The first time I made this Marry Me Chicken recipe, it instantly earned a permanent spot in my list of go-to chicken dinner recipes. Creamy, savory, and full of comforting flavors, this dish feels special enough for date night but easy enough for a busy weeknight. Juicy chicken breasts simmer in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce that tastes like something straight out of Bon Appétit, yet comes together in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, this is one of those yummy dinners that makes everyone ask for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home – Creamy, savory, and indulgent without being complicated.
- Quick & Easy Dinner – Perfect for weeknights when you want impressive results fast.
- Juicy Chicken Breasts Every Time – Foolproof method for tender, baked or skillet-finished chicken.
- Comfort Food Approved – Rich sauce delivers cozy, satisfying flavor.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Stores and reheats beautifully.
- Versatile & Customizable – Easy to adapt for low-carb or keto lifestyles.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time – 10 minutes
Cook Time – 25 minutes
Total Time – 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained & chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer sauce for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
How to Serve
This Marry Me Chicken recipe pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or rice for classic comfort. For lighter easy dinner recipes, serve it with roasted vegetables or cauliflower mash. Presentation tip: spoon extra sauce over the chicken and finish with fresh basil for a restaurant-style look.
Additional Tip
- Pound chicken breasts slightly for even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- For chicken breast recipes baked, transfer skillet to a 375°F oven for 10 minutes.
- Swap heavy cream for coconut cream for dairy-free adaptation.
Recipe Variations
- Keto Marry Me Chicken – Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Spicy Version – Add extra red pepper flakes or chili oil.
- Spinach Marry Me Chicken – Stir in fresh spinach before serving.
- Baked Chicken Version – Finish entirely in the oven for hands-off cooking.
Freezing and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain sauce texture ideal for meal prep and busy weeks.
Special Equipment
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Meat thermometer
Cutting board
FAQs
Is Marry Me Chicken keto friendly?
Yes. It’s naturally low-carb and perfect for keto when served with low-carb sides.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely. Boneless thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Sear first, then cook on low for 3–4 hours.
What can I serve instead of chicken?
Try shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a creative twist.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken recipe delivers everything you want from a comforting chicken dinner bold flavor, creamy texture, and effortless preparation. Whether you’re cooking for love, family, or yourself, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent yet approachable.