Best Marry Me Chicken – Creamy One-Pan Dinner

Marry Me Chicken is a viral sensation for good reason: it's a one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. The name says it all – this dish is so delicious, it might just inspire a proposal!

This recipe is gluten-free, ready in just 45 minutes, and uses simple ingredients that come together for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

The key to this recipe is the balance of flavors: savory chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce with a hint of garlic and Italian herbs. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

About the Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)

Pound to even thickness for uniform cooking. You can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

1 teaspoon salt

Use kosher salt for better flavor. Sea salt works too.

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground is best. Adjust to taste.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Adds savory depth. Use fresh minced garlic if preferred, but adjust quantity.

2 tablespoons olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil for sautéing. You can use avocado oil for a higher smoke point.

1 cup (240ml) chicken broth

Low-sodium broth is recommended to control salt. Vegetable broth also works.

1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream

For richness. Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, but sauce will be thinner.

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Freshly grated is best for melting. Pre-shredded may not melt as smoothly.

1/3 cup (40g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)

Oil-packed have more flavor. If using dry, rehydrate in warm water first.

3 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is essential. Pre-minced can be used in a pinch, but flavor is milder.

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme. You can mix your own.

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Adds freshness and color. Fresh parsley also works.

Tips & Tricks

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; work in batches if needed to get a nice golden crust.
• If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken. If too thick, add a splash of broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pound and Season

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (175°C/350°F). Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium (150°C/300°F). Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits.

4. Make the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Let it reduce slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Add Cream and Parmesan

Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with Italian seasoning.

6. Simmer and Thicken

Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasoning.

7. Return Chicken to Pan

Nestle the chicken back into the sauce, spooning some sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2-3 more minutes until heated through.

8. Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if using. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Delicious Variations

• Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce just before serving for extra greens.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more forgiving, juicier result.
• Make it spicy by adding 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to fall in love with this dish? Try this Marry Me Chicken tonight and let me know how it goes! Share your creations in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe for more mouthwatering recipes.

Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, sun-dried tomato and garlic chicken dish that's perfect for a romantic dinner or family meal. Ready in 45 minutes!

★★★★½ 4.8 (127 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

Print RecipePin Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup (40g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Pound and Season — Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. 2Sear the Chicken — Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (175°C/350°F). Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and set aside.
3. 3Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes — In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium (150°C/300°F). Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits.
4. 4Make the Sauce — Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Let it reduce slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
5. 5Add Cream and Parmesan — Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with Italian seasoning.
6. 6Simmer and Thicken — Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. 7Return Chicken to Pan — Nestle the chicken back into the sauce, spooning some sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2-3 more minutes until heated through.
8. 8Garnish and Serve — Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if using. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still great the next day. The sauce thickens upon standing, so add a splash of broth when reheating.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat