Marry Me Chicken

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

This beloved chicken dish combines juicy chicken breasts with a flavorful mix of sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and cream. Pop the whole skillet in the oven for a perfectly cooked, creamy finish.

A man wearing a white shirt and suspenders holding a piece of paper.
Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:55:09 GMT
A pan of golden-brown chicken breasts swimming in a luscious creamy sauce, topped with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Pin it
A pan of golden-brown chicken breasts swimming in a luscious creamy sauce, topped with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. | chefmelt.com

Take my word for it, this chicken dish will make everyone beg for more - they might even propose! It's my favorite meal for impressing guests: tender chicken breasts swimming in an out-of-this-world sun-dried tomato cream sauce. I stumbled upon this when it became popular online, and now I understand the hype - it's downright amazing and super easy to whip up.

What Makes This Chicken Extraordinary

Everything begins with achieving that gorgeous golden exterior on the chicken. Next is the sauce - man, that sauce! Creamy goodness, zesty sun-dried tomatoes, and tons of Parmesan. A tiny bit of red pepper flakes adds just enough kick to make it exciting. My folks always clean their plates completely!

Your Ingredients List

  • Fresh Stuff: Plenty of garlic and thyme straight from the garden.
  • Good Broth: Creates depth in your sauce.
  • Red Pepper: A dash for subtle heat.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems are flavor bombs!
  • Heavy Cream: Creates that velvety texture.
  • Chicken: Pick quality boneless breasts - they'll drink up the sauce.
  • Genuine Parmesan: Don't go for the container stuff.

Cooking Instructions

Time to Eat
Drizzle that fantastic sauce all over and enjoy it while it's steaming hot!
Finish in the Oven
Return your chicken to the sauce and stick it in a 375°F oven until fully cooked - roughly 20 minutes.
Sauce Magic
Using those same chicken juices, sauté your garlic and herbs. Add the cream and broth, mix in tomatoes and cheese. Watch as it transforms into something thick and beautiful.
Get That Golden Crust
Add plenty of seasoning to your chicken and make sure your pan is super hot. Cook until you see that golden-brown color - those crunchy parts are packed with taste!

My Top Suggestions

Don't rush getting that perfect sear - it totally changes the game. If you're into heat, throw in extra pepper flakes. Always go for fresh thyme over dried in this dish. And when your sauce thickens too much after resting, just add a splash of broth to bring it back to the right consistency.

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. | chefmelt.com

Complete Your Dinner

This tastes fantastic over buttery mashed potatoes - they'll soak up every drop of sauce. Don't forget to grab some crusty bread too. Toss in a simple green salad or some oven-roasted veggies, and you've got a dinner that'll wow anybody!

Storing Leftovers

Got some extra? You're in for a treat! It'll stay good in your fridge for three days. Just heat it up gently in a pan, adding a bit of broth if needed. The taste actually gets better overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is this dish called Marry Me Chicken?

This recipe’s name came from the idea that it tastes so amazing, it could lead to someone asking for your hand in marriage!

→ Would chicken thighs be a good substitute?

Definitely! Boneless thighs are a great option, but just give them a little extra time to cook through.

→ Is there a way to make this without using heavy cream?

If heavy cream is a bit much, you can swap in a lighter option, like crème légère (half-and-half).

→ Why should I use an oven-safe skillet?

It’s perfect for starting the dish on the stovetop and moving it to the oven all in one pan—less hassle, fewer dishes!

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, any leftovers can be reheated gently over low heat to keep the sauce silky smooth.

Marry Me Chicken

Indulge in chicken smothered in a parmesan-based sauce with sun-dried tomatoes—it’s said to be so good, someone might just pop the question.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
02 1 tablespoon fresh thyme.
03 4 chicken breasts, 8 ounces each.
04 3 tablespoons olive oil, keep separate.
05 Salt and pepper for seasoning.
06 3/4 cup chicken stock.
07 2 minced garlic cloves.
08 A handful of fresh basil for garnish.
09 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional).
10 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely diced.
11 1/2 cup heavy cooking cream.

Instructions

Step 01

Start by setting your oven to 190°C.

Step 02

In an ovenproof skillet, warm up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 03

Generously sprinkle salt and pepper onto the chicken, then cook it in the skillet until it’s a nice golden color, about 5 minutes on each side.

Step 04

Take the chicken out of the skillet and put it on a plate. Pour the rest of the oil into the same skillet.

Step 05

Toss in the garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes, and cook them for a bit until you can smell all the aromas.

Step 06

Mix the chicken stock, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan together in the skillet. Add a little salt and pepper to taste.

Step 07

Let the sauce start bubbling lightly, then place the chicken back into the skillet.

Step 08

Pop the skillet into the oven and let everything cook for 10–12 minutes, or until your chicken is fully cooked.

Step 09

Plate the chicken with the creamy sauce spooned on top, and finish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

  1. Perfect for a cozy dinner.
  2. It’s an indulgent, creamy dish.
  3. Made in one pan for easy cleanup.
  4. Tastes like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant.

Tools You'll Need

  • A skillet that is safe to use in the oven.
  • Measuring cups for accuracy.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy products (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