Introduction

Marry Me Chicken is one of those dishes that became internet-famous for a reason — tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce infused with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. The name comes from its legendary reputation: it’s so irresistible that it could inspire a marriage proposal after just one bite.

This recipe is elegant enough for a romantic dinner but quick enough for a weeknight meal. The creamy sauce, loaded with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, clings beautifully to the chicken and whatever you serve alongside — whether pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love it because it’s one of those effortless showstopper recipes. It’s all done in one skillet, ready in under 30 minutes, and tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant. The creaminess is perfectly balanced by the tang of the sun-dried tomatoes and the savory Parmesan. It’s comfort food and date-night food rolled into one.

Why You Must Try This Dish

• It’s ridiculously flavorful — every bite is creamy, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned.
• It’s versatile — works with pasta, potatoes, or even crusty bread.
• It’s romantic — whether you’re cooking for a loved one or just treating yourself.
• It’s quick — 30 minutes, one skillet, minimal cleanup.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~500 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
4. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
3. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; stir well.
4. Add Parmesan cheese, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.

3. Combine and Finish

1. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
2. Sprinkle in fresh basil.
3. Simmer for 2–3 minutes so flavors meld together.

How to Serve

• Serve over fettuccine, penne, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
• Pair with garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan for a beautiful finish.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Protein swap: Try boneless pork chops or salmon.
• Extra veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• More tang: Add a splash of white wine before the cream.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze chicken and sauce for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop; add a splash of broth or cream if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Meat thermometer

FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes — thighs are juicier and work beautifully here.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes — use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Q: Is this spicy?
A: Only slightly if you use the red pepper flakes; you can leave them out.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes — sear chicken and prepare sauce ahead; combine and heat before serving.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is more than just a viral recipe — it’s a dish that feels special yet is incredibly easy to make. It’s rich, romantic, and full of flavor, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and celebratory meals. Once you try it, you’ll understand why people say it might just inspire a proposal — or at least a request for seconds.