If you are ready to wow at your next dinner, the Marry Me Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. This creamy, irresistible dish features tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and just the perfect kick of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Every bite promises a flavor so comforting and rich that it’s sure to inspire a heartfelt favor or two, making it well worth its charming name. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or simply treating yourself, this recipe is pure magic on the stovetop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of these ingredients makes this dish accessible to any home cook, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the Marry Me Chicken Recipe’s signature flavor, texture, and color. Freshness, richness, and a hint of spice come together perfectly here.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish providing tender, juicy protein.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the chicken and sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild warmth and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Builds a subtle garlic base on the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken golden brown without sticking.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with that aromatic, undeniable garlic goodness.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Creates a savory foundation and helps deglaze the pan.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: Brings a silky, decadent texture to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a salty, nutty richness that binds the sauce together.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Offers vibrant color and a sweet, tangy punch.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant blend of herbs that tie the flavors seamlessly.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a subtle but exciting heat boost.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped: A fresh, green finish to garnish and brighten the plate.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Then, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. This step locks in the juices and lays down a flavorful crust that will make your Marry Me Chicken Recipe simply unforgettable.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce
Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick step allows the garlic to infuse the base of your sauce with its mouthwatering aroma, creating the perfect canvas to build on.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those irresistible browned bits stuck to the bottom. This is where the magic happens — these bits carry tons of flavor! Bring the broth to a gentle simmer, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes wonderfully creamy.
Step 4: Finish Simmering the Chicken in Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nesting them in the luscious sauce. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing it to soak up all those incredible flavors. This final simmer ensures every bite is juicy and tender, drenched in a creamy, dreamy sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top for that beautiful pop of color and fresh herbaceous note. Now you’re ready to dig into a truly special version of the Marry Me Chicken Recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil or parsley makes an ideal garnish for this dish. Not only do these herbs add vibrant color, but they also give a refreshing lift that balances the richness of the creamy sauce perfectly. A light sprinkle right before serving adds just the right finishing touch.
Side Dishes
The creamy sauce begs to be soaked up, so classic mashed potatoes, pasta like fettuccine or penne, or even crusty artisan bread are wonderful companions. These sides complement the main dish while soaking up the sauce, making every bite absolutely satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the chicken sliced on a bed of creamy risotto or garlic buttered green beans. You can also plate each breast topped with a spoonful of sauce and a sun-dried tomato piece for a rustic yet refined look that impresses guests without fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare because it’s so good), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Marry Me Chicken Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely, especially if you want to prep in advance. Allow it to cool fully before transferring chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label it with the date, so you don’t forget this delicious option waiting in your freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. This ensures the dish remains creamy and luscious, just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will yield an even juicier result. Adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the richness of the thighs.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the Marry Me Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no flour or breading. Just make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free, which most brands are.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works wonderfully to maintain the rich, creamy texture. Omit the Parmesan in that case or use a dairy-free cheese substitute to keep consistent flavor.
How spicy is the red pepper flakes level?
The red pepper flakes add just a subtle hint of heat to brighten the dish without overpowering it. You can adjust the amount to your taste or skip them if you prefer no heat at all.
Can I prepare any steps ahead of time?
You can definitely chop the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs in advance to save time. The chicken can be seasoned ahead, but it’s best to sear and simmer it fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both indulgent and comforting all at once. It’s incredibly easy to make but leaves a lasting impression thanks to its rich sauce and tender chicken. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it soon — whether for a special occasion or a weeknight treat — because once you do, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your culinary heart.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a delicious and creamy skillet chicken dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. This comforting American main course is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil and drained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, to build the base flavor for the sauce.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer while scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all flavors into the sauce.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5–7 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken stays moist.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, and serve the chicken hot with your choice of sides like mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.
Notes
- This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
