If there’s ever been a dish worth swooning over, it’s Marry Me Chicken. It features golden-seared chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce dreamily scented with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. This is one of those impressive, utterly comforting recipes that manages to be simple enough for a weeknight and romantic enough for a special night in. Whether you’re hoping to impress a loved one or just want a dreamy dinner for yourself, this is the creamy chicken recipe everyone deserves in their repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Marry Me Chicken plays a vital role, from the tender chicken breasts to the indulgent cream and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a short list, but each item adds something delicious to the sauce, color, and aroma that makes this recipe irresistible.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for fast, even cooking and maximum tenderness.
Salt: Essential for flavoring the chicken from the inside out.
Black pepper: Brings just a hint of mild heat and earthiness to the dish.
Olive oil: Provides a golden sear and subtle richness to the chicken and sauce.
Garlic: Minced for sweetness and deeply aromatic, it perfumes the entire sauce.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and forms the savory backbone of the sauce.
Heavy cream: Adds velvety richness and body, turning the sauce ultra-creamy.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated if possible, it delivers nutty, salty depth.
Crushed red pepper flakes: For a gentle kick that cuts through the richness.
Dried oregano: Gives the sauce an herby Mediterranean note.
Dried thyme: Adds delicate, earthy warmth.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped for bursts of sweet-tangy flavor and vibrant color.
Fresh basil: The crowning garnish, offering freshness and a pop of green.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready by the time you finish the stovetop magic. Take a second to pat your chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with salt and pepper — a simple step that sets the stage for deep, savory flavor.

Step 2: Sear for Golden Goodness

Grab a large, oven-safe skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high. When the pan is hot, add the seasoned chicken, letting it sizzle and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a beautifully golden crust that locks in those yummy juices. Remove the chicken and set it aside — it will finish cooking in the oven soon.

Step 3: Build the Garlicky Base

With the heat turned to medium, add the minced garlic straight to the same skillet. Let it cook just until fragrant (about 30 seconds) to avoid burning. Immediately pour in your chicken broth, scraping up all those caramelized bits. This is where the sauce starts getting seriously flavorful!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce thicken slightly while the cheese melts and the flavors meld. Just a few minutes will turn this into a silky sauce you’ll want to lick off the spoon.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning plenty of sauce over the top. Pop the whole skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. Once out of the oven, shower with freshly torn basil for that final fragrant touch.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

I love crowning Marry Me Chicken with generous handfuls of fresh basil — its brightness cuts through the creamy sauce and makes everything look extra appetizing. You can also dust on extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of more red pepper flakes if you crave a little extra heat or richness.

Side Dishes

This is the kind of sauce that demands something starchy to soak up all that glory. Try serving over buttery mashed potatoes, a nest of pasta (fettuccine is classic!), or a slice of crusty bread to mop up every drop. For a lighter vibe, a simple green salad or steamed green beans works wonders alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, plate the chicken atop a swirl of mashed potatoes or pasta, spoon sauce artistically, and finish with basil ribbons. Try serving individual portions in small cast iron skillets for a rustic touch, or slice the chicken and fan it out to showcase the beautiful sauce and sun-dried tomatoes peeking through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let Marry Me Chicken cool completely. Store it with plenty of sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making for an even cozier meal the next day.

Freezing

Marry Me Chicken can be frozen, sauce and all! Let everything cool, then spoon into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and evenly heat the chicken without drying it out. Serve piping hot, with fresh basil if you have it.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and are just as delicious. Just adjust the cooking time as they might take a few minutes longer in the oven.

How spicy does Marry Me Chicken get with the red pepper flakes?

The sauce gets a gentle warmth from the red pepper flakes, not overwhelming heat. If you’re sensitive or like it spicy, you can always adjust up or down to your taste.

What’s the best pasta to serve with Marry Me Chicken?

Fettuccine, linguine, or pappardelle are all amazing choices because their wide surface area holds onto that creamy sauce. Of course, any pasta you love will work!

Can I make Marry Me Chicken dairy-free?

Try swapping the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor changes a little, but you still get luscious, creamy results.

How can I tell when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

The fastest way is to use a meat thermometer: look for 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. If you don’t have one, make a small cut in the thickest area — it should be opaque and the juices should run clear.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this Marry Me Chicken becomes your new “wow” recipe for any night of the week. It’s a surefire hit with dinner guests and the kind of creamy, comforting dish you’ll crave again and again. Give it a try — your skillet (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Marry Me Chicken recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy night in. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a rich sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Baked to perfection and garnished with fresh basil, this dish is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sear the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet until golden brown, then set aside.
Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, spices, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until thickened.
Bake: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.