Name: Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 2 pounds; 1½ teaspoons kosher salt; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken stock; 1 teaspoon chicken flavor “Better Than Bouillon” or 1 chicken bouillon cube; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1 (7-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves; Cooked pasta or mashed potatoes

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

If you have ever wondered why this dish is called the Marry Me Chicken Recipe, prepare to be swooned by every bite. This is not just a chicken dinner; it is a creamy, dreamy, sun-dried tomato-packed meal that feels like a warm embrace. The combination of luscious cream, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese creates a sauce so rich and flavorful, it practically demands a second helping. Whether it’s a special evening or just a night when you want to treat yourself, this Marry Me Chicken Recipe will win over your heart and your taste buds alike.

Ingredients You'll Need

A flat lay of raw pale pink chicken pieces on white parchment paper at the bottom left, surrounded by small white bowls with various ingredients arranged in a semi-circle on a white marbled surface. From top left, a glass measuring cup with light yellow broth sits beside a small white bowl with dried green herbs, a shallow beige dish with crushed red pepper flakes, a small gray bowl with white coarse salt, a white bowl with finely chopped garlic, and a small white bowl with light yellow oil. Centered below these is a white bowl filled with bright red sun-dried tomatoes. To the right, a light wooden bowl holds finely grated cheese with a textured surface. Fresh dark green basil leaves are at the far right, next to a small glass jar with a white liquid. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To craft this irresistible dish, you only need a handful of simple but high-impact ingredients. Each one is essential, delivering vibrant colors, velvety textures, and the depth of flavor that makes this chicken recipe unforgettable.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender foundation of the dish that soaks up every bit of the sauce.
Kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors without overpowering.
Extra-virgin olive oil: For that perfect golden sear and subtle richness.
Garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic warmth right at the start of cooking.
Heavy cream: The magical ingredient that creates the silky, luscious sauce.
Chicken stock: Brings a savory depth to the sauce and keeps everything moist.
Chicken flavor “Better Than Bouillon” or bouillon cube: Boosts umami richness effortlessly.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the sauce with sharp, nutty goodness.
Sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped: The star ingredient that offers tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds fragrant complexity.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Brings a subtle, spicy kick.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat to brighten the dish.
Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced: The fresh herbaceous finish that makes the dish pop.
Cooked pasta or mashed potatoes (optional): Perfect bases to soak up all the delicious sauce.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken

The magic starts with perfectly searing the chicken breasts. Pat them dry to ensure they brown beautifully rather than steam. Season with kosher salt — this simple touch unlocks flavor in every bite. Heat your olive oil until it shimmers, then let the chicken cook undisturbed until golden on both sides, about 5 minutes each. This caramelization adds texture and a depth of flavor that sets the stage for the irresistible sauce.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce

After your chicken is browned and resting on a plate, you’ll create the luscious sauce in the same skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and add the aromatic garlic, letting it release its fragrance without burning. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock, followed by the bouillon for that savory punch. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then sprinkle in Italian seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat, and the remaining salt. Whisk it all together until smooth and decadent.

Step 3: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce

Gently nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet, allowing them to soak up the sauce’s rich flavors. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cook just until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, usually 8 to 10 minutes. This slow cooking ensures juicy, tender chicken bathed in creamy goodness.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish Your Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Remove the skillet from the heat and crown your chicken with fresh basil leaves and the remaining Parmesan cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for a spicy contrast. Serve immediately over pasta or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of the sauce. This final step transforms a simple dinner into a dish that feels elegant and incredibly special.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Recipe

A white pan holds four golden brown chicken pieces covered in a light, creamy sauce with visible small tomato pieces mixed into the sauce. The sauce is smooth with a slight shine, spreading around the chicken and filling the pan. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled over the chicken and sauce, adding a pop of color. A woman’s hand is seen holding a wooden spatula under one piece of chicken, lifting it slightly. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and a part of a white plate with rice is seen in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are not just decorative — they bring a sweet, peppery brightness that cuts through the richness and makes the Marry Me Chicken Recipe truly sing. Don’t skip the extra Parmesan cheese, either; it adds a final layer of savory indulgence that everyone will appreciate.

Side Dishes

This creamy chicken shines brightest when paired with simple sides that absorb the sauce. Cooked pasta, like fettuccine or penne, creates a comforting bed for the sauce to cling to. If you prefer, mashed potatoes are equally divine, offering a buttery softness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy tomatoes and creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow guests or elevate a cozy night in, serve the chicken atop a nest of sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrition. For a low-carb option, cauliflower mash works perfectly. Don’t be afraid to drizzle a little sauce over the top and garnish with a few whole sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil sprigs for a picture-perfect plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any extra Marry Me Chicken to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining the creamy texture and rich flavors so you can easily enjoy this delicious dish again without starting from scratch.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, you can freeze the Marry Me Chicken Recipe in freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that the cream sauce may slightly change texture after freezing but should still taste wonderful. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the sauce. Adding a splash of chicken stock or cream while warming helps refresh the sauce’s creaminess. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals and stir frequently.

FAQs

What makes this a “Marry Me” chicken recipe?

The name comes from the idea that this rich, flavorful chicken recipe is so delicious and impressive, it might just inspire a marriage proposal. The creamy, velvety sauce combined with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan creates a dish that feels romantic and special.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work nicely and actually stay tender and juicy even longer. Just adjust cooking times to ensure they are cooked through.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mildly spiced with black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. Feel free to leave out the red pepper flakes if you prefer no heat, or add more if you love it spicy.

Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, try substituting heavy cream with canned coconut milk or other creamy plant-based milk and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. The flavor profile will shift slightly but it will still be delicious.

What can I serve besides pasta or mashed potatoes?

Besides the classic sides, creamy polenta, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh green salad complement the sauce and chicken beautifully, adding variety and balancing the richness.

Final Thoughts

If you want to impress without hours in the kitchen, I truly encourage you to try the Marry Me Chicken Recipe. It’s a dish that brings together simple ingredients with bold flavors and creamy textures, making every meal feel like an occasion. Whether for a date night, family dinner, or just because you deserve a treat, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need