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