Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, Marry Me Chicken is a dish that feels special enough for a celebration yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, creating a meal that’s both elegant and irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a restaurant-quality dish at home. The chicken stays juicy, the sauce is deeply flavorful, and everything comes together in one pan. It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making it versatile and perfect for sharing with family or guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600 g total)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
1/2 cup grated parmesan-style cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Directions
Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, red chili flakes, dried basil, and grated cheese. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 25 minutes, making the total time around 35 minutes.
Variations
You can add fresh spinach to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition. For a lighter version, replace half of the heavy cream with milk. If you enjoy a stronger herb flavor, add fresh basil or thyme just before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring the sauce in between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work very well and stay extra juicy.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild heat from the chili flakes, which are optional and can be adjusted or omitted.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently before serving.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Can I freeze this dish?
It can be frozen, but the cream sauce may change texture slightly when thawed.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C and is no longer pink inside.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?
They add a signature tangy sweetness, but you can substitute with cherry tomatoes if needed.
Can I add mushrooms?
Yes, sliced mushrooms can be sautéed with the garlic for extra depth of flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for family dinners?
Absolutely, it’s comforting, flavorful, and loved by both adults and children.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is a comforting, creamy dish that feels indulgent without being complicated. With its rich sauce and tender chicken, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, whether for a special occasion or a simple homemade meal.
A rich and creamy chicken dish made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs in a parmesan cream sauce. Elegant enough for date night but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in cream, sun-dried tomatoes, chili flakes (optional), dried basil, and parmesan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over it. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm with your favorite side.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for a juicier variation.
Add fresh spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrients.
Replace half the cream with milk for a lighter sauce.
Serve with pasta, rice, or bread to soak up the sauce.
