The short answer: This marry me chicken recipe sears chicken breasts until golden, then simmers them in a creamy sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, Italian herbs and a pinch of red pepper. It's a one-pan dinner that's ready in about 30 minutes and serves 4. Spoon it over pasta, rice or mashed potatoes so none of the sauce goes to waste.
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Prep time: 20 minCook time: 15 minTotal time: 35 minServings: 4 servings
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I love cooking, and this is one of those weeknight dinners that tastes like a special occasion.
Marry me chicken at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Serves | 4 |
| Total time | 30 minutes |
| Pan | Large skillet |
| Chicken | Breasts or boneless thighs |
| Sauce | Cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes |
| Done when | Chicken reaches 165°F |
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless chicken breasts, halved crosswise, or 1½ pounds thighs
- Salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons flour for dredging
- 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ⅓ cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- A handful of fresh basil or spinach
How to make marry me chicken
- Prep the chicken. Pat dry, season with salt and pepper and dust lightly with flour.
- Sear. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook the chicken 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden. Move it to a plate. For plain seared breasts, see how to pan sear chicken breast.
- Build the sauce. Lower the heat, melt the butter and cook the garlic 30 seconds. Stir in broth, scraping up the browned bits.
- Add the cream. Stir in cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning and pepper flakes. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thick.
- Finish the chicken. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer 5 to 7 minutes, until it reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
- Serve. Stir in basil or spinach and spoon the sauce over the top.
The FoodSafety.gov temperature chart lists 165°F for all poultry, so an instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out.
Best sides for marry me chicken
| Side | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Penne or fettuccine | Soaks up the creamy sauce |
| White rice | Budget-friendly and mild |
| Mashed potatoes | Extra comforting |
| Crusty bread | Wipes the pan clean |
| Roasted broccoli or green beans | Adds color and crunch |
Swaps and variations
- Lighter sauce: use half-and-half and an extra splash of broth.
- Thighs instead of breasts: juicier and more forgiving. See more chicken dinner ideas.
- Marry me chicken pasta: toss 8 ounces of cooked pasta into the sauce.
- Slow cooker version: cook on low about 4 hours, adding cream and cheese at the end. More ideas in our slow cooker recipes.
- Dairy note: the sauce has milk. The FDA's food allergy guide lists milk among the major allergens, so ask guests about allergies first.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and eat them within 3 to 4 days, following the USDA leftovers guide. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth so the cream sauce stays smooth.
Tips for the best marry me chicken
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. They're softer than dry ones, and a spoonful of their oil adds flavor to the sear.
- Grate the Parmesan fresh. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Don't skip the browned bits. Scraping the pan with broth builds most of the sauce's savory flavor.
- Even out the chicken. Thin, even cutlets cook through before the outside dries.
- Keep the heat low after the cream goes in. A gentle simmer keeps the sauce smooth.
Make it ahead for the week
Cook a double batch on Sunday and portion it with pasta or rice for lunches. The sauce thickens in the fridge, so add a splash of broth or milk when you reheat. Add fresh spinach at reheating time so it stays bright. For another sun-dried tomato skillet with spinach, try our tuscan chicken recipe. Want the same flavors in a bowl? Our marry me chicken soup adds shredded chicken, gnocchi and spinach to a creamy sun-dried tomato broth.
Plan a marry me chicken night
- Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99): plan a 30-minute dinner into your busiest night.
- Family Recipe Binder ($6.99): save your favorite version and side pairing.
- Budget Planner Printable ($5.99): keep your grocery spending on track week to week.
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More creamy dinner ideas
Frequently asked questions
What is marry me chicken? Marry me chicken is pan-seared chicken simmered in a creamy sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, herbs and cream. The playful name suggests it's good enough to inspire a proposal.
What does marry me chicken taste like? Marry me chicken tastes rich, savory and a little tangy. The sun-dried tomatoes add sweet, tart depth, Parmesan adds salt, and red pepper flakes give a gentle warmth.
Can I use chicken thighs for marry me chicken? Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great in marry me chicken and stay juicier than breasts. Cook them to 165°F, which takes about 6 to 7 minutes per side.
How do you keep the chicken from drying out? Pound chicken breasts to an even ¾-inch thickness or slice them in half crosswise. Sear them, then finish cooking in the sauce just until they reach 165°F.
Can I make marry me chicken without heavy cream? Yes, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream. Simmer gently over low heat, since lighter dairy can curdle if it boils hard.
What do you serve with marry me chicken? Pasta is the most popular side for marry me chicken because it soaks up the sauce. Rice, mashed potatoes, crusty bread and roasted broccoli also work well.
Can I make marry me chicken pasta? Yes, toss cooked penne or fettuccine right into the pan with the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen it so it coats every piece.
Is marry me chicken spicy? Marry me chicken is mildly spicy at most. The red pepper flakes are optional, so leave them out for a family-friendly version or add more if you like heat.
Can I make marry me chicken in a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook marry me chicken in a slow cooker on low for about 4 hours. Stir in the cream and Parmesan during the last 30 minutes so the sauce stays smooth.
How long does marry me chicken last in the fridge? Marry me chicken lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge in a sealed container. Reheat it gently with a splash of broth until it reaches 165°F.
Can you freeze marry me chicken? You can freeze marry me chicken, but cream sauces may separate when thawed. Thaw it in the fridge and stir well while reheating over low heat to bring the sauce back together.
How do I plan marry me chicken into a busy week? Marry me chicken is a 30-minute, one-pan dinner that fits a busy weeknight. The Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. helps you slot it in and keep sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan on your list.
Sources
- FoodSafety.gov: Safe minimum internal temperatures foodsafety.gov
- USDA FSIS: Leftovers and food safety fsis.usda.gov
- FDA: Food allergies, what you need to know fda.gov