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Marry Me Chicken

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

This popular chicken recipe combines pan-seared chicken breasts with a rich sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and parmesan. The dish finishes in the oven for perfectly cooked chicken in a decadent sauce.

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Fatiha
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:06:22 GMT
A skillet filled with tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce, garnished with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. Pin it
A skillet filled with tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce, garnished with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. | zestplate.com

Trust me, this chicken will have everyone asking for seconds - maybe even a ring! It's my go-to impressive dinner: juicy chicken breasts in the most amazing sun-dried tomato cream sauce. I found this recipe when it went viral, and now I know why - it's absolutely incredible and so simple to make.

Why This Chicken's Special

The magic starts with getting that perfect golden crust on the chicken. Then comes the sauce - oh, that sauce! Rich cream, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and lots of Parmesan cheese. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it just enough heat to keep things interesting. My family practically licks their plates clean!

What You'll Need

  • Chicken: Get nice boneless breasts - they soak up all that sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They pack so much flavor!
  • Fresh Stuff: Lots of garlic and fresh thyme.
  • Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce silky smooth.
  • Good Broth: Adds richness to the sauce.
  • Real Parmesan: Skip the pre-grated kind.
  • Red Pepper: Just a pinch for warmth.

Let's Cook

Get That Golden Crust
Season your chicken well and get your pan nice and hot. Sear until golden brown - those crispy bits are pure flavor!
Sauce Magic
In those same chicken drippings, cook your garlic and herbs. Pour in the cream and broth, add tomatoes and cheese. Watch it get all thick and gorgeous.
Finish in the Oven
Pop your chicken back in the sauce and into a 375°F oven until the chicken's done - about 20 minutes.
Time to Eat
Spoon that amazing sauce all over and dig in while it's hot!

My Best Tips

Take time getting that nice sear - it makes all the difference. If you love spice, add more pepper flakes. Fresh thyme really beats dried here. And if your sauce gets too thick after sitting, just stir in a splash of broth to bring it back to life.

Four chicken breasts in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Pin it
Four chicken breasts in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. | zestplate.com

Make It a Meal

We love this over creamy mashed potatoes - they soak up all that sauce. Some crusty bread on the side is a must. Add a green salad or some roasted veggies, and you've got a dinner that'll impress anyone!

Save Some For Later

Got leftovers? Lucky you! They'll keep in the fridge for three days. Just warm everything up slowly in a pan, adding a little broth if needed. The flavors get even better the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?

The name comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, serving it might lead to a marriage proposal!

→ Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless thighs work well but may need longer cooking time.

→ Can I make this without heavy cream?

Heavy cream creates the richest sauce, but half-and-half can substitute for lighter version.

→ Why use ovenproof skillet?

The dish goes from stovetop to oven in same pan, ensuring even cooking and fewer dishes.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well on low heat to prevent sauce separation.

Marry Me Chicken

A decadent chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cream sauce that's supposedly good enough to elicit marriage proposals.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided.
02 4 (8-oz) chicken breasts.
03 2 garlic cloves, chopped.
04 1 tablespoon fresh thyme.
05 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
06 3/4 cup chicken broth.
07 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped.
08 1/2 cup heavy cream.
09 1/4 cup Parmesan, grated.
10 Fresh basil for serving.
11 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 02

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 03

Season chicken generously with salt and pepper, cook until golden, 5 minutes per side.

Step 04

Remove chicken to plate and heat remaining oil in same skillet.

Step 05

Add garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.

Step 06

Stir in broth, tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan with seasoning.

Step 07

Bring sauce to simmer then return chicken to pan.

Step 08

Transfer skillet to oven and bake 10-12 minutes until chicken is done.

Step 09

Serve chicken topped with sauce and fresh basil.

Notes

  1. One-pan meal.
  2. Restaurant quality.
  3. Rich cream sauce.
  4. Great date night dish.

Tools You'll Need

  • Ovenproof skillet.
  • Measuring cups.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream, parmesan).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 530
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 45 g