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

Marry Me Chicken is one of those magical dishes that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s creamy, savory, a little tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes, and packed with bold flavors that make every bite irresistible. If you’ve ever wondered why it’s called “Marry Me Chicken,” the story goes that this dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal after just one bite. While that might just be a fun internet legend, there’s no denying the power of a well-cooked meal to bring people together.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also an excellent choice for date night or entertaining guests because it looks and tastes like something that took much more effort than it actually did. The rich, creamy sauce with parmesan and garlic perfectly complements the tender, pan-seared chicken, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a slight tangy sweetness that keeps everything balanced.

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor, Marry Me Chicken is the perfect choice. It’s an easy one-pan meal that doesn’t require complicated ingredients, making it a great go-to option when you need a satisfying dinner that comes together in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is special for so many reasons, and once you try it, you’ll see why it has become a viral sensation.

• One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, which is always a win. Everything is cooked in the same pan, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
• Creamy and Indulgent – The sauce is rich, velvety, and loaded with garlic and parmesan, making it the ultimate comfort food.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – This dish has the taste and presentation of something you’d order at a fancy restaurant, but it’s incredibly easy to make.
• Perfect for Special Occasions – Whether it’s a date night, anniversary, or dinner party, this dish never fails to impress.
• Versatile Serving Options – Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Customizable Flavors – You can adjust the heat, swap out ingredients, or add your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own.
• Kid-Friendly – The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a hit with both adults and kids alike.

This recipe is all about rich, bold flavors that feel indulgent while still being simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a loved one, or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to be a winner.

Health Benefits

While Marry Me Chicken is known for its creamy, decadent sauce, it also has some surprising health benefits.

• High in Protein – Chicken breast is a lean protein source, essential for muscle growth and overall health.
• Good Fats from Cream & Parmesan – While heavy cream and cheese add richness, they also provide important fats that help keep you full and satisfied.
• Nutrient-Dense Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These little gems are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and iron.
• Balanced Meal – When paired with a healthy side like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, this dish can be a well-rounded meal.
• Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly – Since the dish doesn’t require flour or breading, it fits well into a low-carb or keto diet when served with the right sides.

By making small adjustments—such as using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or serving it with a side of greens—you can enjoy this dish while keeping it aligned with your health goals.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fats: 28g

Ingredients List

For the Chicken:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1- Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them develop a nice golden sear when cooking. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

2- Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage—it will finish cooking in the sauce. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3- Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, paprika, and onion powder. Stir until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is fully melted.

4- Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

5- Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove it from heat and sprinkle fresh basil on top. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.

How to Serve

Marry Me Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving ideas:

• Over pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• With mashed potatoes or rice
• Alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
• With a side salad for a lighter meal

Pairing Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Garlic bread, sautéed spinach, or couscous.
• Drinks: A refreshing lemonade, iced tea, or fruit-infused water.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken
• Using pre-grated parmesan (which doesn’t melt smoothly)
• Not scraping the skillet properly (flavor is in the browned bits!)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving if overcooked. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The sauce will have a slightly different taste, but it will still be rich and creamy.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers make a great substitute. They add sweetness and depth without the tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

To add extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce on the stove and add freshly cooked chicken.

How do I prevent my sauce from curdling?

To keep the sauce smooth and creamy, remove the skillet from the heat before adding parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until melted before returning to low heat.

The Story Behind Marry Me Chicken

Food has a way of bringing people together, and some dishes become legendary because of the stories behind them. Marry Me Chicken is one of those meals that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. While there’s no definitive origin, the name comes from its irresistibly creamy, flavorful sauce that supposedly makes anyone who tries it fall in love—hence, inspiring a marriage proposal. This dish became an internet sensation because of how easy yet elegant it is. Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner, a cozy family meal, or just treating yourself, Marry Me Chicken proves that food can be an experience, not just a meal.

How to Adjust Marry Me Chicken for Special Diets

This dish is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, but it can be adapted to fit other dietary needs. If you’re looking for a healthier version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt to cut down on fat while maintaining creaminess. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk and nutritional yeast make excellent substitutes. If you need a gluten-free version, just ensure your chicken broth and parmesan are certified gluten-free. Want a lower-calorie version? Use boneless, skinless chicken tenders instead of full breasts, as they cook faster and absorb more flavor.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Leftover Marry Me Chicken

If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t just reheat them—get creative! Shred the chicken and mix it with cooked pasta for a quick, creamy pasta dish. You can also slice it up and stuff it into a warm tortilla with fresh spinach and mozzarella for a gourmet wrap. Another great idea is to spoon the creamy chicken mixture over baked potatoes for a filling meal. Leftovers can even be turned into a delicious chicken bake by layering them with cooked rice and baking until golden.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken in a Slow Cooker

If you love set-it-and-forget-it meals, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply season and sear the chicken as usual, then place it in the slow cooker with the chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese to create the luscious sauce. This method ensures extra tender chicken and is perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the effort.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Marry Me Chicken is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out. Share your experience in the comments or tag me on social media—I love seeing your creations! Happy cooking!

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