Whenever I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser or a dinner that’s going to seriously impress, this is the recipe I reach for. Yep, this is the original Marry Me Chicken, the one that went viral on TikTok and even landed in The New York Times (no big deal). Juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then baked in a rich, creamy, tomato-y Parmesan sauce that’s basically love at first bite.
It’s fast, easy, and totally dreamy, and if someone proposes after eating it? Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Why’s It Called “Marry Me” Chicken?
Here’s the fun backstory: Back in 2016, I was recipe-testing a saucy skillet dinner inspired by my viral Tuscan Chicken Pasta. I was going for something cozy, flavorful, and super simple to pull off on a weeknight. Originally, I was calling it “Sicilian Chicken Skillet” (meh), but then, during the final video shoot, our videographer took one bite and blurted out, “I’d marry you for that chicken!” The name stuck, and the rest is delicious, Internet-breaking history.
What You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and ready to shine. This recipe is all about turning a basic cut into something magical. Prefer thighs? Totally works.
- Garlic: I’m team more garlic is better, but 2 large cloves (minced or grated) bring just the right amount of flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- Fresh Thyme: That slightly earthy, peppery bite is chef’s kiss in this dish. No thyme? Use extra basil.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a little heat to balance all the creamy richness. You can skip it if you’re sensitive to spice, but even a tiny pinch adds a ton of flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful and rich. If you’re going vegetarian and serving this over pasta, use veggie broth—just go for low-sodium so you can season to taste.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The real MVP. They add a sweet, tangy depth without needing anything fancy. Bonus: you can make this year-round!
- Heavy Cream: Just ½ cup gives the sauce its velvety texture without making it feel heavy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds that salty, nutty finish and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated is worth the tiny bit of extra effort!
- Fresh Basil (for topping): Because every great dish deserves a pretty, flavorful finish.
How to Make It
Sear the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot, oven-safe skillet with a bit of oil until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through yet, it’ll finish in the oven. Transfer the chicken to a plate while you make the sauce.
Build the Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add a little more oil. Stir in the garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Let it cook for about a minute, just until it’s super fragrant.
Make It Creamy:
Pour in the broth, sun-dried tomatoes (with their oil, if using jarred), heavy cream, and Parmesan. Stir it all together and bring it to a gentle simmer to thicken slightly. It smells amazing already.
Finish in the Oven:
Return the chicken (and any juices!) back to the skillet and spoon some sauce over the top. Transfer the whole skillet to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve + Swoon:
Plate the chicken, spoon plenty of that dreamy sauce over the top, and finish with fresh basil. Get ready for compliments (or maybe even a proposal 👀).
Leftovers?
If you’ve got leftovers, consider yourself lucky. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, and if the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
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Original Marry Me Chicken (Yes, It’s That Good)
Whenever I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser or a dinner that’s going to seriously impress, this is the recipe I reach for. Yep, this is the original Marry Me Chicken, the one that went viral on TikTok and even landed in The New York Times (no big deal). Juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then baked in a rich, creamy, tomato-y Parmesan sauce that’s basically love at first bite.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
Torn fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- While the pan’s heating up, season your chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and sear it for about 5 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through just yet, we’ll finish it in the oven. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Stir in the garlic, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for about a minute, just until everything is fragrant and your kitchen smells amazing.
- Now pour in the broth, tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan. Season with a little more salt and stir everything together. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then nestle the chicken (and all those tasty juices it left behind) back into the skillet.
- Carefully transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when you cut into it.
- Once it’s ready, transfer the chicken to a serving platter, spoon that creamy tomato sauce over the top, and finish it off with some fresh basil.
Dinner = done! Serve it up with crusty bread, pasta, or your favorite veggie side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stove + Oven
- Cuisine: American
