You know that moment when you take the first bite of something so good, you just blurt out “Marry me!”? That’s exactly how this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken got its name in our house. I first made it years ago for a nervous first date night – now it’s our anniversary tradition. There’s something magical about how the garlicky Parmesan sauce clings to tender chicken, with those sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes popping in every bite. Best part? It comes together in one pan faster than you can say “second date.” Whether you’re cooking to impress or just treating yourself (you deserve it!), this dish turns any weeknight into something special.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken
Oh, where do I begin? This recipe has become my go-to for so many reasons:
- Creamy dreaminess – That Parmesan sauce hugs every bite of chicken like a cozy blanket
- Weeknight magic – Done in 30 minutes flat (yes, even with my chaotic kitchen skills)
- One-pan wonder – Less dishes mean more time for… well, whatever comes after dinner
- Flavor fireworks – Sweet sun-dried tomatoes meet garlicky goodness in every forkful
Trust me, if this dish doesn’t make someone propose, at least you’ll get a marriage proposal for your cooking skills!
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken
Here’s everything you’ll need to work that proposal-worthy magic – and yes, every single ingredient matters! I’ve learned through many (many) test batches that these exact measurements create the perfect balance:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 6 oz each (pound them slightly if they’re thick)
- Salt & pepper – to taste, but don’t be shy!
- 2 tbsp olive oil – the good stuff for searing
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh only, none of that jarred nonsense
- 1 cup chicken broth – low-sodium so you control the salt
- 3/4 cup heavy cream – yes, it must be heavy cream for that luscious texture
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan – freshly grated melts so much better
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped (save that oil for bread dipping!)
- 1 tsp chili flakes – optional but adds the perfect little kick
- 1 tsp dried oregano – the secret flavor booster
- 1/2 tsp paprika – for that gorgeous golden color
- Fresh basil, chopped – don’t even think about dried for garnish
See those notes about prep? They’re there because I learned the hard way – pre-minced garlic burns too fast, and pre-shredded Parmesan won’t melt as smoothly. Trust me on this!
Equipment Needed
You won’t need fancy gadgets for this one – just a few trusty tools from your kitchen:
- Large skillet – My well-loved cast iron works perfectly
- Tongs – For flipping those chicken breasts with confidence
- Measuring cups – Eyeballing the cream never ends well
- Wooden spoon – For stirring that dreamy sauce
That’s it! Now let’s get cooking.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! I promise this comes together easier than you think – just follow these steps and you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken in no time. The key is taking it one step at a time and not rushing that gorgeous golden sear.
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
First, pat those chicken breasts dry with paper towels – this is my secret for getting that perfect crust. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. Heat your olive oil in the skillet over medium-high until it shimmers (test it with a drop of water – if it sizzles, you’re ready!).
Now, lay those breasts in gently – hear that beautiful sizzle? Don’t touch them for 4-5 minutes! Peek underneath – when they release easily and have that golden-brown color, flip them. Sear the other side for another 4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove to a plate – they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and toss in your minced garlic. Stir for just 30 seconds until fragrant – any longer and it’ll burn! Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits with your wooden spoon.
Now the magic happens! Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, oregano, chili flakes (if using), and those chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let it bubble gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of your spoon. Taste it – this is when I usually add another pinch of salt because Parmesan varies in saltiness.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, spooning that luscious sauce over each piece. Let everything get cozy together for 5-7 minutes on low heat – this lets the flavors marry (pun totally intended!). The sauce will thicken more as it coats the chicken.
Right before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil – the bright green against that creamy orange sauce is just gorgeous. And there you have it – proposal-worthy chicken ready to steal hearts (and possibly get you a ring)!
Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken
After making this dish more times than I can count (seriously, my friends won’t stop requesting it), here are my hard-earned secrets:
- Taste as you go – Parmesan varies in saltiness, so adjust seasoning after adding it
- Keep basil fresh – Add it just before serving for that bright pop of flavor
- Watch the garlic – 30 seconds max or it’ll turn bitter and ruin the sauce
- Chicken thickness matters – Pound uneven breasts to even thickness for perfect cooking
- Sauce too thick? – Stir in a splash of broth to loosen it up
Oh, and if you really want to impress? Use the sun-dried tomato oil from the jar to drizzle over the finished dish – pure gold!
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken
This dish practically begs to be served with something to soak up all that glorious sauce! My absolute favorite is twirling thick pappardelle noodles right in the skillet – the way those ribbons catch every bit of creamy goodness makes me weak in the knees. For nights when I’m keeping it simple, a crusty baguette for dipping does the trick (that sun-dried tomato oil makes the perfect bread dip too!). If you’re feeling fancy, garlic mashed potatoes or a simple risotto turn this into a proper feast. And let’s be honest – spooning it straight from the pan is always an acceptable option!
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? (As if!) Store any extra chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, go low and slow – either gently warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally. The sauce might thicken in the fridge, but a little extra cream or broth brings it right back to its creamy glory. Pro tip: The flavors actually deepen overnight, making those leftovers taste even more proposal-worthy!
Marry Me Chicken Variations
While I’m obsessed with the original version, this recipe is surprisingly flexible when you want to mix things up! Swap fresh spinach for basil – just toss in a handful right at the end and let it wilt into the sauce. Mushroom lovers (like my sister) go wild when I sauté sliced creminis with the garlic. For a little extra luxury, stir in a spoonful of mascarpone at the end – it makes the sauce even more velvety. And if you’re feeling adventurous, capers add a delightful briny pop that pairs beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes. The beauty is – no matter how you tweak it – that creamy, dreamy sauce always delivers!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s be real – this isn’t diet food, but everything in moderation, right? These values are estimates per serving (and trust me, you’ll want every bite!): 490 calories, 28g fat, and 38g protein. Remember, actual numbers may vary based on your ingredients – like how much Parmesan you “accidentally” add (we’ve all been there!). The sun-dried tomatoes pack in vitamin C, and that chicken’s full of lean protein to fuel your next romantic evening!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Oh honey, I’ve tried – and while it works in a pinch, the sauce won’t get quite as luxuriously thick. Heavy cream’s higher fat content creates that dreamy, cling-to-your-fork texture that makes this dish so special. If you must substitute, try adding an extra tablespoon of Parmesan to help thicken it up!
How spicy is this dish?
With just 1 teaspoon of chili flakes, it’s got a gentle warmth that tingles rather than burns – perfect for date night! But here’s my secret: I often adjust based on who’s eating. For spice lovers, I’ll bump it up to 1½ teaspoons. For my mom who can’t handle heat? I leave it out entirely and add extra sun-dried tomatoes instead.
Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
Absolutely! Sear the chicken and make the sauce separately, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, gently reheat the sauce in your skillet while the chicken comes to room temp. Combine everything and simmer for 5 minutes – your guests will never know you didn’t slave over the stove all day!
What’s the best pasta to serve with Marry Me Chicken?
Personally, I’m team pappardelle – those wide ribbons hold so much creamy sauce! But any sturdy pasta works. My second choice? Penne, because the sauce pools perfectly in those little tubes. Just remember to undercook your pasta by 1 minute since it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
Now go try this recipe tonight and tag me in your photos – I want to see all those proposal-worthy plates! (And yes, I’ll totally take credit if it leads to an actual proposal.) Check out more recipes on Pinterest!
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“30-Minute Marry Me Chicken Recipe That Steals Hearts”
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken dish perfect for a romantic dinner or date night.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 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 & chopped)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear in olive oil until golden.
- Sauté garlic, add broth, cream, Parmesan, oregano, chili flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until thickened.
- Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over it. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or bread.
Notes
- Adjust chili flakes for desired spice level.
- Use fresh basil for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg