurious meal with minimal effort, this one-skillet wonder is a must-try for chicken lovers. If you’ve already enjoyed our Creamy Mushroom Chicken or Mandarin Chicken Salad, this is another flavor-packed winner you’ll love.

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Chicken:

• Chicken breasts – 2 large, boneless and skinless
  (Slice in half horizontally to make 4 thinner cutlets for quicker, even cooking.)
  
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
  (Season the chicken generously on both sides.)
  
• Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon
  (Adds a subtle, savory kick to the chicken.)
  
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  (For searing the chicken and building flavor in the skillet.)

For the Sauce:

• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  (Aromatic base that enhances the creamy sauce.)
  
• Chicken broth – 1/2 cup
  (Used to deglaze the skillet and add depth.)
  
• Heavy cream – 3/4 cup
  (Creates the rich, velvety body of the sauce.)
  
• Parmesan cheese – 1/3 cup, freshly grated
  (Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish.)
  
• Sun-dried tomatoes – 1/3 cup, chopped
  (Add sweet, tangy notes that balance the richness.)
  
• Red pepper flakes – 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
  (Adds gentle heat and complexity.)
  
• Dried thyme – 1/2 teaspoon
  (Earthy herb that complements the creamy elements.)
  
• Fresh basil – for garnish
  (Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish.)

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
  
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
  
• Total Time: 35 minutes
  
• Serves: 4

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet (oven-safe optional)
  
• Tongs or spatula
  
• Knife and cutting board
  
• Small bowl (for mixing)
  
• Measuring spoons and cups

How to Make Marry Me Chicken: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and slice each breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes to promote even cooking and flavor absorption.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate (it will finish cooking later in the sauce).

3. Sauté Garlic and Deglaze the Pan

Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up the brown bits. This adds rich flavor to the sauce base.

4. Build the Creamy Sauce

Stir in heavy cream, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and continue to simmer for 1–2 minutes more.

5. Return Chicken and Simmer

Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C). The sauce will become thick and glossy, coating the chicken beautifully.

6. Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped basil and serve warm. Excellent over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 410
  
• Protein: 32g
  
• Fat: 28g
  
• Carbohydrates: 7g
  
• Fiber: 1g
  
• Sugar: 2g
  
• Cholesterol: 115mg
  
• Sodium: 520mg

Tips and Variations

• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce (note it will be less thick).
  
• Add veggies: Stir in fresh spinach, mushrooms, or peas to bulk it up with some greens.
  
• Cheese swap: Try Asiago or Romano for a twist on the cheesy flavor.
  
• Low-carb: Skip the pasta and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
  
• Freezing: Not ideal due to the dairy in the sauce, which can separate when thawed. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken is more than just a catchy name — it delivers on every front. The chicken is juicy and tender, while the creamy, garlicky sauce is irresistible thanks to the contrast of savory cheese and sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or just want to make a Tuesday feel special, this meal has all the charm of a restaurant dish with none of the fuss.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a go-to recipe that’s rich, satisfying, and full of comforting flavor, Marry Me Chicken is a must-try. It comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze, and it’s versatile enough for both casual family dinners and special occasions. The creamy sauce clings to every bite, and the simplicity of the preparation means you can whip it up even on a busy night. Keep this one in your recipe rotation — it’s bound to become a household favorite.

What truly sets this dish apart is how effortlessly it impresses. The balance of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, savory Parmesan, and a luscious cream base creates a harmony that feels both indulgent and elevated. It’s the kind of meal that people remember — one that has guests asking for the recipe and family members requesting it again and again. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, date night, or a holiday dinner, Marry Me Chicken is a foolproof showstopper. Serve it with something simple like buttered pasta or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels luxurious without any complicated steps.

And if you’re someone who meal preps or batch cooks, the leftovers are just as tasty the next day — the flavors deepen, and the sauce stays velvety with just a gentle reheat. It’s a rare dish that delivers on ease, taste, and presentation every time.