Marry Me Chicken Recipe
If ever there was a dish destined to make someone swoon, it would be the Marry Me Chicken Recipe. This creamy, flavor-packed chicken skillet brings together sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, aromatic herbs, and a dreamy Parmesan cream sauce, all perfectly coating juicy seared chicken. The best part? It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a special occasion, making it a go-to for anyone looking to add a bit of wow to their dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple ingredients can yield such deep, luxurious flavor. Each item here serves a special role, from adding velvety richness to bringing bright pops of color—you really won’t want to skip a thing!
- Chicken breasts: These are the juicy, protein-packed stars of the show—choose boneless, skinless for the quickest cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for drawing out the natural flavor of the chicken and balancing the sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and beautifully sears the chicken to golden perfection.
- Garlic: That aromatic punch gives the sauce its irresistible depth.
- Chicken broth: De-glazes the pan and infuses the creamy sauce with savory undertones.
- Heavy cream: Brings ultimate silkiness and a luxurious mouthfeel to every bite.
- Parmesan cheese: For that undeniable salty, umami magic—plus bonus creaminess.
- Red pepper flakes: Just the right hint of gentle heat—adjust to your own taste preference!
- Dried oregano: Adds those classic Italian notes that make the sauce sing.
- Dried thyme: Lends peppery, earthy warmth that plays perfectly with the cream and cheese.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil): Intensely rich, tangy pockets of flavor and gorgeous color.
- Fresh basil: The final flourish—fresh leaves make every plate look (and taste) totally irresistible.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Lay your chicken breasts out on a board and generously season both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures that every bite is flavorful, and it helps the chicken form that delicious, golden crust in the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side—don’t move them around, let them get that golden brown, flavorful crust! When each piece is deeply golden, remove and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want those tasty bits!), add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. It’s quick, but makes a huge difference in building flavor.
Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and, with a wooden spoon or spatula, scrape up those brown bits clinging to the pan. That’s rich, caramelized flavor right there! Let it simmer for a minute, then stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the whole mix bubble and thicken for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce
Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into that dreamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the tops, cover, and lower the heat. Let everything gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and wonderfully juicy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, scatter plenty of fresh basil over the top. The bright green not only looks lovely but adds a fresh, herby finish that ties the whole dish together. Get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh basil brings the perfect fresh, aromatic note to contrast the creamy sauce. Shaved Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil can add extra richness and elegance, making the Marry Me Chicken Recipe worthy of any special table. For extra flair, add a grind of black pepper or a few extra red pepper flakes just before serving.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy dish absolutely shines alongside buttery mashed potatoes, tender pasta (think fettuccine or pappardelle), or a thick slice of warm, crusty bread to scoop up the sauce. For balance, pair it with a bright green salad or crisp roasted vegetables to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and fanning it over the pasta for an elegant presentation, or serve it family-style in the skillet right from stove to table (nobody will be able to resist that bubbling sauce!). For a date night twist, plate each portion individually with sauce swirled beneath, then finish with basil and a few edible flowers for an extra-romantic touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Marry Me Chicken Recipe, simply let it cool before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors often meld even more overnight!
Freezing
Want to stash some away for a later dinner emergency? Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before dividing into freezer-friendly containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months—just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the creamiest reheated sauce, warm leftovers gently over low heat in a covered skillet, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. If you’re short on time, the microwave will work too, but be sure to use 50% power and stir occasionally so the sauce doesn’t separate.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more flavor and stay wonderfully juicy. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a few minutes longer to become fully cooked and tender.
Is it okay to use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you want a slightly lighter sauce. The result will be a bit less rich, but still delicious and creamy—just keep an eye on the sauce so it doesn’t separate.
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Recipe with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes give a gentle, background warmth rather than real heat. Feel free to adjust the amount up or down depending on your taste, or leave them out if you’re making it for younger kiddos.
Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes! The Marry Me Chicken Recipe is a perfect make-ahead option. Prepare everything up to the simmering step, then reheat gently and finish with fresh basil just before serving to keep it vibrant and fresh.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your thing, try roasted red peppers or even a handful of cherry tomatoes cut in half and sautéed for a few minutes—both are great ways to add color and a bit of sweet-tangy flavor.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Marry Me Chicken Recipe—there’s a reason it’s become a modern classic. Whether you’re out to impress, or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, I hope you fall in love with every luscious, saucy forkful. Give it a try and let it work its magic at your table!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken recipe is a creamy, flavor-packed dish that will make you fall in love with its delicious combination of chicken, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ 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
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, packed in oil)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Sauté garlic in the same pan for about 30 seconds. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping the brown bits from the pan. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low for 10–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Chicken Recipe, Creamy Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Dinner Recipe