Marry Me Chicken has earned its charming name for good reason — it’s rich, comforting, elegant, and unbelievably easy to prepare. This dish features tender chicken simmered in a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that feels special enough for date night but simple enough for a weekday dinner. The combination of garlic, parmesan, herbs, and cream creates a depth of flavor that tastes restaurant-worthy with minimal effort. I once tried making it with half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and it still turned out beautifully silky. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or treating yourself to a satisfying meal, this dish delivers the warmth, aroma, and indulgence that make people fall in love with it time and time again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken offers the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. The sauce is creamy, garlicky, and full of savory notes from sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan, yet it comes together in minutes. The chicken stays incredibly tender, absorbing all the rich flavors as it simmers. It pairs effortlessly with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, making it suitable for both casual dinners and celebratory meals. This recipe is also highly customizable — you can adjust the creaminess, spice level, or herbs to suit your taste. It stores and reheats beautifully, making it a reliable favorite for meal prep or dinner guests.
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Marry Me Chicken Recipe: A Creamy, Irresistible Dish That Wins Everyone Over
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy, flavorful chicken dish cooked in a sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce—so delicious it’s said to inspire marriage proposals.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the skillet, reduce heat, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Bone-in chicken thighs may be used with a slightly longer cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully. You can also use thighs for a richer, juicier result.
Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken to a golden crust that adds flavor and texture.
Butter – Enriches the sauce and complements the garlic and tomatoes.
Garlic – A key aromatic that forms the base of the sauce’s savory character.
Sun-dried tomatoes – Provide sweetness, acidity, and a concentrated tomato flavor that elevates the dish.
Chicken broth – Adds depth while keeping the sauce from becoming overly heavy.
Heavy cream – Gives the sauce its signature silky richness.
Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce naturally.
Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that complements the chicken and creamy sauce.
Red pepper flakes – Optional, but they add gentle heat that balances the richness.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings for both the chicken and the sauce.
Directions
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for several minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add butter and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir briefly to release their flavors. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce slightly before adding heavy cream, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Serve warm, spooning generous amounts of sauce over each piece. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: about 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. This dish also freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serve the chicken sliced over fettuccine or penne, tossing the pasta with extra sauce for a decadent finish.
Spinach Marry Me Chicken
Add fresh spinach during the final simmering stage for color, nutrients, and a slight earthy note.
Mushroom Cream Marry Me Chicken
Sauté mushrooms with the garlic to create a deeper, more savory sauce.
Cajun Marry Me Chicken
Season the chicken with Cajun spices for a bold, spicy twist.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Version
Stir a spoonful of sun-dried tomato pesto into the sauce for enhanced richness.
Lightened-Up Marry Me Chicken
Use half-and-half instead of cream and reduce parmesan slightly for a lighter version.
Marry Me Chicken Thighs
Swap the breasts for boneless thighs, adjusting the cook time as needed for extra juiciness.
Cheesy Marry Me Bake
Transfer chicken and sauce to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly.
FAQs
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
The name comes from its reputation for impressing diners with its rich, irresistible flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs work beautifully and often remain juicier.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative, though the flavor will differ.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and cheese are certified gluten-free.
Why did my sauce curdle?
Curdling can occur if heat is too high. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — simply use a larger skillet.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes. Sear first, then bake in sauce at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Can I substitute milk for cream?
Milk alone won’t thicken as well, but half-and-half is a suitable compromise.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken in advance, then simmer together before serving.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is the perfect blend of comforting flavors and effortless preparation. With its creamy, sun-dried tomato–infused sauce and tender, juicy chicken, it feels indulgent without requiring complicated steps. Whether served for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or a special occasion, this recipe consistently impresses. Its versatility, simple ingredients, and rich flavor profile make it a dish you’ll want to return to again and again — a true keeper in any kitchen.
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