Name: Marry Me Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, chopped); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil (for garnish)

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Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan-infused chicken dish with a velvety sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly indulgent. It delivers a restaurant-quality meal with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Silky, indulgent sauce packed with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and savory Parmesan.
Quick to make yet impressive enough for date night or special occasions.
One-pan comfort—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Perfect for pairing with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.

Marry Me Chicken

Ingredients

Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil
Garlic cloves, minced
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, chopped)
Chicken broth
Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil (for garnish)

Directions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower heat slightly and add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly to release their flavor.
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a minute.
Add heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened to your liking.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the pieces. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: Serves 4 (assuming about 6-8 ounces of chicken per person).
Timing:
- Prep: ~10 minutes
- Cook: ~20 minutes
- Total: ~30 minutes

Variations

Lighter cream option: Use half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a little flour or cornstarch.
Add vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach or wilted kale at the end for color and nutrition.
Protein swap: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Spice it up: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of paprika for extra heat.
Cheesy twist: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for an even richer sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Store the sauce and chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

What cut of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are most common, but thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful option.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken dairy-free?

Yes — substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with pasta (like fettuccine or penne), rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Mix a small amount of cornstarch or flour with cold water to create a slurry and whisk it into the simmering sauce until desired thickness is reached.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe in advance?

You can cook and refrigerate the chicken and sauce separately. Reheat them together just before serving for the best texture.

Can I use jarred roasted red peppers instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

You can — they’ll offer a milder, sweeter flavor. Adjust quantities to taste and be mindful of added brine or oil.

How can I reduce the sodium content?

Use low-sodium chicken broth and a reduced-salt Parmesan, and taste the sauce before adding extra salt.

Does the sauce freeze well?

Yes, the sauce freezes nicely with the chicken. Thaw overnight and reheat gently, adding a bit of cream or broth if needed to regain its smoothness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Ensure your chicken broth and any optional thickeners are gluten-free. The recipe itself doesn’t contain wheat.

What if my sauce splits or curdles?

If the sauce breaks, whisk in a tiny bit of cold cream or a few ice cubes off heat to help bring it back together, then gently warm while whisking.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken is a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors wrapped around tender chicken breasts, all ready in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one, hosting friends, or simply craving a comforting meal, this dish brings both romance and ease to the dinner table.

Jane