Say hello to the romantic dinner dish you’ll find yourself craving long after the first bite: Marry Me Chicken. This recipe brings together tender, golden-seared chicken breasts nestled in a creamy, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce that has the power to win over anyone’s heart. Flavor-packed and surprisingly easy, Marry Me Chicken is the kind of meal you cook to impress, whether it’s a weeknight craving or a special celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s beauty in simplicity, and Marry Me Chicken proves it with a handful of pantry staples that deliver big flavor. Each ingredient has a key role in creating a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly juicy chicken you’ll want on repeat!

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy searing and juicy results, offering a mild canvas for all the bold flavors.
Olive oil: Gives a beautiful golden crust to the chicken and adds a hint of fruity depth to the sauce.
Butter: Brings luxurious richness and helps create those savory pan juices.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a fragrant, irresistible aroma that infuses every bite.
Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread or pasta.
Chicken broth: Adds savory complexity while keeping the sauce light and flavorful.
Parmesan cheese: Grated for maximum melt and a salty, cheesy boost.
Red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to tingle your taste buds—adjust to your spice preference!
Dried oregano: Earthy and herbal, lifting all the creamy flavors without overpowering the dish.
Dried thyme: A subtle floral note that pairs perfectly with the chicken and creamy sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped for bright color and bold, tangy-sweet bursts of flavor in every forkful.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional): A final sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens up the whole dish.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay out your chicken breasts and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning is crucial since it builds the foundation of flavor for the juicy chicken in Marry Me Chicken.

Step 2: Sear for Maximum Flavor

Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once sizzling, sear the chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side until beautifully golden. Don’t rush this step—the caramelization gives an incredible taste and locks in those juices. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside for now.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn but turns fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and those jewel-like sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly and all the flavors meld together in creamy harmony.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure to spoon some of that beautiful sauce over each one. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Let everything bake for 15–20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through (an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part should read 165°F). The sauce will bubble and thicken even more, turning the kitchen into a restaurant-level experience.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

As soon as you pull Marry Me Chicken from the oven, finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. The herbs add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that perfectly balances the rich, creamy sauce. Serve straight from the skillet for rustic charm or plate up with extra sauce spooned on top.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh herbs—think basil or parsley—brings brightness and visual appeal to Marry Me Chicken. For a classy touch, add a few curls of extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper right before serving. If you’re feeling bold, a drizzle of olive oil gives a glossy finish and heightens the aroma.

Side Dishes

Marry Me Chicken is all about that sauce, so you’ll want a trusty side to scoop up every drop! Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne) is a classic choice, but mashed potatoes, polenta, risotto, or even a crusty baguette work beautifully. For a lighter vibe, serve with roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For date nights or special occasions, let Marry Me Chicken shine as the centerpiece of a cast iron skillet straight to the table. If you’re hosting a crowd, slice the chicken and fan it out over a large platter, ladling sauce on top and showering everything with fresh herbs. For lunch leftovers, dice the chicken and toss with cooked penne or serve cold atop a crisp salad with an extra squeeze of lemon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Marry Me Chicken should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight and the sauce will thicken, making your next meal just as delicious. For best quality, enjoy within 3 days.

Freezing

Yes, you can absolutely freeze Marry Me Chicken! Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, pressing out any extra air. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a fuss-free dinner on demand.

Reheating

Gently reheat Marry Me Chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, just until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and full of flavor, and they work just as well in Marry Me Chicken. Just watch the cook time; thighs may take a bit longer to reach that perfect 165°F internal temperature.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

For a lighter version, try swapping half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. The sauce may not be quite as rich, but you’ll still get that signature Marry Me Chicken flavor and creaminess.

How spicy is Marry Me Chicken with red pepper flakes?

The amount of red pepper flakes in this recipe gives a gentle warmth—it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. Feel free to adjust the quantity up or down based on your personal heat tolerance.

Can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?

Definitely! You can prepare Marry Me Chicken up through building the sauce and adding the chicken back to the skillet, then refrigerate (covered) for up to one day. When ready to serve, just bake as directed, allowing a few extra minutes for the chill to come off.

What wine pairs well with Marry Me Chicken?

This creamy, savory dish sings alongside a crisp, dry white wine like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir is a lovely choice that won’t overpower the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re wooing someone special or just want a show-stopping dinner without the fuss, Marry Me Chicken delivers every single time. With its crowd-pleasing flavors and effortless elegance, this is a recipe you’ll want to cook—and share—again and again. Try it once, and don’t be surprised if it becomes an instant legend at your table!

Marry Me Chicken Recipe