Marry Me Chicken (Chicken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s rich, creamy, and downright irresistible—this Marry Me Chicken is the answer. It’s a luscious skillet dish featuring golden-seared chicken breasts bathed in a velvety sun-dried tomato cream sauce. The flavors are luxurious, yet the whole meal comes together in just about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a romantic date night or simply treating yourself to something indulgent after a long day. One bite and you’ll understand how this dish earned its name!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Fuss-Free: From stovetop to table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the stress.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: This dish tastes like something you’d order at a fancy bistro—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—but it’s incredibly simple to make.
• Bold, Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, the richness of cream, and the tang of parmesan all come together in perfect harmony.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Great with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even over a bed of sautéed greens. You’ll never get bored of this one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this swoon-worthy chicken dish:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are seared until golden and juicy. You can also use thighs for a more tender bite.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a deep, sweet-tart flavor that absolutely makes the sauce. Use the oil-packed kind for maximum flavor and richness.
• Garlic: Infuses the sauce with an irresistible aroma and depth. Don’t hold back.
• Heavy Cream: Creates that silky, decadent sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best—it melts beautifully and adds a salty, nutty flavor to the cream sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Helps loosen the sauce and infuses even more savory depth.
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics. Use a good-quality one for best results.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a touch of heat that balances the creaminess.
• Fresh Basil (Optional but Recommended): Brightens up the whole dish and adds a hint of freshness.

Variations

• Go Meatless: Swap the chicken for pan-seared tofu or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian spin that’s still creamy and delicious.
• Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a veggie boost.
• Make It Spicier: Amp up the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for more heat.
• Use Chicken Thighs: They’re juicier and more forgiving if you’re worried about overcooking.
• Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for the cream and use a bit less cheese to reduce the richness slightly (but honestly, go all-in if you can!).

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Return the Chicken

Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and let everything simmer together for another 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, adjust seasoning, and serve hot over your favorite base.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to get a proper golden crust.
• Use the Oil from the Tomatoes: That flavorful oil is liquid gold—use it instead of regular olive oil for maximum depth.
• Simmer Gently: Once the cream is in, don’t let the sauce boil too hard or it could split. Low and slow is the way to go.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer if you can—165°F is the magic number for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.

How to Serve

This dish loves to be paired with comforting carbs or bright veggies. Here are some great serving ideas:

Pasta:

Serve over fettuccine, linguine, or even penne to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce.

Mashed Potatoes:

The sauce + mashed potatoes = flavor heaven. Trust me on this one.

Rice or Quinoa:

For a gluten-free option that still feels hearty and satisfying.

Crusty Bread:

Don’t let any of that sauce go to waste—mop it up with a warm slice of baguette or sourdough.

Veggies:

Pair with roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a simple salad with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better the next day.

Freezing

Yes, this dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half can work in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be as rich. A dairy-free option like coconut cream could also work, but it will slightly alter the flavor.

Is Marry Me Chicken spicy?
Not inherently. The red pepper flakes add just a mild kick. Omit them if you prefer it mild, or double them if you like it hot.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully cook the dish and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently when ready to serve. It also makes fantastic leftovers.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken isn’t just a clever name—it’s a recipe that delivers on all fronts: flavor, comfort, and ease. It’s a dish that feels fancy without the fuss and is guaranteed to impress anyone at your table (even if it’s just you). Whether it’s your first time making it or your fiftieth, this creamy sun-dried tomato masterpiece belongs in your weeknight dinner rotation. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love—plate after plate.

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