If you have yet to discover the magic of the Marry Me Chicken Recipe, get ready for a total game-changer in your dinner rotation. This dish is the epitome of cozy comfort meets gourmet flair, boasting juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that practically begs you to savor every bite. Packed with bold flavors from garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of red pepper flakes, it’s no wonder this recipe earned its romantic name—it’s guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its approachable, straightforward ingredients that are each essential to creating that rich, irresistible sauce and tender chicken. Every item plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that elevate the dish beyond everyday chicken dinners.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, chosen for tenderness and quick cooking time.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps sear the chicken to a perfect golden crust.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Boosts sauce richness and adds silky smoothness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides a savory base and moisture for the sauce.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: Delivers creaminess and balances the tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty notes and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): Offers a concentrated burst of sweet-tart flavor and a vibrant pop of color.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Imparts an earthy herbal undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just the right amount of heat for a subtle kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle peppery finish.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Adds freshness and an inviting splash of green to finish the dish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then, in a large oven-safe skillet, warm the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust—not fully cooked, but enough to lock in juicy flavors. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest briefly.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant—this releases the garlic’s signature aroma that instantly makes your kitchen feel like home. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan, which adds extra depth to your sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together into a silky, irresistible mixture.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them back into the sauce and spooning some of that creamy goodness over the top. Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when fully cooked. This finishing touch in the oven ensures the chicken remains juicy while soaking up the luscious flavors of the sauce.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t overlook the power of fresh garnishes! Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the chicken right before serving to bring a bright, herbal contrast that lifts the richness of the sauce. These little green accents also add a lovely pop of color, making your plate as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the velvety sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or a crusty artisan bread. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad provide a nice balance, adding texture and freshness without overpowering the star of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy twist, serve the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or garlic-infused quinoa—both soak up that amazing sauce like a dream. You can also plate each breast with a drizzle of extra sauce and a few sun-dried tomato pieces on top for a restaurant-worthy look that’s sure to impress guests or elevate a weeknight dinner into a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries! Transfer the chicken and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen, making for some seriously delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
While fresh is always best for this dish’s creamy texture, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. To avoid texture changes, freeze for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave at medium power. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick to bring back that perfect velvety texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more juiciness and tenderness, making the Marry Me Chicken Recipe even more indulgent. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! None of the ingredients contain gluten, making this a fantastic option if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative, but keep in mind the sauce’s flavor and texture may vary slightly from the original.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a subtle warmth rather than overpowering heat. If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit them or use less.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Recipe for a complete meal?
Pairing this chicken with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice alongside a fresh vegetable or salad will make for a satisfying, well-rounded dinner.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Recipe truly lives up to its charming name with its irresistibly rich sauce and tender chicken that feels both homey and special. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or hoping to impress at a dinner party, this recipe is a fail-safe winner that will have everyone asking for seconds — and maybe even proposing a little more than friendship. So, don your apron and dive into the comforting deliciousness waiting on the other side of this recipe!
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 and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a comforting and flavorful American main course featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce. This dish combines the richness of heavy cream, the tang of sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs to create a luscious sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken. Ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or a special meal, it’s finished with fresh basil or parsley and works well alongside pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Season Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust but are not fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any flavorful browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Bake the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce generously over them. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot alongside your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra tenderness and juiciness.
- For a lower-fat option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream; however, the sauce may be thinner.
