If you’re looking to wow your family, friends, or let’s be honest—maybe even someone you’re hoping to impress—this Marry Me Chicken is about to become your new favorite secret weapon. Juicy, golden chicken breasts get bathed in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s loaded with flavor and impossibly silky. With its perfect balance of garlicky richness, cheesy Parmesan, and a hint of heat, one bite and you’ll instantly understand why it’s called Marry Me Chicken—because anyone who tastes it might just want to propose! Let’s dive into creating a dish that’s as easy as it is irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken is that each ingredient truly shines; it’s a lineup of familiar favorites that blend together in extraordinary ways. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip for each to ensure every bite is unforgettable.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook up tender and juicy, soaking in every bit of that dreamy sauce.

Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil for searing—this kicks off a delicious foundation for the sauce.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that make the flavors pop and help form a tasty crust on the chicken.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential—once it hits the hot pan, the fragrance is irresistible.

Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch gives the sauce a subtle warmth that keeps things exciting.
Chicken broth: This builds more depth into the creamy sauce, so opt for low-sodium if you like to control your salt levels.
Heavy cream: For the creamiest texture, there’s no substitute—this transforms everything into pure comfort food.

Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and brings a welcome, salty edge to the sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These beauties add a sweet-tangy punch and look stunning in every bite!
Fresh basil: Torn at the last second and scattered on top, basil brings freshness and a hint of color.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high until it shimmers. Add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and just cooked through. This step is key for tasty browning and juicy chicken—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Set the browned chicken aside and, in the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Give it a quick stir, just enough to release their fragrance and infuse the oil—about 30 seconds is all you need here so that the garlic doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up all those golden bits from the pan (hello, flavor!). Let it simmer a minute to reduce slightly, then pour in the heavy cream, followed by the Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until everything melts into a glossy, magical sauce dotted with tomatoes.

Step 4: Nestle Chicken in the Sauce

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the tops, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for another five minutes so the chicken absorbs all that flavor and finishes cooking.

Step 5: Add Basil and Serve

Sprinkle the torn basil all over just before serving. That pop of green and surge of herbal aroma makes this Marry Me Chicken look and taste sensational. Serve hot, with extra sauce poured over each portion!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

A flurry of freshly torn basil and an extra shower of grated Parmesan right before you bring the skillet to the table make this dish look and taste like a restaurant masterpiece. If you want a bit more color, a sprinkle of chopped parsley is equally lovely. The finishing touch? A grind of black pepper for a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

Marry Me Chicken yearns for something to soak up its luscious sauce—think a big swirl of pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or even some crusty bread. For balance, add a fresh green salad or simply steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re aiming to impress, serve your chicken straight from the skillet at the table for a dramatic effect, letting everyone spoon on as much sauce as they like. Or arrange slices of chicken over a bed of buttery noodles and drizzle with sauce for plated elegance. Leftovers? Stuff the saucy chicken into warm sandwich rolls for a decadent lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Marry Me Chicken? Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, making sure you keep the chicken submerged in sauce so it stays moist and flavorful. It’ll keep for up to three days and somehow manages to taste even richer after a night in the fridge.

Freezing

This dish is totally freezer-friendly! Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring to a tightly sealed freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a nearly effortless homemade dinner.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy Marry Me Chicken again, warm it gently in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring the sauce now and then to keep things creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to its glorious self.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken thighs for the breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in Marry Me Chicken. They’ll be even juicier and can handle a little extra cooking time without drying out.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy free?

If you need a dairy-free version, swap in coconut cream for the heavy cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

No worries—you can use chopped roasted red peppers or even some halved cherry tomatoes as a substitute. While the signature tang will change, you’ll still have a fantastic sauce hugging your chicken.

Can I double the sauce for pasta?

Yes, and you absolutely should if you’re serving Marry Me Chicken with pasta! Just increase the cream, broth, and cheese quantities to have plenty of velvety sauce to go around.

Is Marry Me Chicken spicy?

There’s just a gentle heat from the red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelming. You can always reduce or skip them for a completely mild dish, or add more if you like a little kick.

Final Thoughts

If you love simple ingredients that create magic together, Marry Me Chicken needs a spot in your cooking rotation. Whether you’re serving it for a quiet weekday dinner or pulling out all the stops for a special occasion, this is one dish guaranteed to spark some smiles—and maybe even a proposal or two. Give it a try, and enjoy every flavorful, creamy, impossibly tasty bite!

Marry Me Chicken Recipe