Name: Marry Me Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; ¾ cup heavy cream; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated; Fresh basil, torn, for garnish

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This Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavor-packed dish that I find perfect for both special occasions and cozy weeknight dinners. With juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious sauce of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, Parmesan, and herbs, it’s no wonder this recipe has gained such a following. Every bite is rich, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a dish that feels restaurant-worthy without being complicated. The sauce is creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy, which balances beautifully with the juicy chicken. It’s also versatile—I can serve it with pasta, potatoes, or just some crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce. Plus, it comes together in under an hour, making it as practical as it is delicious.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Extra-virgin olive oil
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Garlic, finely chopped
Fresh thyme leaves
Crushed red pepper flakes
Low-sodium chicken broth
Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Heavy cream
Parmesan, finely grated
Fresh basil, torn for serving

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet.
I season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, then sear it on both sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. I transfer the chicken to a plate.
In the same skillet, I add the remaining olive oil along with garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
I stir in chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan. I season with salt, bring it to a simmer, and then return the chicken and its juices to the skillet.
I transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
I serve the chicken topped with the creamy sauce and a scattering of fresh basil.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and total cooking time is 40 minutes. Each serving is around 530 calories.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on my mood or what I have in the fridge. Sometimes I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness. If I’m craving pasta, I toss the sauce with penne or linguine and serve the chicken on top. I’ve even swapped the chicken for pork chops or shrimp, and the sauce works beautifully every time. For a slightly lighter version, I sometimes replace heavy cream with half-and-half.

storage/reheating

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently on the stove over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, I add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up without losing flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I often swap in chicken thighs for this recipe. They stay extra juicy and pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

How spicy is Marry Me Chicken?

It has just a mild kick from the red pepper flakes. If I want more heat, I add extra, and if I prefer it milder, I simply leave them out.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I like to make the sauce ahead of time and sear the chicken, then finish baking it in the oven just before serving. This way, everything tastes fresh but saves time.

What sides go best with this chicken?

I usually serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or garlic bread to soak up the sauce. A green vegetable like roasted green beans or Brussels sprouts also balances the richness.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?

I don’t recommend freezing it, as the cream-based sauce can separate once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken is one of my favorite ways to turn simple ingredients into a dish that feels special. The creamy, savory sauce is irresistible, and the chicken comes out tender and flavorful every time. Whether I make it for a dinner date, a family meal, or just for myself, it always impresses and never disappoints.