Marry Me Chicken Recipe

I’ve made this marry me chicken recipe countless times, and I can tell you why it earned its bold name. The combination of perfectly seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and that impossibly creamy Parmesan sauce creates something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary evening into something memorable. But there’s a specific technique I use that makes all the difference in achieving restaurant-quality results at home.

Recipe

Let me tell you something—I’ve made this Marry Me Chicken recipe dozens of times, and I can promise you with absolute certainty that it will become your go-to dinner showstopper. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s the kind of dish that makes people lean back in their chairs, close their eyes, and ask for seconds before they’ve even finished their first bite.

The magic happens in that creamy, dreamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s loaded with garlic, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of Parmesan cheese—ingredients that transform ordinary chicken breasts into something restaurant-worthy. I discovered this recipe when I was desperately trying to impress my now-husband’s parents, and let me tell you, it worked like a charm (hence the name!).

Every single bite delivers tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, velvety sauce that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors and has just enough cream to make it feel indulgent without being heavy. The sun-dried tomatoes add these incredible pops of concentrated sweetness that perfectly balance the savory garlic and herbs, while the sauce clings to every piece of chicken like a dream.

Trust me when I say this recipe is foolproof—even if you’re not the most confident cook, you’ll feel like a culinary genius when you pull this gorgeous, golden dish out of the oven and watch everyone’s faces light up at the first taste.

Ingredients

This dish gets its irresistible name from the perfect balance of tender chicken, rich cream, and aromatic herbs that supposedly makes anyone want to propose on the spot. The secret lies in using quality ingredients that complement each other—the heavy cream creates that silky sauce, while fresh herbs bring brightness that cuts through the richness. Don’t worry if you’re missing a few items; this recipe is surprisingly forgiving with smart substitutions.

For the Chicken:

• 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer juicier meat—they’re more forgiving and won’t dry out)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (avocado oil works too and has a higher smoke point)
• Salt and black pepper (kosher salt is your best friend here)

For the Marry Me Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh only—jarred garlic won’t give you that punchy flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream (this is non-negotiable for that luxurious texture; half-and-half will curdle)
• ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium so you control the salt level)
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed ones are worth the extra cost for their intense flavor)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts smoother than pre-shredded)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix your own with basil, oregano, and thyme)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste—start with less if you’re heat-sensitive)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (dried basil works in a pinch, but fresh makes it restaurant-quality)

How to Make the Best Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides before cooking.

This foundational step guarantees the chicken is well-seasoned throughout, not just on the surface. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—chicken breast can handle bold flavors.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels first to help the seasoning stick and secure better browning later.

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foaming.

The combination of oil and butter gives you the best of both worlds—oil prevents the butter from burning at higher temperatures, while butter adds rich flavor.

Wait for the foaming to subside before adding chicken, which signals the moisture has evaporated and you’re ready for proper searing.

Sear the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Don’t move the chicken once it hits the pan—let it develop that beautiful golden crust first. The chicken is ready to flip when it releases easily from the pan.

Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 165°F. If your chicken is particularly thick, you may need an extra minute or two per side.

Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest on a clean plate.

Resting is vital—it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist when sliced. Don’t worry about the chicken getting cold; it will warm back up when added to the creamy sauce later.

Keep those delicious brown bits in the pan—they’re flavor gold for your sauce.

Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Use the residual heat and those beautiful fond bits from the chicken to build your sauce base. Thirty seconds is all you need—garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter, so watch it carefully.

The moment you smell that aromatic garlic fragrance, you’re ready for the next step.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Those browned bits are pure flavor—use your spoon or spatula to scrape them up as the cream heats. Don’t let the cream boil vigorously or it may break and become grainy.

A gentle simmer with small bubbles around the edges is perfect for creating a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, then simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Chopping the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces helps distribute their intense flavor throughout the sauce. If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drain them well to prevent the sauce from becoming too oily.

The brief simmer allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.

Remove the pan from heat if the cheese isn’t melting smoothly; residual heat will finish the job without risking a broken sauce.

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.

This final step confirms the chicken is heated completely and allows it to absorb some of that incredible creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece—this is what makes it “marry me” worthy!

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional red pepper flakes if desired.

Chef Tips

Professional techniques can elevate your marry me chicken from good to restaurant-quality with just a few strategic adjustments. I’ve learned that the difference between home cooking and chef-level results often comes down to small details that make a huge impact.

Sharp knife skills guarantee even chicken pieces that cook uniformly. Master basic plating techniques by spooning sauce elegantly and garnishing thoughtfully.

Nutrition

This indulgent chicken dish provides a rich combination of protein and nutrients from the chicken, cream, and seasonings. The nutrition values below are calculated per serving based on a recipe that serves 4.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This incredibly flavorful chicken dish has earned its romantic name for good reason, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become such a beloved recipe.

The combination of tender, juicy chicken with a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

It’s ready in just 30 minutes****, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

The one-pan cooking method**** means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious dinner with loved ones.

It uses everyday ingredients**** that you probably already have in your pantry, so you won’t need to make a special trip to the grocery store.

Recipe Card

This irresistible chicken dish gets its romantic name from its incredibly flavorful combination of sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and herbs that’s supposedly so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal.

The tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a rich, creamy sauce that’s both elegant enough for special occasions and simple enough for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and paprika on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
8. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
9. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
10. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes:

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking. If sauce becomes too thick, add more chicken broth. For extra flavor, use oil from the sun-dried tomato jar instead of olive oil.

Equipment:

Large skillet, meat thermometer

Time:

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Cuisine:

Italian-American

Serving:

4 servings