Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s really been the game-changer in my life. I remember the first time I made **Marry Me Chicken** – my husband literally proposed again (okay, okay, so I did it)! What was the sentiment? Is it really that good? Think of it as the love child of chicken parmesan and creamy Tuscan chicken, but even easier to whip up. If you love those rich, comforting Italian flavors, this will become your new weeknight go-to.

What is a Marry Me Chicken?

What is the best way to break it down.? **Marry Me Chicken** is essentially chicken breasts simmered in a decadent, creamy, sun-dried tomato. What is the name of this dish? What is the legend that the person who created this dish was blown away by its deliciousness? Why did they say they would marry the chef? What is happiness in a pan? What is special about treating yourself? Think of it as a less fussy, even *more* flavorful version of chicken Alfredo – you get all that. What are some of the best sun-dried tomatoes?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Listen, I’m not kidding when I say this recipe is a winner. What I love most about this **Marry Me Chicken** is how incredibly easy it is. Seriously, even on the busiest of weeknights, I can throw this together without breaking a sweat. And the flavor? Oh my goodness! The combination of the creamy sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant herbs is just divine. My kids, who are usually pretty picky eaters, devour this stuff! It’s also surprisingly cost-effective. Chicken breasts are relatively inexpensive, and the other ingredients are pantry staples for me. But the best part? It’s SO versatile. I’ve served it over pasta, with mashed potatoes, even on its own with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. If you’re a fan of Creamy Chicken dishes like Chicken Tetrazzini or Creamy Pesto Chicken, trust me, this one will become a new staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s got that same comforting vibe but with a unique, unforgettable flavor that sets it apart. Plus, it feels fancy enough for a special occasion, but easy enough for a Tuesday night!

How can I make Marry Me Chicken?

Quick Overview

Making **Marry Me Chicken** is honestly easier than ordering takeout! You basically just sear the chicken, whip up a creamy, dreamy sauce, and let everything simmer together until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. The whole thing comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for those nights when you need something delicious but don’t have a ton of time. The best part is how foolproof it is – even if you’re a beginner cook, you’ll nail this recipe, I promise!

Ingredients

For the Chicken: What is the story
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/4 teaspoon pepper * 2 tablespoons chicken broth * 3 cups chicken thighs * 6 cups suckling * 1-2 cups whole chicken * 5 cups water * Black pepper * 1 teaspoon paprika (I like to use smoked pistachios for extra flavor!

For the Sauce:
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is always best!)
* 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained (I usually chop them roughly)
* 1/4 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream (trust me, it’s worth it!)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is key!)
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
* 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
* Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

What are the steps for

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but anything similar will work just fine. How do I get everything to cook evenly in the oven? How do I stop chicken from sticking? What are some of the steps that seem simple but make a big difference in the final result?

Step 2: Season Chicken

Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Don’t be shy! The seasoning really helps to develop a flavorful crust when you sear the chicken. Make sure you pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning – this helps it to brown brown. I always do this, and it makes the world of difference in how the chicken tastes! I find that drying the chicken helps the spices adhere better.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Set aside. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side. What should I do if I want to make You’re not trying to cook the chicken all the way through at this point, just get a nice color on the skin. How do you cook chicken? Don’t overcrowd the pan – you might need to do this in batches. I always end up splattering oil everywhere, so be careful!

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. What should I do if I burn my garlic? Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, allowing their flavors to bloom. What are the best sun-dried tomatoes to use in this recipe?

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is where all the flavor is! Let the broth simmer for a minute or two, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the sauce to be creamy and luscious. Sometimes I add a splash of white wine at this stage for extra flavor! It’s a small detail, but it really elevates the dish.

Step 6: Bake

Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). I always use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked properly. Overcooked chicken is dry and tough, so it’s worth the investment!

Step 7: Rest & Garnish

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. What happens when the juices are redistributing, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving. Fresh basil adds a pop of color to this herbaceous dish. I love the sauce. It’s Is it really that pretty?

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve the **Marry Me Chicken** hot, over your favorite pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or on its own. I like crusty bread for dipping. What are some creative ways to make your own!

What should I serve it with?

What is the best way to serve this ‘Marry Me Chicken’? What are some of my favorite pairings?

What is a classic dinner? Serve it over a bed of perfectly cooked linguine or spaghetti. Toss the pasta with some of the creamy sauce for an extra flavorful dish. A side of garlic bread is a must for soaking up all that deliciousness. We love doing this on a weeknight.

What is a comfort food meal?Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or Roasted Sweet Potatoes. The sweetness of the potatoes complements the richness of sauce beautifully. What are some good ways to add green salad to a meal?

For a lighter option:Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. Add a few drops of Parmesan cheese and lemon juice to this dish. If I’m trying to be healthy, I usually go for this.

For a Special Occasion: Serve it with risotto or polenta for a more elegant meal. A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. This is the best for holidays and guests!

What is your favorite dish to serve with Mary Me Chicken? Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combinations!

How do I perfect my Marry Me Chicken?

I’ve made this **Marry Me Chicken** recipe *a lot* over the years, and I have learned a few things along the way. How can I make my life better? What are some tips for perfecting a dish?

Chicken Prep: Make sure to pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps them to brown better and prevents them from steaming in the pan. I also like to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly. This is a game changer!

Sun-Dried tomatoesUse oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. Drain them well before using, but save the oil! Can you use it to sauté the garlic and add extra flavor to the sauce?

Creamy Sauce:Why don’t you skimp on the heavy cream? It’s what makes the sauce so rich and decadent. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra flavor. What is the best wine to drink?

What is Parmesan Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must! It melts beautifully into the sauce and adds a nutty, salty flavor. Avoid using pre-grated Parmesan cheese, as it doesn’t melt as well and can sometimes have a weird texture. Never ever use the shelf stuff! Ever!

Herb Power:Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs. In addition to Italian herbs, I sometimes like to add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary. Fresh herbs are a great garnish.

Spicy Kick:If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. Can you serve the chicken with a side of hot sauce for extra kick? I have a 2 year old who loves chicken and the only reason is the pepper!

Baking Time:The baking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breast. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature. reaches 165°F (74 Is this really crucial?

What is a rest Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. I swear, this really works!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat your **Marry Me Chicken**:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out for longer than two hours — not really worth it. There are just too many variables for it to be worth the risk.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce might thicken up a bit, but it will still be delicious!

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the **Marry Me Chicken** for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Methods: You can reheat the chicken in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. If reheating in the microwave, heat it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If reheating in the oven, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin out the sauce if it has thickened too much.

Glaze Timing Advice: I never use the glaze timing, because I always plate it directly when it comes out of the oven. But if you insist, wait until the chicken has been reheated to glaze. You do you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my go-to **Marry Me Chicken** recipe! I truly hope you give it a try because it’s one of those dishes that’s guaranteed to impress (and maybe even get you a proposal!). It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor – what more could you ask for? If you’re looking for other easy and Delicious Chicken recipes, be sure to check out my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta or my Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken. And if you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below! I love hearing your feedback and seeing your creations. Happy cooking, friends!