If you’re looking to sweep someone off their feet with a weeknight dinner that feels straight out of a restaurant, Marry Me Chicken is the dish you need in your life. This creamy, sun-dried tomato chicken recipe is legendary for transforming humble ingredients into something utterly irresistible. Tender chicken breasts bask in a velvety parmesan sauce, flecked with basil, herbs, and a pinch of chili heat. It’s the sort of meal that sends conversation into happy silence—punctuated only by requests for seconds and plenty of bread to mop up every last drop. Marry Me Chicken has earned a cult following for a reason, so let’s dive right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Even the most jaw-dropping meals can come from a handful of pantry staples—no fuss, just seriously flavorful results. These ingredients each bring their own magic, whether it’s creaminess, sharpness, or a burst of color that ties it all together.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the canvas for this saucy masterpiece—feel free to swap for thighs for even more juiciness.
Olive oil: Adds richness and gives the chicken that irresistible golden sear.
Butter: Deepens the flavor and creates a luscious base for the sauce.
Garlic: Three cloves, minced—you want that gentle, savory perfume in every bite.
Chicken broth: Builds body and keeps things ultra-savory without overpowering the rest of the flavors.
Heavy cream: The source of that signature velvety, indulgent sauce you’ll be tempted to eat with a spoon.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty depth and helps thicken the sauce—freshly grated is best!
Red pepper flakes: For just a whisper of heat that keeps your taste buds on their toes.
Dried oregano: Infuses the dish with a subtle herbal aroma, so classic in creamy chicken recipes.
Dried thyme: Brings a gentle earthiness that pairs beautifully with chicken and cream.
Salt and black pepper: Simple, but absolutely essential for seasoning each flavor note to perfection.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped for bursts of tangy-sweet flavor and gorgeous pops of color—these are the secret weapon of Marry Me Chicken.
Fresh basil: Chopped and stirred in for brightness, then sprinkled as a finishing touch for a fresh, fragrant finish.
Extra basil and Parmesan: For garnish—because everyone deserves a showstopper meal, even on a Tuesday!

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s ready when you are. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, season them all over with salt and pepper, and set them aside. Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken. Let it sizzle for 3–4 minutes per side, just long enough to develop a gorgeous golden crust—they don’t need to be cooked through yet. Transfer the chicken to a plate to rest while you build the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

With the chicken out, drop in your minced garlic and let it cook for just about a minute. Keep it moving to avoid burning—this step infuses the oil and butter with deep, savory notes that carry through the entire dish. Nothing beats the aroma of garlic sizzling away as the base of Marry Me Chicken!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits left behind (hello, instant flavor booster!). Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried thyme, and those ruby-red sun-dried tomatoes. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—this is when you’ll watch the sauce thicken into a lush blanket of flavor worthy of its reputation. Give it a taste and adjust salt or pepper if you need.

Step 4: Nestle and Bake

Return the chicken breasts (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet, spooning a little of that gorgeous sauce over the top of each piece. Tuck the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken is perfectly cooked (juicy and no longer pink in the center). Baking ensures everything melds, and the sauce continues to thicken beautifully.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

When the chicken is done, take the skillet out of the oven and scatter chopped fresh basil over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and more basil if you’re feeling fancy. Let the whole thing stand for a few minutes to allow the flavors to settle. Now it’s showtime—serve straight from the skillet while the sauce is bubbling and the aroma is impossible to resist!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

Don’t skip the final touches! A flurry of fresh basil and a generous dusting of grated Parmesan make this dish look downright celebratory. If you want to add a hint of color, a few cracks of black pepper on top finish things off with flair. The bright green basil is as eye-catching as it is aromatic—just what you want for impressing anyone at the table.

Side Dishes

Marry Me Chicken begs for something to soak up its dreamy sauce. Fluffy mashed potatoes, a pile of buttery pasta, or even a hunk of crusty bread all work wonders. Prefer something lighter? Simple steamed rice or garlicky sautéed spinach will balance the richness without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner at home, serve right from the skillet for a rustic, inviting feel. Hosting a bigger crowd? Slice the chicken before ladling the sauce over each piece for a gorgeous buffet-style platter. Mini portions over crostini make a dramatic appetizer for cocktail parties—yes, Marry Me Chicken even moonlights as finger food!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve managed to resist polishing off every drop, Marry Me Chicken stores beautifully in the fridge. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an ever-so-satisfying lunch the next day.

Freezing

Freezing creamy dishes can be tricky, but Marry Me Chicken holds up surprisingly well if you need to plan ahead. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. When thawed, the sauce may look a little separated, but don’t worry—a gentle reheat and stir will bring everything back together.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet or saucepan over low heat, stirring until the sauce is smooth and the chicken is heated through. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a little extra cream or chicken broth. The microwave works in a pinch (cover and use medium power), but stovetop reheating gives you more control over the lusciousness of your sauce.

FAQs

What’s the story behind Marry Me Chicken?

This dish earned its quirky name because food lovers claimed it’s so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal on the spot! It’s become a viral favorite for romantic dinners and dinner parties alike, thanks to its irresistible balance of creamy, tangy, and herby flavors.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and tend to be even more tender and flavorful when bathed in that creamy sauce. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Is Marry Me Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—just make sure any chicken broth you use doesn’t contain hidden wheat or gluten-based thickeners.

What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I buy?

The best sun-dried tomatoes for Marry Me Chicken are the oil-packed kind. They’re soft, flavorful, and easy to chop—just drain off excess oil before using. If you use the dry-packed variety, rehydrate them in hot water for 10–15 minutes before chopping.

How can I make this dish a little lighter?

For a lighter twist, swap half of the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce will be a touch less rich but still delicious, and you can always use a little less Parmesan or reduce the butter if you prefer a lighter meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in need of a new dinner hero or want a dish that practically guarantees rave reviews, you can’t go wrong with Marry Me Chicken. Silky sauce, juicy chicken, and those sun-dried tomatoes make this a modern classic, and once you taste it, you’ll be putting it on repeat in your kitchen. Give it a try—you just might find yourself falling in love at first bite!

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Marry Me Chicken is a creamy and flavorful chicken dish cooked in a skillet, perfect for a romantic dinner. The sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and herbs create a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken breasts.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
Extra basil and Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
Sear Chicken: Season chicken breasts and sear in olive oil and butter.
Prepare Sauce: Sauté garlic, add broth, cream, Parmesan, herbs, and tomatoes. Simmer.
Bake: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake until cooked through.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with basil and Parmesan before serving.