Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe

There's nothing quite like the aroma of Marry Me Chicken filling your kitchen. This creamy, savory dish, with tender chicken bathed in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, is a surefire way to win over hearts—and appetites—at the dinner table.

this Recipe

My love affair with Marry Me Chicken began when I needed an elegant but effortless meal for a last-minute dinner guest. What started as a desperate experiment has now become a romantic culinary tradition, perfect for any special evening in or simply elevating a busy weeknight meal. Let’s get into why this recipe will soon become a favorite in your household.

Why You'll Love This Marry Me Chicken

Get ready to fall head over heels for this decadent and easy-to-make chicken dinner. Creamy, indulgent, and full of bold flavors, Marry Me Chicken is a meal that will impress anyone.

First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. With only a few steps and one pan, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on your table in less than 30 minutes. Even on the busiest days, this recipe delivers flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen.

It's also irresistibly creamy. The sauce, made from a blend of heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes, envelops each piece of juicy chicken with a velvety richness. Every bite is a burst of tangy, savory, and herby goodness.

Another major benefit? It's versatile and pairs beautifully with almost any side dish. From fluffy mashed potatoes to crusty bread perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce, this chicken adapts to your preferences seamlessly.

Finally, Marry Me Chicken is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors is universally appealing, making it a great choice for date nights, family dinners, or even entertaining guests. One bite, and they'll be asking for seconds (or maybe even your hand in marriage).

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Marry Me Chicken lies in its simple yet carefully curated ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s signature flavor profile.

Chicken breasts: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this recipe. They're easy to cook and soak up the rich sauce beautifully. If you prefer, chicken thighs are a juicier option that also work well, bringing even more flavor to the dish.

Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring a bright, tangy burst that balances the creamy sauce. Opt for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes if possible; they’re tender and more flavorful. If you only have dry-packed, rehydrate them in hot water for about 10 minutes before using.

Heavy cream: This is essential for the luxurious texture of the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Parmesan cheese: A generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan adds depth and a lovely umami flavor. It’s best to use high-quality Parmesan and grate it yourself—pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Fresh herbs: Basil and thyme lend a fragrant, earthy element to the dish. Fresh basil, in particular, adds a beautiful pop of color and flavor right at the end. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried will work, but be sure to reduce the quantity.

You’ll need a large skillet for this recipe. Make sure it has high sides to accommodate the sauce and is sturdy enough to give the chicken a good sear.

How To Make This Marry Me Chicken

Creating this mouthwatering dish is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside; you’ll finish it in the sauce later.

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then toss in minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, allowing their flavors to bloom and infuse the oil.

Pour in chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these are full of flavor! Let the broth simmer and reduce slightly, intensifying the sauce's flavor. Then, add heavy cream and grated Parmesan, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes velvety smooth.

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each piece, and let everything simmer together for a few minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all those wonderful flavors. Finish by adding fresh basil and thyme, and your Marry Me Chicken is ready to serve.

This whole process takes around 25-30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. The aroma will have everyone eagerly gathered around the table, ready to dig in.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Marry Me Chicken reheats wonderfully, making it a great meal prep option. Here’s how to store and reheat it for the best results.

For refrigeration, let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce.

If you’d like to freeze this dish, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and follow the same method as above to keep the sauce from breaking.

For meal prep, consider portioning the chicken and sauce into individual containers alongside rice or pasta. It’s a simple way to have a luxurious, ready-to-go lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken lies in its flexibility. Here are some ways to change it up and make it your own.

For a lower-fat version, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a subtle twist. Just note that the sauce will be less rich but still delicious.

If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, try using roasted red peppers instead. They add a sweet, smoky element that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Add a kick of heat by stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It’ll balance the creaminess with a fiery contrast that spice lovers will adore.

You can also transform this into a pasta dish by adding cooked penne or fettuccine directly into the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce. Top with extra Parmesan for a comforting pasta dinner.

Lastly, for a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with hearty mushrooms or tofu. The sauce is just as delightful with these meatless options, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Feel free to experiment and make this dish your own. Who knows? Your personal twist may be even more marriage proposal-worthy!

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