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If one bite could seal the deal, Marry Me Chicken would be it. This creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato-studded chicken has that “where have you been all my life” kind of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes jaws drop, and maybe even inspires a proposal or two.

The best part? It’s shockingly easy to pull together in one skillet. You get juicy seared chicken breasts, a rich parmesan cream sauce, and those chewy bites of sun-dried tomatoes that taste like a vacation. It feels fancy but it’s secretly weeknight-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for date night, family dinner, or just yourself (with leftovers, obviously), this one’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken

The first time I made this marry me chicken recipe, I wasn’t trying to impress anyone, I just wanted something bold and comforting. But after the first forkful, my husband literally said, “You could marry someone with this.” And here we are. It’s been in our dinner rotation ever since.

  • Fast but flavorful – One pan and 30 minutes. That’s all it takes to get restaurant-level flavor.
  • Romantic but realistic – Fancy enough for Valentine’s, simple enough for Tuesdays.
  • Family-approved – My kids beg for the creamy sauce over pasta.
  • Make-ahead friendly – The sauce gets even better after it sits.
  • Adaptable – Great with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak it all up.
Marry Me Chicken - EVRYFOODIE
Marry Me Chicken EVRYFOODIE

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you need and why it works:

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts – Sliced in half for faster, even cooking. You can also use thighs for extra richness.
  • Salt, pepper & olive oil – Basic, but essential. The olive oil gets that golden sear going.
  • Garlic – A big flavor builder. Use fresh for best results.
  • Chicken broth – Adds depth and thins the sauce just enough.
  • Heavy cream – The creamy base that makes this sauce so velvety.
  • Grated parmesan cheese – Adds saltiness and body. Freshly grated melts better.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes – Chewy, tangy, and packed with umami. Don’t skip these!
  • Italian seasoning & crushed red pepper flakes – Adds that herby, slightly spicy magic.
  • Fresh basil – A pop of freshness right at the end.

Variations & Substitutions

Make it your own with these easy swaps:

  • Swap the protein – Chicken thighs, pork chops, or even shrimp work here.
  • Make it dairy-free – Try unsweetened oat cream and nutritional yeast (you’ll lose a bit of richness but keep the texture).
  • Go vegetarian – Use thick slices of seared cauliflower or tofu instead of chicken.
  • Add veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or chopped zucchini are great add-ins.
  • Lower the spice – Leave out the red pepper flakes if you’re spice-sensitive.

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Sear the chicken

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it in olive oil until golden on both sides. You don’t need to cook it through yet, it’ll finish in the sauce.

2. Sauté the garlic

Lower the heat a bit and toss in the garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).

Marry Me Chicken - EVRYFOODIE

3. Make the sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Marry Me Chicken - EVRYFOODIE

4. Return the chicken to the pan

Nestle the chicken into the sauce and let it cook for 7–10 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

5. Finish with basil

Sprinkle on that fresh basil right before serving. It brightens everything up.

A Few Helpful Tips

  • Slice your chicken breasts in half for quicker cooking and even thickness.
  • Don’t boil the cream or it might split, gentle simmer is the key.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes in oil add way more flavor than dry-packed.
  • Taste as you go – especially the sauce. A pinch more salt can bring it all together.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Here’s how to make this dish shine:

  • Over pasta – Fettuccine or penne soak up the sauce perfectly.
  • With mashed potatoes – Creamy on creamy. Yes, it works.
  • On toasted bread – Sop up that sauce like you mean it.
  • With a side salad – A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.

Top it off with extra parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if you like a kick.

Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips

  • Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat – Gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
  • Freezer – Freeze the sauce and chicken together for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly.

Creamy sauces can separate a bit when frozen, but it usually stirs back together once warmed.

FAQ

Absolutely. They stay juicier and add extra richness to the dish.

It has a little warmth from the red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to adjust or skip.

Yes! It reheats well and the flavors deepen overnight.

Fettuccine, rigatoni, or even egg noodles are great choices.

Enjoying This Marry Me Chicken

I make this most often in the fall, when it starts getting chilly and we’re craving comfort food that feels a little special. One bite and you’ll see why it’s called Marry Me Chicken, it’s creamy, dreamy, and totally unforgettable.

If You Try It, We’d Love to Hear About It

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We’d love to see your delicious creation.

Tried this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a rating and a comment below! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. If you made any tweaks or added your own spin, let us know how it went, we’re all about seeing how y’all make it your own!

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Original Marry Me Chicken (Yes, It’s That Good)

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Description

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.

Ingredients

3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

4 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Kosher salt

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Equipment

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stove + Oven
  • Cuisine: American

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Jennifer West Senior Recipe Editor
As a Senior Recipe Editor, Jennifer West shares flavorful and easy meal recipes with a creative twist,. Perfect for busy families and everyday home cooks.
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