This creamy Marry Me Chicken is everything you want in a dinner — rich, savory, and quick to make. Perfectly seared chicken breasts are coated in a luscious parmesan and sun-dried tomato cream sauce, giving each bite a burst of comforting flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your partner or simply treating yourself, this one-pan wonder delivers warmth and satisfaction in under an hour.
It’s a dish that’s earned its name for a reason. The balance of garlic, cream, parmesan, and tangy tomatoes turns a simple skillet meal into something people can’t stop talking about. Simple, elegant, and flavorful, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deep, Balanced Flavor
With savory garlic, nutty parmesan, and slightly sweet sun-dried tomatoes, this sauce coats every bite of juicy chicken in comfort. The red pepper flakes offer just the right amount of kick without overwhelming the dish.
Fast Yet Fancy
This meal looks and tastes like something you’d find in a restaurant, yet it’s ready in under 45 minutes. It’s perfect when you need a dinner that feels special but doesn’t take all evening.
Minimal Cleanup
From sear to sauce to bake, everything happens in one oven-safe skillet. That means fewer dishes and more flavor, thanks to all the bits that build up during cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
Chicken Breasts
Three pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, usually three to four large pieces. Flattening them ensures even cooking and juicy results.
Salt and Pepper
These everyday staples are essential for enhancing the taste of both the chicken and the sauce. Don’t skimp.
Olive Oil
A couple tablespoons is all you need for searing. It helps create that flavorful crust and adds richness to the base.
For the Sauce
Garlic
Minced garlic brings depth to the cream sauce and pairs beautifully with the savory cheese and sweet tomatoes.
Chicken Broth
Low-sodium broth deglazes the skillet and builds the sauce’s foundation. It lifts up all the flavor left from searing the chicken.
Heavy Cream
Adds body and creaminess to the sauce. Using room-temperature cream helps it blend smoothly without separating.
Fresh Parmesan
Grating your own cheese makes a difference here. It melts better and adds a sharper, more pronounced flavor than pre-shredded versions.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Oil-packed tomatoes bring bold, tangy-sweet flavor and a pleasant chew that contrasts the creamy sauce.
Oregano and Crushed Red Pepper
The oregano adds a subtle herbal layer, while the red pepper flakes offer just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Garnish (Optional)
Fresh Basil
A sprinkle of fresh basil ribbons adds brightness and color right before serving.
Extra Parmesan
Add a final dusting for that irresistible cheesy finish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
This dish is simple to prepare and packs tons of flavor in a short amount of time. After pounding and seasoning the chicken, it’s seared in a hot skillet to lock in moisture. The sauce is then built in the same pan, starting with garlic and broth, followed by cream, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Once the chicken is returned to the pan, it finishes cooking in the oven, soaking up every bit of that savory, creamy goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Pound and Prep
Place chicken on a clean board and pound each breast until even in thickness. This step ensures even cooking.
2. Season Generously
Pat the chicken dry. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides to bring out its natural flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden. It shouldn’t be cooked through at this stage. Set aside.
4. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F so it’s ready for finishing the dish after the sauce comes together.
5. Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir for about a minute until fragrant.
6. Add the Broth
Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the flavorful bits stuck from searing.
7. Stir in Cream and Cheese
Remove the pan from heat briefly to let it cool down. Add the cream and whisk gently. Stir in the grated parmesan and mix until smooth and fully melted.
8. Toss in Tomatoes and Seasoning
Return the pan to the heat and add the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently so the flavors can develop.
9. Return Chicken to Sauce
Nestle the seared chicken into the pan. Flip each piece a few times to ensure they’re well coated in the sauce.
10. Bake Until Done
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 13 to 18 minutes. Check with a thermometer — once the thickest part reaches 160°F, it’s ready to rest.
11. Let It Rest
Take the skillet out and spoon more sauce over the chicken. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the internal temperature finishes rising to a safe 165°F.
12. Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Helpful Tips
Avoid Cold Ingredients
Let the cream and cheese sit out a bit before adding them. Cold dairy can curdle if it hits a hot pan too quickly.
Use a Meat Thermometer
This helps you avoid overcooking the chicken. It’s the best way to ensure it stays juicy.
Customize the Sauce
If you’d like a richer texture, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or add extra parmesan. To cut the richness, a squeeze of lemon works well.
Details
Flavor: Creamy, tangy, and savory with subtle heat and herbal notes
Texture: Golden chicken breasts in a smooth, velvety sauce
Occasion: Great for romantic meals, dinner parties, or cozy family nights
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Notes: Optional Variations or Substitutions
Dairy-Free Options
You can replace the cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a plant-based parmesan alternative.
Try Other Proteins
This sauce works beautifully with pork chops or boneless chicken thighs as well.
Add Veggies
A handful of spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts adds more color and nutrition. Add them right before baking.
Cheese Swaps
If you don’t have parmesan, asiago or romano are good substitutes that bring similar sharpness.
Make It Milder or Hotter
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking, or leave them out for a completely mild version.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450 | 25g | 8g | 45g | 4g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
The name comes from the idea that the flavor is so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal on the spot.
Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes. You can sear the chicken and make the sauce earlier in the day. Just combine and bake before serving.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Whole milk with butter, coconut cream, or plain Greek yogurt are good alternatives depending on your dietary needs.
What should I serve with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or fresh bread are great for soaking up the sauce. A simple green salad adds a refreshing balance.
Storage Instructions
Let the chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. If freezing, keep in mind the cream sauce may change in texture slightly once thawed.
Print
Marry Me Chicken | Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Magic
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a rich and flavorful one-skillet dish featuring seared chicken breasts in a creamy sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknights or date nights.
Ingredients
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3–4 large)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic
¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese, room temperature
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil preferred)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Fresh basil, chiffonaded (optional)
Grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and place the rack in the center.
2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
4. Lower heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
5. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up the brown bits.
6. Remove from heat. Whisk in the cream and parmesan until smooth.
7. Return skillet to heat. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer.
8. Return chicken to skillet, coating well in the sauce.
9. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 13–18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
10. Remove from oven, spoon sauce over chicken, and let rest for 5 minutes.
11. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use room temperature dairy ingredients to avoid curdling.
Add more parmesan or cream cheese to thicken the sauce.
Substitute with boneless thighs or add spinach for variation.
Use a thermometer to ensure perfect chicken doneness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet, Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is more than a clever name. It’s a creamy, flavorful dish that feels indulgent but comes together quickly. Whether you’re making it for a loved one or simply indulging in some comfort food, it’s a recipe that delivers every time. One skillet, a handful of ingredients, and under an hour is all you need to create something unforgettable.