If there’s one dish that can truly sweep someone off their feet, it’s Marry Me Chicken. Imagine juicy chicken breasts bathed in a rich, creamy sauce brimming with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and herbs, then finished in the oven until bubbly and golden. This recipe is simple enough for a busy weeknight, but special enough for a romantic dinner or family celebration. Each bite delivers a harmony of flavors and textures—no wonder it’s sparked so many proposals! Whether you’re trying to impress or just craving something unforgettable, Marry Me Chicken promises to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Marry Me Chicken shine is the handful of basic yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that come together to create magic. Each has a purpose—whether that’s deepening the sauce, adding a pop of color, or bringing out the savory joys of chicken. You probably have most of these at hand already!

Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts for a lean, tender result that soaks up all the flavors.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve that perfect golden sear and adds richness to the base.
Butter: Lends creaminess and depth to both the sear and sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses wonderful aroma and dimension—don’t skip this!
Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan and forms the backbone of the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: Transforms everything into a beautifully smooth, indulgent sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce while melting right in.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped bits deliver sweetness, tang, and a gorgeous pop of color.
Dried Oregano: Brings an earthy, Mediterranean note that complements the other herbs.
Red Pepper Flakes: Gives just a touch of subtle heat—feel free to adjust to your spice level.
Dried Thyme: Offers a gentle herby background that makes everything come alive.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce to taste.
Fresh Basil (optional): A bright, aromatic finish if you want a burst of fresh color and flavor.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the boneless chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels for better browning. Generously sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. This is your moment to lock in flavor right from the start!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Get your largest oven-safe skillet hot over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil and butter together. Once the butter sizzles, lay the chicken in and let each side sear for 3-4 minutes. The goal here isn’t to cook them through, but to build a mouthwatering golden crust that will hold up in the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Move the seared chicken out onto a plate for a moment. Toss in the minced garlic, and give it about a minute—just until it’s fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all those gorgeous browned bits from the bottom (that’s pure flavor!). Now stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and thyme. Let this luscious sauce come to a simmer for a few minutes, thickening slightly and filling your kitchen with the dreamiest aroma.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Gently return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece so they’re swimming in flavor. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling hot. This step ensures every bite is juicy, tender, and beautifully infused with the creamy, tangy sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Carefully pull the skillet from the oven (it’s hot!). For that extra flourish, scatter chopped fresh basil over the top. Let everything rest for just a few minutes—the sauce will thicken up a little more. Now your Marry Me Chicken is ready to be served!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped basil elevates both the flavor and the look of Marry Me Chicken. If basil isn’t handy, try flat-leaf parsley or even a few extra shavings of parmesan for a pretty, savory finish.

Side Dishes

This is a dish begging for something to soak up all that dreamy sauce! Go classic with a tangle of al dente pasta or pillowy mashed potatoes, or opt for crusty bread to mop your plate clean. Roasted veggies, simple rice, or even a crisp green salad round out the meal and let Marry Me Chicken take center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

For special nights, serve the chicken breast whole over a bed of pasta with sauce cascaded on top and more basil scattered around the edges. Or, slice the chicken before spooning sauce over each piece for an elegant, restaurant-worthy plate. Mini cast iron skillets make lovely personal servings for dinner parties, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Marry Me Chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container so nothing dries out and all those flavors deepen overnight.

Freezing

If you happen to have extra, you can freeze Marry Me Chicken in a freezer-safe container. Let it cool completely first, then store for up to two months. The sauce may separate slightly after freezing, but a gentle reheat will bring everything back together.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Or, microwave covered in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the chicken juicy and the sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work perfectly for Marry Me Chicken. They may take a bit longer to cook through, but their extra juiciness is a delightful bonus.

What type Main Course

Either oil-packed or dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes work, but if yours are dry, consider soaking them in a little hot water before chopping for the best texture in the creamy sauce.

Is Marry Me Chicken spicy?

This recipe has just a gentle warmth thanks to the red pepper flakes. If you prefer more kick, add a bit more, or leave them out entirely for a milder dish that’s still brimming with flavor.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead for a party?

Yes—cook the entire dish ahead of time, then reheat gently before serving. It’s even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it perfect for entertaining.

What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the chicken?

For best results, reheat slowly over medium-low heat with a splash of extra broth or cream in the sauce. Covering the skillet or dish while reheating will help keep the chicken moist and succulent.

Final Thoughts

Few dishes gather praise like Marry Me Chicken—and once you taste it, you’ll see why. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this easy, elegant meal is guaranteed to earn a place at your table. Go ahead, give it a try, and prepare for that first bite to wow you and everyone who joins you for dinner!

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

Marry Me Chicken is a creamy and flavorful chicken dish that is sure to impress. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then smothered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. Baked to perfection, this dish is perfect for a special dinner or any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)

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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 olive oil and butter until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, tomatoes, and herbs. Simmer until thickened.
Bake: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.