The name says it all — Marry Me Chicken is so delicious it’s rumored to inspire marriage proposals. This creamy, dreamy chicken dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich Parmesan cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The flavors are bold yet balanced — slightly tangy, deeply savory, and perfectly comforting.

It’s an elegant dish that feels restaurant-worthy but can be made in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for special occasions, romantic dinners, or a cozy family meal.Why I Love This Recipe – Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. The chicken is seared until golden and juicy, then simmered in a luscious cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. Every bite feels like something special you’d order at a restaurant, yet it’s easy enough to make on a weeknight in your own kitchen.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s the perfect blend of simplicity, sophistication, and unforgettable flavor. With just a handful of ingredients—chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs—you get a restaurant-quality meal that feels luxurious without being complicated.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~480 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs / 680 g)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano + basil)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prep the chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Sear the chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
3. Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the sauce

1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Lower heat to medium, stir in heavy cream, and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and finish

1. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
2. Garnish with fresh basil.

How to Serve

• Serve chicken with plenty of sauce over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the creaminess.
• A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables makes a perfect side.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Extra Tang: Add a splash of white wine with the broth for a more complex flavor.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (sauce will be slightly thinner).
• Protein Swap: Try shrimp, pork tenderloin medallions, or even salmon.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in baby spinach or mushrooms before adding chicken back in.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in separate containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat; add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Tongs
• Whisk

FAQ

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes — boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.

Q2: Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, just drain them well before chopping. Oil-packed tomatoes give the best flavor.

Q3: How can I make it less rich?
Use light cream or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.

Q4: Can I make this ahead?
Yes — prepare the sauce and chicken separately, then combine and heat before serving.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is more than just a dinner — it’s a dish that makes people stop mid-bite and say, “Wow.” Its rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken are irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it a keeper in any recipe collection. Once you make it, you’ll understand exactly why it’s earned its romantic reputation.