Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken is known for its rich and creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the playful notion that it’s so good it could prompt a marriage proposal.
This easy chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
What makes this recipe stand out is the way each ingredient complements the other. The garlicky sauce pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the sun-dried tomatoes, while fresh basil adds a bright finish. It is a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Marry Me Chicken Recipe Highlights
- Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect easy romantic dinner.
- All of the ingredients are using items you likely have on hand.
- Rich and creamy sauce that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.
- Cooking this dish fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
CHICKEN – Use skinless, boneless chicken breast that is sliced in half lengthways to ensure quick and even cooking. The chicken acts as the perfect canvas for the flavors of the sauce.
OLIVE OIL & BUTTER – Used for searing the chicken, adding a layer of richness, and helping to build the sauce’s base. As always, I use unsalted butter.
FLOUR – Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency, ensuring it clings beautifully to the chicken.
GARLIC – Minced garlic adds flavor that goes well with the creamy sauce and cheese.
WHITE WINE – A dry white wine deglazes the pan and adds a subtle acidity that balances the creaminess of the sauce. If you don’t have white wine or are trying to avoid it, use chicken broth instead and add a splash of lemon or white wine vinegar (it adds a bit of acidity that balances the creaminess).
CREAM – Thickens and smoothes, giving it a rich taste that’s really comforting.
SUN-DRIED TOMATOES – Chopped sun-dried tomatoes offer a sweet, tangy contrast to the rich sauce, adding a chewy texture and vibrant color.
TOMATO PASTE – Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce’s color and taste.
CHEESE – Freshly grated parmesan (yes, that is better than the one from the bottle) adds a nutty, salty flavor and complements the chicken perfectly.
How To Make Marry Me Chicken
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, then sear chicken on both sides until done. Set aside.
- Use the same skillet to cook flour and garlic into a paste. Add white wine, scrape the pan, and mix in tomato paste.
- Pour in heavy whipping cream, stirring until smooth. Add sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, and Parmesan, cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to the skillet, simmer briefly in the sauce, then garnish with fresh basil to serve.
Planning and Leftovers
STORE – Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
FREEZE – While this dish can be frozen, the cream-based sauce may slightly separate upon reheating. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, ensuring the chicken is fully coated in sauce. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
REHEAT – For the best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s consistency. Stir occasionally until warmed through. If using a microwave, cover the dish to retain moisture and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until evenly heated.
Serving Suggestions
PASTA PAIRING – Serve over a bed of al dente spaghetti or your favorite pasta (linguini is another great choice) to soak up the delicious sauce.
BREAD – A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce on the plate. Or maybe some Air Fryer Biscuits or simply a thick slice of homemade bread.
SIDE SALAD – A simple side salad such as our German Cucumber Salad or Chopped Tomato Salad complements the dish’s richness and adds a refreshing crunch.
STEAMED VEGETABLES – Steamed asparagus or green beans offer a healthy, vibrant side that pairs beautifully with the creamy chicken.
More Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes
Recipe Success Tips
PROPER SEASONING – Ensure each chicken piece is well-seasoned before searing to lock in flavors.
LOW AND SLOW – Simmer the sauce gently to prevent the dairy from separating and to achieve the perfect consistency.
FRESH INGREDIENTS – Use fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and aroma.
ADJUST THICKNESS – If the sauce is too thick, a splash of pasta water or chicken broth can thin it to your desired consistency.
Commonly Asked Questions
Why is it Called Marry Me Chicken?
This dish is on social media. It’s said that the recipe is so good and tasty that it is sure to encourage proposals!
More Easy and Delicious Chicken Recipes
Creamy Iron Chicken Thighs – Savory, skillet-cooked in and herbed cream sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets – Experience crispy, juicy chicken cutlets made quickly and healthily.
Cajun Chicken Pasta – Dive into a spicy, creamy, and comforting bowl of colorful Cajun chicken pasta.
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole – Savor the hearty, homestyle goodness of biscuit-topped chicken pot pie casserole.
Cheesy Chicken Parmesan – A classic combination of melty cheese, tomato sauce, and juicy breaded chicken baked to perfection.
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken breasts 3 chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthways
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1-½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup basil leaves fresh, diced, optional
Instructions
- Season both sides of all the halved chicken breasts with the salt, pepper and onion powder.
- Add the oil and butter to a large heavy bottomed skillet and melt over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and sear on both sides, for about 3-4 minutes on each side (until cooked through). Remove the chicken to the side.
- Add the flour and garlic to the pan and cook for a minute or two, until it’s of a paste consistency.
- Slowly add the wine, stirring and scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Add the tomato paste and stir in.
- Add the cream and stir again until totally combined.
- Add the sun dried tomatoes, thyme, and parmesan cheese and stir until totally melted and thickened somewhat.
- Add the chicken back to the pot and simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve with spaghetti or rice.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.