Fall-In-Love Marry Me Chicken Recipe: Irresistibly Tender Joy

Tender chicken breasts bathed in a creamy sun-dried tomato marinade that would make roasted garlic chicken thighs jealous.

This marry me chicken recipe delivers a romantic culinary experience that sparks instant connection.

Every bite promises rich, luxurious flavors that dance between tangy and smooth.

Parmesan cheese and herbs create a magnificent depth that turns an ordinary dinner into something spectacular.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a dish promising pure deliciousness.

Restaurants charge top dollar for meals like this, but you can recreate restaurant-quality magic right in your kitchen.

Serve this irresistible chicken and watch dinner guests fall head over heels.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

Marry Me Chicken Ingredients: What You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender centerpiece that absorbs flavors beautifully; choose fresh, plump cuts without discoloration or unusual odors.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance chicken's natural taste and create delicious flavor foundation.

• Garlic, Thyme Leaves, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic trio that brings zesty warmth, herbal depth, and subtle heat to the dish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, tangy ingredient that adds rich Mediterranean character and bright acidic notes.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid enhancer that helps create silky sauce and intensifies overall savory profile.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Luxurious combination that transforms sauce into velvety, indulgent coating with nutty, complex undertones.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality fat for sautéing that introduces smooth, fruity base and helps prevent sticking.
• Fresh Basil: Vibrant garnish offering fresh, peppery finish and beautiful green contrast.

Kitchen Tool for a Romantic Meal

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and scraping browned bits from the pan.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and olive oil.
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing garlic and herbs.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping garlic and basil.
• Tongs: Great for handling and turning chicken while cooking.

How to Cook Chicken That Wins Hearts

• Chicken Preparation

Select tender chicken breasts and get ready to transform them into a mouthwatering meal that will make your loved ones swoon.

• Sizzling Golden Goodness

Create a gorgeous golden crust on the chicken by heating oil and cooking each piece until perfectly bronzed and cooked through.

• Flavor Explosion

Release the magic of garlic, fragrant herbs, and a subtle kick of spice by sautéing them in the pan’s delicious remnants.

• Sauce Symphony

Pour in broth and gently coax the hidden flavor bits from the pan’s bottom, creating a rich liquid base that promises deliciousness.

• Creamy Transformation

Introduce luscious cream, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and nutty Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes luxuriously thick and velvety.

• Reunion of Flavors

Nestle the crispy chicken back into the dreamy sauce, allowing each piece to become completely embraced by the incredible mixture.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle fresh green herbs over the dish and serve alongside your favorite carbohydrate companion for a meal that screams love and comfort.

Smart Twists on This Popular Dish

• Transform the creamy tomato base by substituting sun-dried tomatoes for fresh ones, adding a deeper, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer, more tender meat that absorbs the sauce beautifully and stays incredibly juicy.
• Adjust red pepper flakes from a pinch to a generous sprinkle depending on your heat tolerance, creating a personalized kick that matches your preference.
• Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to make this recipe friendly for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests without sacrificing rich, creamy texture.
• Prepare the entire dish up to the final simmering stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop an even more complex taste when reheated just before serving.

How to Plate for Date Night or Family Dinner

• Pasta Paradise: Toss the chicken and its creamy sauce over fettuccine or linguine for a classic Italian-inspired meal that hugs your taste buds with rich, comforting flavors.
• Bread Buddy: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every delicious drop of the luscious, sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
• Garden Fresh Sidekick: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad topped with a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken.
• Grain Bowl Delight: Spoon the saucy chicken over fluffy quinoa or fragrant basmati rice for a protein-packed and satisfying dinner that brings layers of texture and taste.

How to Store Love on a Plate for Later

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to maintain food safety and optimal taste.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness and restore sauce consistency.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Carefully pack meal in freezer-safe containers, separating sauce and chicken to prevent soggy texture. Freeze up to three months for future quick dinners.
• Strategic Meal Prep Hack: Prepare extra chicken and sauce during initial cooking, then portion into lunch-sized containers for convenient grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Equipment for Cooking Marry Me Chicken Easily

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
• Cooking tongs: Perfect for flipping and handling chicken safely.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and scraping browned bits from skillet.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping garlic and fresh basil.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Cooking Guide for Marry Me Chicken Step by Step

• Chicken Prep

Select a clean skillet and gather fresh, quality chicken breasts. Ensure chicken is at room temperature for even cooking.

• Golden Sear

Coat chicken with aromatic seasonings. Heat oil until shimmering and gently place chicken in pan. Create a beautiful golden crust by cooking each side until perfectly browned.

• Flavor Foundation

Lower heat and welcome fragrant garlic and delicate herbs into the pan. Swirl ingredients to release their enchanting aromas, creating a warm, inviting base for the sauce.

• Liquid Magic

Pour rich broth into the skillet, allowing it to dance with the caramelized chicken bits. Let the liquid reduce and concentrate the deep, complex flavors developing in the pan.

• Creamy Transformation

Introduce velvety cream and sun-ripened tomatoes. Sprinkle in nutty Parmesan cheese, watching the sauce transform into a luxurious, silky blend that hugs each chicken piece.

• Final Symphony

Reunite chicken with the luscious sauce, letting each element mingle and marry. Simmer gently, allowing flavors to intertwine and create a harmonious, mouthwatering dish.

• Elegant Finish

Scatter fresh green herbs across the top. Serve alongside your favorite comfort carbs – perhaps tender pasta or crusty bread – creating a meal that speaks directly to the heart.

Flavor Ideas for a Better Marry Me Chicken Dish

• Add sun-dried tomatoes or crispy bacon bits for extra depth and crunch in the sauce.
• Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a more tender and juicy result that absorbs sauce beautifully.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to make the dish mild or fiery hot – perfect for different heat preferences.
• Prepare the sauce in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify before reheating with fresh chicken.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken at the Table

• Romantic Dinner Date Plating: Arrange the golden chicken atop a bed of creamy fettuccine, drizzling the luscious tomato-cream sauce generously. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves for a vibrant pop of color and herbaceous aroma.
• Cozy Comfort Meal Companion: Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the rich, velvety sauce. Pair with a crisp side salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the dish's indulgent flavors.
• Elegant Entertaining Style: Present on a large white platter for a stunning centerpiece at dinner parties. Garnish with extra Parmesan shavings and whole basil leaves to create a restaurant-quality visual appeal that will impress guests.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce and enhance the chicken's savory notes. The wine's subtle acidity will cut through the richness beautifully.

How to Keep Marry Me Chicken for Later Meals

• Mealtime Magic Storage
• Quick Chill Strategy: Cool the dish completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerated Marry Me Chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days when sealed tightly.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Separate chicken and sauce before freezing to maintain optimal texture. Wrap portions in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meals last up to 2 months.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir frequently to prevent sauce separation.
• Ingredient Separation Trick: Store leftover sauce and chicken separately to keep crispy edges intact. This method prevents soggy texture and helps maintain the dish's original deliciousness when reheating.

Ingredients to Make Marry Me Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that serves as the star of the dish, select fresh, plump pieces without discoloration or unusual odors.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances chicken's natural flavors, use freshly ground pepper for maximum taste and aroma.

• Garlic, Fresh Thyme Leaves: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and earthy undertones, choose fresh garlic cloves and vibrant green thyme for intense flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and complexity, adjust quantity based on personal spice tolerance.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, tangy ingredient that brings rich Mediterranean character, opt for oil-packed varieties for extra moisture.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a light, savory liquid base that adds moisture and richness, low-sodium allows better control of overall dish saltiness.
• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Luxurious components that create a velvety, indulgent sauce, select freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic garnish that provides fresh contrast to the creamy sauce, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality cooking fat that helps distribute heat and adds subtle fruity undertones, use good-quality cold-pressed oil.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy marry me chicken showcases tender chicken breasts in a luxurious sun-dried tomato sauce that promises romantic Italian-inspired flavors. Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs elevate this simple yet irresistible dish you’ll want to share with someone special.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts (8 oz or 226 g), boneless, skinless
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth, low-sodium
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan, finely grated
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) thyme leaves, fresh
• 1 tsp (5 ml) red pepper flakes, crushed
• kosher salt, to taste
• black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• basil, fresh, torn (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Chicken Preparation: Pat chicken breasts dry and season thoroughly with salt and black pepper on both surfaces.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Aromatic Base: Reduce heat and sauté garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, releasing their intense flavors.
4. Sauce Development: Deglaze skillet with chicken broth, scraping browned bits, then incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce smooths and thickens.
5. Final Assembly: Return chicken to skillet, nestling pieces into creamy sauce, simmering 2-3 minutes to reheat and infuse flavors.
6. Serving: Garnish with fresh basil, plate over pasta, rice, or crusty bread, generously spooning additional sauce around the chicken.

Notes

• Sear for Flavor Perfection: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor and creates restaurant-quality texture.
• Temperature is Critical: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165°F internal temperature, preventing overcooking while ensuring food safety.
• Sauce Consistency Matters: Stir sauce continuously and watch for slight thickening, which signals perfect creamy texture without breaking or separating ingredients.
• Pan Selection Impacts Taste: Cast-iron skillet recommended for superior heat distribution and developing deeper, richer caramelized flavors during cooking process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking, Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg