Marry Me Chicken (Chicken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) Recipe

This Marry Me Chicken is the kind of dish that makes people fall in love—with you, with dinner, with life in general. Tender, golden-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with the bold flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes, making it absolutely perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or when you just want something soul-satisfyingly delicious without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Fabulous: It looks and tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant, but it’s ready in half an hour and made in one skillet. Perfect for any night of the week.
• Unbelievably Flavorful: The sun-dried tomatoes bring deep, sweet-tart flavor, balanced by creamy Parmesan and a hint of garlic—each bite is rich and indulgent.
• One Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean means more time enjoying dinner (and maybe even a glass of wine).
• Date Night Worthy: This dish has a romantic, elegant feel, but it’s super easy to pull off—even if you’re short on time or cooking confidence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless—sliced or pounded thin for even cooking and maximum tenderness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out the flavors in the sauce.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden crust. Don’t skip this—it locks in moisture and adds flavor.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds an aromatic kick to balance the creamy sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Use oil-packed ones for the best flavor and texture. Slice them into strips and reserve some of the oil for cooking.
• Chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds savory depth to the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce velvety and rich—don’t substitute with milk if you want that dreamy texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a salty, nutty finish.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch to add a subtle, warming heat.
• Fresh basil or parsley: For a bright, herby finish that cuts through the richness.

Variations

This recipe is delicious as-is, but feel free to make it your own:

• Use Chicken Thighs: Swap the breasts for boneless thighs for a juicier bite.
• Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra kick.
• Add Veggies: Stir in fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped kale for some green goodness.
• Try a Dairy-Free Cream: Coconut cream can sub in for heavy cream if you’re avoiding dairy—just know the flavor will be slightly different but still tasty.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and just cooked through. Set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them warm through.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine

Mix in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If using, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for a few more minutes until everything is warmed through and well coated.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley just before serving. That fresh finish really takes the dish over the top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pound the Chicken: Thinner chicken breasts cook more evenly and faster, plus they absorb more flavor from the sauce.
• Use the Tomato Oil: If your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, use that oil for sautéing—it’s packed with flavor.
• Don’t Boil the Cream: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent it from separating.
• Grate the Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Go for a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself for the best results.

How to Serve

This dish is rich and indulgent, so it pairs beautifully with:

Pasta:

Spoon the creamy chicken and sauce over fettuccine, linguine, or even egg noodles.

Mashed Potatoes:

Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully.

Crusty Bread:

You need something to mop up that sauce—go with a good, crusty baguette.

Light Greens:

A simple arugula or mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This sauce is cream-based, so freezing can alter the texture slightly, but it still works. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from separating.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but it won’t be the same. Heavy cream gives the sauce its richness and silky texture. Milk might make it too thin and less flavorful.

What are the best sun-dried tomatoes to use?
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are ideal because they’re soft, flavorful, and ready to use. The oil they come in is also perfect for cooking—don’t throw it away!

Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default! The red pepper flakes add a touch of warmth, but you can leave them out if you prefer a milder dish—or add more for a kick.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. Just store in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken is the kind of meal that makes a statement—it’s cozy, impressive, and downright delicious. Whether you’re trying to win someone’s heart or just looking to treat yourself to something special, this recipe delivers every single time. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!

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