Hey y’all! If you’re looking for the ultimate chicken dinner that will have everybody reaching for seconds (and maybe even proposing!), this Marry Me Chicken recipe is the one. Creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor, it’s perfect for cozy date nights, family gatherings, or whenever you want a meal that’s as impressive as it is easy. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken
- Super creamy and rich without being heavy, thanks to the combo of garlic, cream, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Ready in under 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Packed with bold, irresistible flavors that impress every time.
- Works beautifully with a variety of sides, from pasta to roasted veggies.
- Uses simple, easily found ingredients—no fancy shopping trips required!
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make Marry Me Chicken: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside (it won’t be fully cooked yet).
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits.
- Add heavy cream, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and thyme. Stir to combine, simmering for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Step 3: Finish in the Oven
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C).
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes for the Best Marry Me Chicken
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melty texture and flavor (read why here).
- If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer everything to a baking dish before roasting.
- Check out this guide to perfectly cooked chicken breasts for more tips.
Variations on Marry Me Chicken
- Swap the chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add baby spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for more veggies.
- Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream and vegan parmesan substitutes.
Required Equipment for Marry Me Chicken
- Large oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron or stainless steel)
- Meat thermometer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions for Marry Me Chicken
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Not recommended for freezing, as the cream sauce can separate.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken: Pairings & Sides
- Perfect over al dente pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or steamed jasmine rice.
- Pair with simple roasted broccolini or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Sop up the luscious sauce with crusty bread or garlic knots.
Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices stay sealed in.
- Don’t skip scraping up the fond (brown bits) after searing—it’s flavor gold (learn more about fond here).
- If your sauce thickens too much, whisk in a splash of extra broth to reach your desired consistency.
Marry Me Chicken FAQ
- Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prep the sauce and sear the chicken in advance. Store separately and finish in the oven just before serving for freshest results.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Absolutely—just adjust baking time as needed; thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
- Is Marry Me Chicken gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as your chicken broth and parmesan are gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure (see gluten-free resources here).
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
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1Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes.
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4Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add grated parmesan, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
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5Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
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6Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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