❤️If you’ve never heard of Marry Me Chicken, you’re in for a treat! This creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato chicken dish is so flavorful that (legend has it) it could get you a marriage proposal. Whether you make it on the stovetop or finish it in the oven, this recipe is rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to pull off — perfect for a cozy date night or impressing dinner guests.
🛒 Ingredients – Your Shopping List
Here’s everything you’ll need (serves 4):
- Chicken Breasts – 3 large boneless, skinless (Buy on Amazon)
- Olive Oil – 2 tbsp, extra virgin (Best Option)
- Butter – 2 tbsp, unsalted (Try This)
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced (Fresh Garlic Here)
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – ½ cup, chopped (Best Rated)
- Chicken Broth – ¾ cup (Good Quality)
- Heavy Cream – 1 cup (Best Brand)
- Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, freshly grated (Buy on Amazon)
- Italian Seasoning – 1 tsp (Try This)
- Red Pepper Flakes – ½ tsp (optional, for a kick) (Good Pick)
- Salt & Pepper – To taste (Sea Salt, Black Pepper)
- Fresh Basil – For garnish (Buy Fresh)
🧰 Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
Get these ready before starting:
- Large Cast Iron Skillet or oven-safe pan
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Meat Thermometer
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
🥣 Preparation Steps
Let’s get organized:
- Prep the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Chop & Mince: Mince garlic and chop sun-dried tomatoes.
- Grate Parmesan: Freshly grate Parmesan for best flavor.
- Preheat Oven (If Baking): 375°F (190°C) if you plan to bake after searing.
🔥 Cooking / Baking Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant (30 seconds). Add sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return Chicken: Place chicken back into the skillet, spoon sauce over it.
- Finish Cooking:
- Stovetop Method: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baked Method: Transfer skillet to oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce.
- Add a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- A glass of white wine (like Chardonnay) pairs beautifully with this dish.
💡 Additional Tips
- Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Add extra flavor: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or a splash of white wine in the sauce.
- Spicy Lovers: Double the red pepper flakes for extra heat.
🧾 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~510
- Protein: 40g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
(Values are approximate and depend on ingredient brands used)
❓ FAQ Section
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and stay juicy. Just adjust cooking time (a bit longer if bone-in).
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce separately, store in the fridge, then combine and reheat before serving.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
🎉 Wrap-Up
Marry Me Chicken is a foolproof recipe that brings restaurant-level flavor to your table in under 40 minutes. It’s creamy, garlicky, and so satisfying — perfect for date night or when you just want to treat yourself. Legend says it’s so good it might just inspire a proposal… but even if no rings are exchanged, everyone will be asking for seconds.
