Marry Me Chicken

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This creamy, dreamy chicken dish is said to be so irresistible, it might just earn you a marriage proposal on the spot. Marry Me Chicken is tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce, accented with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs that create a harmony of flavor. It’s decadent enough for date night but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken lies in its simplicity. With a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and one skillet, you get a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just want a comforting dinner for yourself, this dish is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

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Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken

• Quick & Easy: Everything comes together in under 30 minutes in one skillet.
• Incredible Flavor: The sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan blend into a creamy, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s elegant enough for guests, yet simple enough for a casual dinner.
• Customizable: Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, or keep it low carb with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for this recipe because they cook quickly and absorb flavor well. If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute—just adjust the cooking time as needed. Be sure to pound the chicken evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly and stays juicy inside.

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Ingredients for the Marry Me Chicken

Each ingredient in this dish adds a special touch to the final flavor profile. Here’s what you need and why it matters:

• Chicken breasts: The star of the dish, they soak up the creamy sauce and remain tender and juicy.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing overall flavor.
• Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to a golden brown, creating a flavorful base.
• Garlic cloves: Adds depth and warmth to the sauce, making it irresistible.
• Red pepper flakes: A hint of heat balances the richness of the cream.
• Chicken broth: Provides a savory, flavorful base that deglazes the pan.
• Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that coats the chicken.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the sauce’s creaminess.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Brings a tangy, slightly sweet contrast that lifts the whole dish.
• Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to round out the flavor profile.
• Fresh basil (optional): Adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.

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How To Make the Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

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

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add the Flavor Boosters

Mix in grated parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined.

Step 5: Return Chicken to the Skillet

Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil before serving. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

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How to Serve and Store Marry Me Chicken

This dish serves beautifully hot out of the skillet and can feed 4 people generously. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with loved ones or as a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for a small gathering.

To store leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

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What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken?

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting base that soaks up all that delicious sauce.

Pasta

Fettuccine or penne are perfect companions, offering a classic pairing with creamy sauces.

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is great for dipping into the sauce.

Steamed Asparagus

A healthy, fresh contrast to the rich chicken.

Roasted Broccoli

The slightly charred flavor of roasted broccoli complements the savory notes of the dish.

Cauliflower Rice

For a lighter, low-carb option that still soaks up the sauce well.

Mixed Greens Salad

A simple salad with vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the main dish.

Buttered Rice

Fluffy, lightly seasoned rice pairs wonderfully with the creamy tomato sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and offer a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat slowly in a skillet over low heat. Add a little chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce and keep the chicken moist.

Is Marry Me Chicken spicy?
Not really. The red pepper flakes add a mild warmth, but you can omit them for a completely mild version.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or a splash of wine? Did you try it with pasta or mashed potatoes?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.
Find more of my daily recipes here: Life With Livia on Pinterest

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Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken is more than just a catchy name—it’s a dinner that delivers comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance. With its rich, creamy sauce and sun-dried tomato zing, it hits all the right notes. Whether you’re cooking to impress or simply craving something special, this is the kind of meal that will win hearts (and maybe a proposal).

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