If you are looking for a dish that feels like a warm, indulgent hug on a plate, the Marry Me Chicken Recipe is the one to try. This recipe brings together tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Italian seasoning crust, bathed in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s rich, tangy, and just a touch spicy. Every bite promises a beautiful balance of savory, creamy, and fresh notes that make it the perfect date night meal or a special dinner to share with loved ones. Trust me, once you make this Marry Me Chicken Recipe, it’s going to be one of those dishes you want to keep coming back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The series of images shows six steps of cooking seasoned chicken on a stove. In the first image, four pieces of raw chicken are placed under clear plastic wrap on a white marbled surface, with a woman's hand holding a meat tenderizer. The second image shows the same four chicken pieces on a dark surface, each lightly sprinkled with black seasoning. The third image presents the chicken being coated in white flour inside a clear rectangular glass dish with tongs. The fourth image shows the flour-coated chicken pieces cooking in a black pan with some oil. The fifth image displays the chicken still in the black pan, now browned and well cooked with a golden-brown crust. Finally, the sixth image features minced garlic being cooked in the same black pan with oil, a wooden spatula touching the pan’s surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing its own magic to the dish. From the garlic’s aromatic punch to the rich cream and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, every item contributes to the layers of flavor and charming texture this recipe delivers.

Chicken breasts: 4 boneless, skinless pieces make the perfect protein base, easy to flatten and cook evenly.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant, herby note that’s foundational to the American-Italian vibe of the dish.
All-purpose flour: Used to dredge the chicken, creating a lightly crispy coating to hold the sauce beautifully.
Oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar: Harnesses the intense tomato flavor while keeping the cooking fat flavorful and unique.
Minced garlic: Brings a warm, pungent flavor that is quick to elevate the sauce.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a savory base to develop the sauce without overpowering other ingredients.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick to balance the creaminess if you like some heat.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Adds a deep umami sweetness and a chewy texture that contrasts perfectly with tender chicken.
Heavy cream: Creates the irresistibly rich, velvety sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Tomato sauce: Lends a fresh and tangy base to the sauce for complexity.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a savory, cheesy richness that ties everything together.
Cornstarch mixed with chicken broth: Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency without lumps.
Fresh basil: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish with herby brightness both stirred in and sprinkled on top.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even half-inch thickness. This step is key for ensuring each piece cooks uniformly and stays tender. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and that lovely Italian seasoning that forms the foundational flavor of our Marry Me Chicken Recipe.

Step 2: Dredge and Sear the Chicken

Next, coat the chicken in all-purpose flour. This gives it a silky crust once seared and helps thicken the sauce later. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the rich oil from the sun-dried tomato jar over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden crust and thoroughly cooked meat, so the internal temperature hits 165 degrees F.

Step 3: Create the Flavorful Sauce Base

Once the chicken is resting on a plate, reduce the skillet’s heat to medium-low and add the remaining oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it just until it starts deepening in color, about 15 seconds, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up those golden flavorful bits stuck to the skillet. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer this mixture until it reduces by half, about 3 minutes, then whisk in your cornstarch and broth mixture to thicken everything up nicely.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, tomato sauce, and parmesan cheese. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Cook just until the cheese melts into a beautifully rich, creamy sauce. Stir in two tablespoons of fresh chopped basil for that unmistakable bright herbal note. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce generously over each piece. This step is where the dish truly comes alive, creating that irresistible Marry Me Chicken Recipe magic.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Recipe

A black pan on a stove shows a cooking process in six steps. The first layer is a bubbling oil with small bits and bright red chopped sun-dried tomatoes added in the center, being stirred by a wooden spatula. The second step shows the mix simmering with the tomatoes spread out in the oily liquid. In the third step, a mound of grated cheese, a splash of white cream, and red tomato sauce sit on top of the tomato and oil mixture in the pan, with the wooden spatula resting inside. The fourth step shows the sauce now creamy light orange with the chopped tomatoes floating in it, with fresh green chopped basil added on top and the wooden spatula stirring. The fifth step adds four cooked, seasoned chicken pieces with a golden-brown crust on top of the sauce in the pan, with metal tongs holding one piece. The final step shows the creamy sauce being spooned over the chicken pieces, fully coating and covering parts of the golden chicken in a rich creamy orange sauce. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves sprinkled over the top add not only a pop of vibrant green color but also a fragrant aroma that instantly wakes up your senses. A light dusting of grated Parmesan can also bring a subtle salty finish that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This creamy, saucy chicken loves to be paired with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy risotto, or even a bed of buttered linguine. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make a lovely contrast to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party wow factor, serve the chicken nestled over a spoonful of polenta or alongside roasted garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option. Drizzling extra sauce around the plate and adding a delicate basil sprig on top can transform this humble dinner into an elegant dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so just warm gently with a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to that silky, saucy state.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, making it a great candidate for meal prep. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. This keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce smooth without separating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving when cooking, but you might want to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked through.

Is there a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use a bit of roasted red peppers for a milder sweetness or even chopped fresh tomatoes cooked down to concentrate their flavor, but the dish won’t be quite the same without that unique, slightly chewy texture and tang.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than too much heat. You can easily leave them out for a milder version or increase the amount if you like a bolder kick in your Marry Me Chicken Recipe.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free alternative for the Parmesan cheese. The flavor profile changes slightly but it will still be creamy and delicious.

Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?

The name Marry Me Chicken comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious and impressive, it’s worth proposing marriage over. It’s a romantic, flavorful meal that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to wow your partner.

Final Thoughts

Making the Marry Me Chicken Recipe is one of those cooking adventures where simple ingredients come together to create something truly memorable and delicious. Whether you’re aiming to impress a date, treat your family, or just enjoy a cozy night in, this dish delivers comfort and elegance in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to recipe!

Marry Me Chicken Recipe