If you’re searching for a dish that’s bold, comforting, and packed with swoon-worthy flavor, look no further than Marry Me Chicken. This creamy, one-pot wonder brings together juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and silky Parmesan sauce—so irresistible, it’s said to inspire marriage proposals on the spot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Simplicity: Marry Me Chicken comes together in just one skillet, making clean-up a breeze and dinner stress-free.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The savory Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes tastes gourmet but is totally attainable in your own kitchen.
- Quick Enough for Busy Nights: You’ll have an impressive, crowd-pleasing meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable and Foolproof: This recipe is endlessly flexible, letting you tailor it to your tastes or what’s in your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Marry Me Chicken is that each ingredient is purposeful: every single one layers in either flavor, color, or texture for an unforgettable result. Let’s break down our simple but powerful lineup!
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless and slice them horizontally for tender, evenly cooked cutlets.
- Salt & Pepper: Don’t be shy—seasoning at each stage builds flavor from the chicken up.
- Flour: A quick dredge creates a light, crispy crust and helps thicken the luscious sauce. Gluten-free flour works too!
- Olive Oil: For achieving that lovely golden sear and a hint of richness.
- Chopped Onion (white or yellow): Adds aromatic sweetness to balance the sauce.
- Garlic: Five cloves may seem bold, but it melts beautifully into the cream.
- Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their savory, tangy bite brightens every forkful. Include a bit of the flavorful oil, too!
- Dry White Wine (or Chicken Stock): Deglazes the pan, picking up all those golden brown flavor bits.
- Heavy Cream: For an ultra-luxurious, velvety sauce.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly shredded for the best melt and rich, nutty flavor.
- Chicken Stock: Adjust the sauce thickness to your liking for a silky finish.
- Fresh Basil: A sprinkle just before serving wakes up the whole dish with bright, herbal notes.
Variations
This Marry Me Chicken recipe truly encourages you to make it your own. Whether you have different dietary needs or just want to play with flavors, you have plenty of delicious options for adapting it!
- Swap Chicken for Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are fabulous here—just adjust the searing time for thickness.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a good vegan Parmesan to recreate that silky sauce with zero dairy.
- Add Greens: Stir in a handful of baby spinach or kale for extra color and vibrant nutrition right at the end.
- Keto-Friendly: Stick with almond flour to dredge your chicken and serve with zoodles or cauliflower mash.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets—this helps them cook evenly and stay super juicy. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, dredge lightly in flour, and shake off any excess. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Sear for about 5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through, then transfer to a plate (don’t worry if they’re not completely cooked through; they’ll finish in the sauce).
Step 2: Build Layers of Flavor
Using the same skillet (no need to clean), add your chopped onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes, including some of that gorgeous oil from the jar. Stir them gently over low to medium heat, letting the onions soften and mingle with the tomatoes and garlic—about 5 minutes is perfect. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
Step 3: Deglaze and Make That Signature Sauce
Pour in the white wine or chicken stock to deglaze, scraping all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a minute or so, reducing just slightly. Next, add the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer over low to medium heat. Stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan until it melts into the sauce—watch it become rich, creamy, and oh-so velvety! Thin out with a bit more chicken stock if you want a looser sauce.
Step 4: Bring It Together and Serve
Return the seared chicken (and any juices on the plate) to the skillet. Spoon some of that dreamy sauce over each piece, letting them soak up all the flavor and heat through for just a minute or two. Finish with a generous scattering of fresh basil. Your Marry Me Chicken is now ready to impress!
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken
- Chicken Cutlet Perfection: Slicing thick chicken breasts horizontally gives you thin, tender pieces that cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Deglazing Magic: Don’t skip the wine (or stock) step—it lifts all the flavorful golden bits from the pan, building unmatched depth in the sauce.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce gets too thick, a splash of extra chicken stock will fix it; too thin and a few more minutes of simmering will do the trick.
- Cheese Matters: Freshly shredded Parmesan melts silkier than anything pre-grated and gives your Marry Me Chicken that restaurant-level richness.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken
Garnishes
Shower your Marry Me Chicken with ribbons of fresh basil or chopped Italian parsley right at the end—it wakes up the creamy sauce and looks so inviting. For an extra touch, a light sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper or a grating of extra Parmesan is absolute heaven.
Side Dishes
This luscious chicken is begging to be paired with something that soaks up all that amazing sauce. My go-tos are buttery mashed potatoes, pillowy gnocchi, or a swirl of al dente pasta. For a lighter vibe, try steamed green beans or roasted asparagus on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving it family-style in the skillet is always a show-stopper, but you can also plate each chicken cutlet atop creamy polenta, drizzle with sauce, and pile on basil for a dinner-party-worthy look. Tiny cast iron pans or rustic ceramic plates are a charming touch for date night!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken keeps beautifully for up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce stays rich and creamy, making next-day lunches something to look forward to! Just let it cool completely before storing.
Freezing
You can freeze Marry Me Chicken for up to 2 months, though the cream sauce may separate a bit after thawing. Just cool the chicken and sauce fully, place in freezer-safe containers, and be sure to thaw overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slowly on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken stock to revive the sauce if needed. If microwaving, cover loosely and warm in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from overheating.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs for Marry Me Chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly and will be even more tender. Simply adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through compared to breasts.
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Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine in the sauce?
Yes! You can use an equal amount of chicken stock in place of the wine, or even try a splash of apple cider vinegar blended into the stock for extra brightness.
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Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?
You can prep and cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then combine and reheat gently before serving. If making ahead, refrigerate the chicken and sauce separately for best texture, and add basil only when ready to serve.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without the sauce splitting?
Low and slow is key—reheat on the stove over gentle heat, whisking in a little extra cream or stock if the sauce looks separated. Stir frequently and avoid boiling to keep the sauce luscious and smooth.
Final Thoughts
If you want a recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any table—one that’s rich, comforting, and impossible not to fall in love with—give Marry Me Chicken a try. It’s the kind of dish that truly brings people together, and I can’t wait for you to swoon over that first bite!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Marry Me Chicken recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish that can be made in just 30 minutes in one pot. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then smothered in a decadent cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1.7 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts (2 large chicken breasts)
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons flour (gluten-free optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup chopped onion (white or yellow)
- 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 4 oz oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan, room temperature
- 1/2 cup chicken stock, or more if needed
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then coat in flour. Sear in olive oil until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, cook onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Deglaze with white wine, then add cream. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Thin with chicken stock if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Finish the Dish: Return chicken to the skillet to reheat. Top with fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 47g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
