In every chef’s arsenal, there are a few dishes that never miss.
You know the kind—minimal effort, maximum impact, the kind that shuts down small talk because everyone’s too busy eating.
Marry Me Chicken is one of those dishes.
I’ve cooked Marry Me Chicken in professional kitchens and in my home kitchen, and the reaction is always the same: a pause, a second bite, and someone asking, “What is this?” It’s rich without being heavy, indulgent without needing a culinary degree, and yes, it just might earn you a proposal—or at the very least, a second date.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just learning your way around the stovetop, this is a meal that proves confidence doesn’t come from complexity.
It comes from flavor.
What Is Marry Me Chicken?
This isn’t just a cute name. Marry Me Chicken is a creamy skillet chicken dish made with garlic, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs.
It’s tender, bold, a little seductive, and 100% satisfying.
It’s called “Marry Me” because someone decided it was good enough to make a person drop to one knee. I’ve seen it win over skeptics and impress food snobs. Enough said.
🔥 Why It Works (From a Pro’s POV)
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Balance: Cream and cheese meet tangy sun-dried tomatoes—rich but not cloying.
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Simplicity: One pan, no fancy steps. But the payoff? Huge.
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Custom-friendly: Swap the chicken, up the spice, make it yours.
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Chef-tested: I’ve made this dozens of times. It delivers—every time.
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Marry Me Chicken Recipe
🛒 Ingredients (With Gear Suggestions)
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or go for thighs if you like it juicy)
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Kosher salt & cracked black pepper
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2 tbsp olive oil – I use this cold-pressed EVOO
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup chicken broth – Kettle & Fire is a great low-sodium option
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¾ cup heavy cream
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan – don’t use the stuff in a green can
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⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped – try these flavorful ones
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but I say use them)
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Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Dry your chicken with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron or stainless steel—this one works like a dream) over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t crowd the pan—work in batches if needed.
Set chicken aside on a plate.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up all those browned bits—that’s flavor. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Let it simmer 3–4 minutes, until it thickens slightly and coats a spoon.
Step 3: Finish the Chicken
Return chicken to the pan and coat it in the sauce.
Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).
Kill the heat, garnish with chopped basil or parsley, and let the sauce rest for a minute—it’ll thicken a bit more.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions (From Experience)
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Serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
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Or keep it low-carb with sautéed greens or roasted cauliflower.
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A glass of chilled white wine (like a buttery Chardonnay) takes it up a notch.
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Bonus move: crusty bread. You’ll want to mop up the sauce.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes—and I often do. They stay moist and pack more flavor.
Is this spicy?
Just a hint. Adjust the red pepper to your taste.
Can I prep ahead?
You can make the sauce in advance. Chicken’s best fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can sub roasted red peppers or leave them out—but trust me, the tomatoes are worth it.
Marry Me Chicken Recipe (Quick Recap)
⏱️ Timing Breakdown
Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
10 Min | 25 Min | 35 Min |
📋 Ingredient Recap (For Quick Shopping)
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Chicken breasts or thighs
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Olive oil
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Garlic
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Chicken broth
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Heavy cream
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Parmesan
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Sun-dried tomatoes
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Italian seasoning
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Red pepper flakes
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Fresh herbs
🔁 Quick Step Recap
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Season & sear chicken
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Sauté garlic, deglaze with broth
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Add cream, cheese, tomatoes, seasonings
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Simmer chicken in sauce until done
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Garnish & serve
⚖️ Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Nutrient-Amount
Calories- 430kcal
Protein- 35g
Carbs- 6g
Fat-28g
Sodium- 580mg
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, this recipe isn’t about showing off.
It’s about cooking something that feels good to make—and even better to share.
Whether you’re impressing someone new, feeding your crew, or just cooking for yourself after a long day, Marry Me Chicken is a surefire win.