There's something magical about the aroma of Marry Me Chicken simmering in a creamy, garlicky sauce, with hints of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. This dish isn’t just a feast for the senses—it’s a recipe so good, it might just inspire a proposal!
I first came across this recipe during a date night at home, aiming for something indulgent yet simple. It delivered in every way: luscious, flavorful, and comforting. Now it’s a staple in our house, whether for a romantic dinner or a family meal. Let me show you how to make this dreamy dish.
Why You'll Love This Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken
Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe rotation. Marry Me Chicken is the ultimate combination of ease, flavor, and versatility.
First, this recipe is a one-skillet wonder. Minimal cleanup means you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious meal.
Second, the creamy sauce is downright irresistible. Made with heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes, it coats the tender chicken in a velvety blanket of flavor that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes.
Not only is it quick to make, but this dish is also impressively versatile. Pair it with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious sauce.
Lastly, it's a showstopper. Perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or weeknight meals, this recipe looks and tastes like something you'd order at a fancy restaurant—but it's so simple, anyone can make it.
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish so special.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of Marry Me Chicken lies in its carefully chosen yet simple ingredients. Each one adds a unique touch to the final dish.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great option here. Sliced thinly or pounded to an even thickness, they cook quickly and soak up the rich sauce beautifully. You could also use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Heavy Cream: This forms the base of the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, you could substitute with half-and-half, but the texture won’t be as rich.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems add a pop of tangy sweetness and a concentrated tomato flavor. Look for the kind packed in oil for easy chopping.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings a nutty, salty depth to the sauce. Pre-grated varieties can work, but freshly grated always tastes best.
- Chicken Broth: A splash of broth thins out the sauce just enough while adding savory undertones. Low-sodium is best to control the salt levels.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatic staples build the base flavor for the dish.
- Italian Seasoning and Red Pepper Flakes: The Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs, while the red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick that balances the richness of the sauce.
You’ll also need a large skillet, preferably non-stick or cast iron, for cooking everything in one pan.
How to Make This Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken
Making Marry Me Chicken is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen.
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté finely diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and soft, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan to the skillet, whisking to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them infuse the sauce with their tangy sweetness.
- Finish the Dish: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley, alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread to complete the meal. From start to finish, this recipe takes just 30 minutes!
Storage Options
Marry Me Chicken stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigeration: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making the leftovers even more delicious.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Microwave reheating works too, though the sauce might separate slightly.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus during the final simmer for added nutrition and color.
- Spice It Up: Love heat? Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Use Different Protein: Try this recipe with pork chops, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Herb Substitutions: Fresh rosemary or thyme work beautifully if you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand.
- Lighter Version: Swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt or light cream and reduce the Parmesan for a lighter, healthier take.
Experiment freely—this dish is forgiving and flexible!
Whether you're making this for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, Marry Me Chicken is bound to steal the show. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and endless pairing options, it’s no wonder this dish has become a viral sensation. Why not give it a try tonight? It might just be love at first bite.
PrintEasy Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe
This Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken recipe is a flavorful, rich, and creamy one-pan dish that's perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting meal. With a savory sauce made with simple ingredients, this recipe is sure to impress your loved ones.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy sauce. Simmer for another 8-10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for spice preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
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