Few dishes earn a name as bold as Marry Me Chicken—and for good reason. This creamy, tender, and flavor-packed chicken dish has a reputation for being so irresistible, it might just inspire a marriage proposal. The combination of golden-seared chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce makes every bite unforgettable. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and indulgent flavors that impress without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking a romantic dinner, hosting guests, or simply elevating a weeknight meal, Marry Me Chicken delivers elegance with ease.
Ingredients:
To serve 4 people, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds total)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for light dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Creamy Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening if needed)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika. Lightly dredge each piece in flour—this helps create a light crust and thickens the sauce later. Shake off excess flour.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and starts to sizzle, place the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook each side for 4–5 minutes, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet—it will finish cooking in the sauce.
3. Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom—this adds incredible flavor to the sauce.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce
Slowly stir in the heavy cream, followed by the Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating each piece in the creamy sauce. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken as the chicken cooks through. Check for doneness—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top just before serving. The vibrant green herbs contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce and add a touch of freshness.
Conservation and Storage
Refrigeration:
Store leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm gently over medium heat on the stovetop or in a covered dish in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s silky texture.
Freezing:
To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that cream sauces can separate slightly after freezing, so whisking during reheating helps restore consistency.
Reheating Tip:
Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from curdling or breaking. Gentle heat keeps the texture creamy and smooth.
Variations: Customize to Your Taste
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
Toss the sauce with fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta for a comforting, restaurant-style meal. - Add Vegetables:
Mix in baby spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus before simmering for extra nutrition and texture. - Cheese Lovers’ Version:
Add mozzarella or fontina cheese for a gooey, extra-creamy version. - Lighter Alternative:
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option. - Marry Me Chicken Thighs:
Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, richer flavor. Adjust cooking time to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature. - Spicy Twist:
Double the red pepper flakes or add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a bold kick that balances the creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions: Elegant Yet Easy Pairings
- Classic Pairing – Pasta or Rice:
Serve Marry Me Chicken over a bed of buttered fettuccine, angel hair pasta, or fluffy rice. The sauce soaks beautifully into the grains, making every bite satisfying. - Low-Carb Option:
Pair with zucchini noodles, mashed cauliflower, or steamed broccoli for a wholesome, low-carb meal. - With Bread or Rolls:
Serve with crusty baguette slices, garlic bread, or buttered dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. - Elegant Dinner Presentation:
Plate the chicken with roasted vegetables and drizzle sauce artistically for an upscale restaurant-style look. - Wine Pairing:
Pair with a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creaminess of the sauce and the savory depth of the chicken.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Pound chicken evenly: Flatten thicker parts of the chicken for even cooking and tender results.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear in batches if necessary to ensure golden, crisp edges.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Control the heat: Simmer gently once the cream is added to avoid curdling.
- Balance the flavors: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to preference.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently before adding the chicken.
Conclusion: Creamy, Comforting, and Unforgettable
Marry Me Chicken is more than a recipe—it’s an experience. Each bite delivers layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomato tang that captivate the palate. Its simplicity makes it approachable for home cooks, while its sophisticated flavor profile rivals any restaurant dish. Whether served for a romantic dinner, family meal, or special occasion, this recipe proves why it’s earned its romantic name. With its rich cream sauce, balanced spices, and universal appeal, Marry Me Chicken isn’t just dinner—it’s a declaration of love on a plate.
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Marry Me Chicken: A Creamy, Flavorful Dish That Wins Hearts Every Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Few dishes earn a name as bold as Marry Me Chicken—and for good reason. This creamy, tender, and flavor-packed chicken dish has a reputation for being so irresistible, it might just inspire a marriage proposal. The combination of golden-seared chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce makes every bite unforgettable. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and indulgent flavors that impress without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking a romantic dinner, hosting guests, or simply elevating a weeknight meal, Marry Me Chicken delivers elegance with ease.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lb / 680 g total)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for light dredging)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Creamy Sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thicker sauce)
2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Season & Dredge
Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Lightly dredge in flour; shake off excess.
Sear
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until deep golden. Transfer to a plate (it will finish cooking in sauce).
Deglaze & Aromatics
Lower heat to medium. Sauté garlic 30 seconds. Add broth and scrape up browned bits.
Make the Sauce
Stir in cream and Parmesan until smooth. Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. If desired, whisk in cornstarch slurry and simmer 30–60 seconds more.
Finish the Chicken
Return chicken and any juices to the skillet, spooning sauce over. Cover and simmer on low 8–10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C.
Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with basil or parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
Pound thicker ends of chicken for even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if needed.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after adding cream to prevent curdling.
Sauce too thick? Loosen with a splash of broth or cream. Too thin? Simmer briefly or add a little more Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop + Skillet Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
Keywords: marry me chicken, creamy Parmesan chicken, sun-dried tomato chicken, romantic dinner, skillet chicken
