If you’re on the hunt for a truly unforgettable dinner that’s easy, stylish, and guaranteed to please a crowd (or just your very lucky family!), look no further than Marry Me Chicken. This creamy, dreamy dish combines tender chicken, a luxuriously rich Parmesan sauce, and tangy sun dried tomatoes, all finished with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. One bite, and you’ll understand the hype—this is the kind of recipe people fall head over heels for!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is chosen with purpose, building layers of flavor and mouthwatering color into one show-stopping dish. Let’s break down what you’ll need and how each component makes the magic happen:

Chicken Breasts: Slicing them in half creates thinner, juicy cutlets that cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Flour: Gives the chicken a lovely golden crust and helps thicken the sauce.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing out every natural flavor in this dish.
Garlic Powder & Paprika: These spices add gentle warmth and color, making the chicken extra savory.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection, adding healthy richness.
Butter: Adds depth and a velvety finish you just can’t beat.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is a must for its aromatic punch.
Chicken Broth: Lends a savory backbone and helps create that silky sauce.
Heavy Cream: Brings the rich, creamy texture that defines Marry Me Chicken.
Parmesan (grated): Salty, nutty Parmesan melts into the sauce for a seriously indulgent upgrade.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle little kick that keeps each bite interesting.
Oregano & Thyme: These classic herbs infuse the sauce with earthy, Italian-inspired notes.
Basil (fresh, chopped): The perfect garnish, adding freshness and color right before serving.
Sun Dried Tomatoes: They bring a vibrant tang and chewiness that wakes up the whole dish.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Start by slicing each chicken breast in half horizontally—you’ll end up with four even pieces that cook quickly and evenly. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Dredge each cutlet in the seasoned flour, ensuring every surface gets a light, even coating. This not only helps create that irresistible crust but also lays the foundation for the sauce to stick later.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat up the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the flour-coated chicken in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. What you’re looking for is a beautifully golden exterior and cooked-through centers—don’t overcrowd the pan, and work in batches if needed. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest while you build the saucy goodness.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

No need to clean the skillet! Lower the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle and turn fragrant, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn. Just a quick minute or two unleashes those irresistible aromas that are the hallmark of Marry Me Chicken.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any golden bits on the bottom of the pan for maximum flavor. Stir in the grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme. Keep the heat moderate so the cheese melts gently and doesn’t get grainy. The sauce will start to thicken, bubbling away as all the flavors marry together—pun totally intended!

Step 5: Add Sun Dried Tomatoes

Now, it’s time to stir in the sun dried tomatoes. They bring a beautiful pop of color and a pleasantly tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream. Let everything simmer together for around 5 minutes, so the sauce thickens up and the tomatoes rehydrate just enough to become plump and juicy.

Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Gently nestle the chicken back into the luxurious sauce, spooning the liquid all over each piece. Give it another 10 minutes on low heat, letting those cutlets soak up every creamy, herby, and cheesy note. Spoon sauce over the top every so often so no bite goes without that signature creamy coating.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Off the heat, shower the dish with plenty of freshly chopped basil and more grated Parmesan (because honestly, why not?). This final flourish is what makes Marry Me Chicken look and taste irresistible when it hits the table—prepare for the “oohs” and “aahs!”

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh basil is non-negotiable here—it adds an herbal brightness that lifts the whole dish. If you’re feeling extra, add a final dusting of Parmesan right before serving for those lovely melty strands. Don’t forget a twist of freshly cracked black pepper for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

Marry Me Chicken is pure comfort on its own but absolutely sings when paired with a simple side. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a bowl of freshly cooked pasta will soak up all that incredible sauce. For a lighter option, try steamed green beans or a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the chicken family-style in a big skillet scattered with basil so everyone can help themselves. Or, lay a piece atop a twirl of fettuccine on individual plates for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation. You can even pile this luscious chicken onto warm, crusty bread for a decadent open-faced sandwich—don’t knock it until you try it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it’s rare!), store the cooled Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more irresistible for tomorrow’s lunch or an easy dinner.

Freezing

Marry Me Chicken freezes well too! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. The creamy sauce will thaw and reheat beautifully—just give it a good stir when you warm it up to restore its silkiness.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Marry Me Chicken gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened up. You can also microwave single portions in short bursts, stirring halfway to keep everything creamy and hot.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well, bringing extra juiciness and rich flavor. Adjust your cooking times to ensure they’re fully cooked before combining with the sauce.

Is Marry Me Chicken spicy?

It has a gentle warmth from the red pepper flakes, but the overall dish isn’t spicy. If you prefer more kick, feel free to double up on the pepper flakes—or leave them out entirely for a mild version.

What’s the best type of sun dried tomato to use?

Look for oil-packed sun dried tomatoes for the best texture and flavor. Drain any excess oil before adding them, or use dry-packed tomatoes and soak them in hot water until plump.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead?

Definitely! You can cook everything up to a day ahead and gently reheat on the stove when you’re ready to serve. Add the fresh basil garnish right before serving to keep it vibrant and aromatic.

What pasta pairs best with Marry Me Chicken?

Fettuccine, linguine, or any shape that can catch that luscious sauce is a winner. For a lighter touch, try serving over zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower rice!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that feels truly special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, Marry Me Chicken is your answer. It’s got comfort, glamor, and a wow-factor that turns any night into a celebration. Give it a try—I bet you’ll add this dreamy chicken to your regular rotation!

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Marry Me Chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish that will win over your taste buds with its rich sauce and tender chicken. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or to impress guests with a restaurant-quality meal.

Instructions

Cut and Coat the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half to create four thinner pieces. Coat both sides of the cutlets with a mixture of flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Cook the coated chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce: Sauté minced garlic in the skillet. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, parmesan, red pepper flakes, and herbs. Simmer until thickened.
Finish the Dish: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 10 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with basil and more parmesan. Serve over pasta, rice, or potatoes.

Notes

This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 580
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Creamy Chicken Recipe, Chicken in Cream Sauce