Easy Marry Me Chicken

Save this recipe on:

I’ll be honest—when I first heard the name “Marry Me Chicken,” I thought it was just a clever title. But after making it once, I totally got the hype. This creamy, flavor-packed chicken dish truly lives up to its romantic reputation. With sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, it’s the kind of meal that feels luxurious but is surprisingly simple to make.

This recipe has become my go-to when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s all made in one pan, comes together in under 30 minutes, and delivers bold, savory flavors with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or just want something indulgent after a long day, Easy Marry Me Chicken is that dependable comfort food with a bit of a wow factor.

---

Why You’ll Love This Easy Marry Me Chicken

• It’s a one-pan wonder—less mess, more flavor.
• The creamy, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes is completely irresistible.
• It feels like something from a fancy restaurant, but it’s easy enough for a weeknight.
• Pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters fall for this one.

---

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and evenly. You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer a juicier, more tender bite—they hold up well in the creamy sauce. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through.

---

Options for Substitutions

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and tenderness.
• Heavy cream can be swapped with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free version (though it will slightly alter the texture).
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil are ideal, but if you only have dried ones, soak them in warm water first to rehydrate.
• Parmesan cheese can be subbed with Pecorino Romano if that’s what you have on hand.
• Fresh basil can be replaced with a small sprinkle of dried basil or Italian seasoning if needed.

---

Ingredients for This Easy Marry Me Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The base of the dish, tender and lean, perfect for absorbing all the creamy flavors.
• Olive oil – Used to sear the chicken and build a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
• Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic infuses the cream sauce with aromatic depth.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – Tangy, sweet, and slightly chewy, they add a punch of flavor and texture.
• Chicken broth – Helps create a savory sauce base and balances out the richness.
• Heavy cream – Essential for the creamy texture that makes this dish luxurious.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
• Red pepper flakes – Optional but recommended for a subtle heat that cuts through the creaminess.
• Italian seasoning – Brings together classic herb flavors for a well-rounded taste.
• Salt and pepper – To season the chicken and sauce perfectly.
• Fresh basil – A fragrant, fresh garnish that brightens the dish.

---

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

---

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add a touch more olive oil if needed and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

---

Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze and lift all the flavorful browned bits left by the chicken.

---

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes.

---

Step 5: Return Chicken to the Pan

Add the seared chicken back to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for another 5–7 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors and the sauce to thicken slightly.

---

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with freshly chopped basil before serving. The bright, fresh herbs cut through the richness of the sauce and add a pop of color.

---

How Long to Prepare the Easy Marry Me Chicken

Prep Time: You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep everything. That includes trimming the chicken breasts, mincing the garlic, chopping the sun-dried tomatoes, and measuring out the ingredients. It’s a short list, so it moves quickly.

Cook Time: The cooking process takes roughly 20 minutes. Searing the chicken takes 8–10 minutes total, and the sauce comes together in about 10 more minutes. Everything is done in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

---

Tips for Perfect Easy Marry Me Chicken

• Pound your chicken breasts to even thickness so they cook evenly.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes in oil for maximum flavor and easy chopping.
• Let the cream simmer gently; avoid boiling to keep the sauce smooth.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better and gives the sauce a silkier texture.
• Taste and adjust salt at the end, since Parmesan and broth both add saltiness.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F/74°C).
• Boiling the cream sauce: High heat can cause the sauce to break. Keep it on a gentle simmer.
• Not deglazing the pan: Those browned bits are flavor gold—scrape them up with the broth.
• Using pre-grated Parmesan: It can clump and not melt properly. Fresh is best.
• Skipping the garnish: Fresh basil makes a big difference in flavor and presentation.

---

What to Serve With Easy Marry Me Chicken?

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

They soak up all that amazing sauce and add extra comfort.

2. Garlic Butter Pasta

Simple and subtle, it’s the perfect canvas for the bold sauce.

3. Roasted Broccoli

A healthy contrast that adds crunch and color.

4. Crusty Bread

You’ll want to mop up every drop of the sauce with a warm piece of bread.

5. Cauliflower Rice

A lighter, low-carb pairing that still tastes great with the creamy base.

---

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid breaking the sauce.

Freeze: While possible, freezing creamy sauces can lead to separation. If you do freeze, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well when reheating.

Reheat: Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.

---

Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: 610 per serving
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but make sure they’re fully thawed before cooking so they sear properly and cook evenly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your broth and Parmesan to be sure they contain no hidden gluten.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook it ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of the dish.

---

Conclusion

Easy Marry Me Chicken isn’t just another creamy chicken dish—it’s a recipe that leaves a lasting impression. With just one skillet and a handful of simple ingredients, you get a comforting, restaurant-quality dinner in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just need a midweek meal with wow-factor, this one’s a keeper. Try it once, and it might just earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: