First off—thank you for stopping by! I’m thrilled to share this delicious and downright swoon-worthy recipe with you today. Whether you’re cooking for your partner, hosting a cozy dinner with friends, or just want to treat yourself (yes, you deserve it!), this Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is the kind of dish that makes people fall in love—with the food and maybe even with you.
This recipe is all about tender pan-seared chicken simmered in a rich, velvety cream sauce dotted with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan. I’m telling you—the aroma alone might just be marriage proposal material. Sign up for my newsletter below and I’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox so you can keep it handy for those “I need a showstopper” kind of nights!
What Is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken isn’t just a cute name—it has a bit of a legend behind it. Rumor has it that this dish is so irresistibly delicious, it has inspired actual marriage proposals. The first time I made it, I wasn’t expecting magic. But after watching everyone at the table go quiet, eyes wide, forks paused mid-air… I got it. This is no ordinary chicken dinner.
At its core, this recipe is simple: juicy boneless chicken breasts, seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a luscious, creamy sauce packed with flavor. The sun-dried tomatoes add tang and sweetness, the garlic brings depth, and the parmesan? Well, it brings the kind of umami that makes you close your eyes with the first bite.
Reasons to Love This Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Romantic and crowd-pleasing – Whether it’s date night or dinner with the in-laws, this dish delivers.
Quick and easy – It comes together in 30 minutes with one skillet and minimal prep!
Restaurant-quality – Bold flavors, creamy texture, and just enough elegance to impress.
Versatile – Serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to mop up that dreamy sauce.
What Does Marry Me Chicken Taste Like?
It tastes indulgent, comforting, and just a little bit fancy. The chicken is moist and flavorful, but the sauce is the star here: creamy without being too heavy, with sun-dried tomatoes that give it that sweet-acidic punch, plus a garlicky, cheesy richness. Each bite feels like you’re being hugged from the inside out.
Health & Comfort Benefits
While this dish leans into comfort food territory, you can make it work for your goals. It’s protein-rich, naturally gluten-free (check your sun-dried tomatoes and broth labels), and packs in big flavor without needing a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen. It’s a one-pan wonder that satisfies your cravings and your schedule.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy chicken dream to life:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
¾ cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional, but gorgeous)
Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or sauté pan
Tongs
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater for parmesan
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
Chicken thighs can be swapped in for even juicier results.
Half-and-half or coconut cream works instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.
Spinach or kale can be added during the last few minutes of simmering for a pop of green.
Mushrooms? Yes please. Sauté with garlic for extra umami.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken
Season your chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet—just get that lovely crust. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it!). Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor! Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring, until the cheese melts and everything becomes rich and smooth.
Step 5: Return Chicken to the Pan
Nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce. Spoon a bit of sauce over each piece, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and infused with flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Swoon
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if using. Now take a minute to inhale that incredible aroma—you did that!
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken
This dish begs to be paired with something that’ll soak up that sauce. Here are some of my favorite sides:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttered noodles or fettuccine
Steamed rice or risotto
Garlic bread or crusty sourdough
Roasted green beans or asparagus
Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken
Pound your chicken slightly so it cooks evenly.
Don’t rush the sear—that golden crust adds layers of flavor.
Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
Let the sauce simmer gently, not boil, to keep it silky.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also freeze the sauce separately, though the cream may slightly change texture when thawed.
Marry Me Chicken FAQs
Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sauce and sear the chicken a day ahead. Combine and reheat gently before serving.
Is this dish spicy?
Only a little—thanks to red pepper flakes. Feel free to omit or double them depending on your taste.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Whole milk can work in a pinch, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Adding a bit of flour or cornstarch can help thicken it.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute roasted red peppers, though the flavor will be different. Tomato paste (a tablespoon or two) also adds a similar depth.
Why You’ll Make This Again and Again
Once you’ve tasted this dish, you’ll understand why it has such a loyal following. It’s indulgent but doable on a weeknight. It’s elegant enough for guests, but cozy enough for a night in your PJs. It makes you look like a total rockstar in the kitchen—without a culinary degree. And honestly, anything that gets people proposing marriage after the first bite? That’s got to be a keeper.
More Recipes Like This
If you loved this, check out these other cozy, creamy favorites:
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach
One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce
Baked Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo
Let’s Make It Official!
Tried this Marry Me Chicken recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! I’d love it if you pinned a photo to Pinterest or tagged me on Instagram. Your kitchen wins deserve to be celebrated!
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
Calories: 460
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
So… who’s getting proposed to tonight? 💍