Creamy Marry Me Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe for how effortlessly it combines elegance and ease. The chicken stays juicy and tender, while the sauce brings in layers of flavor with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan. Everything simmers together in a creamy, dreamy base that clings to each bite. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or even a romantic dinner—without needing hours in the kitchen.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

directions

1. I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.

3. I sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked, then transfer it to a plate and set it aside.

4. In the same skillet, I sauté the garlic for about a minute until it becomes fragrant.

5. I pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the delicious browned bits, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

6. Then I stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (when I want some heat). I let that simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

7. I return the chicken to the pan and spoon that gorgeous sauce over each piece, simmering for another 5 minutes so the flavors can really meld.

8. Just before serving, I sprinkle over some fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Calories: 485 kcal per serving

Variations

• I sometimes swap the chicken breasts for boneless thighs for an even juicier result.

• If I want to go dairy-free, I use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.

• For a vegetarian twist, I replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.

• When I want to serve a crowd, I slice the cooked chicken and serve it over pasta or mashed potatoes with extra sauce.

• I occasionally add spinach or chopped kale to the sauce for added greens.

storage/reheating

Leftovers go into an airtight container in the fridge and keep well for up to 3 days. I reheat the chicken gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Microwaving works too, but I make sure to do it in short bursts to avoid overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I’ve made this with thighs and love how juicy they turn out. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs take a bit longer to cook through.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

If the sauce needs more body, I let it simmer a few extra minutes. The Parmesan also helps thicken it naturally as it melts.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients (like the broth and sun-dried tomatoes) are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I often make the sauce ahead and store it separately. When it’s time to eat, I just cook the chicken and reheat the sauce—it comes together quickly.

What should I serve this with?

I like pairing it with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that creamy sauce. A simple green salad or steamed veggies also rounds out the meal nicely.

Conclusion

Creamy Marry Me Chicken is more than just a catchy name—it’s a flavorful, comforting dish that brings big flavor with simple steps. I keep it in my regular dinner rotation because it feels special every time I make it. Whether it’s a romantic night in or a busy weekday, this recipe always delivers.