why make this recipe
Marry Me Chicken is creamy, tasty, and simple. You can make it on a weeknight or for guests. The sauce feels fancy but the steps are easy. It cooks fast and uses common ingredients.
introduction
This dish gives juicy chicken with a rich tomato cream sauce. It pairs well with simple sides like roasted vegetables or pasta. Try it when you want a comforting meal that looks special. For a different baked chicken idea, see Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake.
how to make Marry Me Chicken
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Cook 5–10 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve over pasta or rice, and garnish with fresh basil.
If you like trying different flavors, check a quick stir-fry idea for inspiration like chicken ramen stir fry.
Ingredients :
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions :
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve over pasta or rice, and garnish with fresh basil.
how to serve Marry Me Chicken
Serve it hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Spoon plenty of sauce over the chicken. Add a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for color.
how to store Marry Me Chicken
Cool the chicken and sauce to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat so the cream sauce does not split. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Marry Me Chicken
- Do not overcook chicken in the first sear; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Use good quality Parmesan for best flavor.
- If sauce is thin, simmer a little longer to thicken.
- For a quicker meal, pound the breasts thin so they cook faster.
- Leftovers work well with noodles or in a sandwich—try pairing with a noodle dish like chicken lo mein for variety.
variation (if any)
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor.
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra vegetables.
- Swap sun-dried tomatoes for fresh cherry tomatoes if you prefer.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce (it will be less rich).
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Thaw fully before cooking. Cook time may increase if the chicken is cold.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can use a dairy-free cream and vegan Parmesan, but flavor and texture will change.
Q: How can I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
A: Simmer longer to reduce, or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water and cook until thick.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and cook the chicken, then store separately and reheat together before serving.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: No. It is mild. Add red pepper flakes if you want spice.
Conclusion
For other takes and the history behind this popular dish, see Marry Me Chicken – Little Sunny Kitchen, the well-known original: The Original Marry Me Chicken, and a popular home cook’s version at Best Marry Me Chicken Recipe.
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Use skinless and boneless for best results.
- 1 cup heavy cream You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped Or fresh cherry tomatoes as a substitute.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese Use good quality Parmesan for best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh basil
Method
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes with plenty of sauce. Garnish with fresh basil.
