Marry Me Chicken
You may have seen the renowned “Marry Me Chicken” on culinary blogs or TikTok recently.
The term derives from how excellent it tastes—some say that after just one taste, it might make someone want to marry you.
This recipe is the perfect mix of comfort food and gourmet flavor. It uses soft chicken breasts cooked in a creamy Parmesan sauce with garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes.
It tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant, but you can cook it at home in less than 40 minutes.
This meal is always a hit, whether you’re making it for a weeknight supper, a party, or a special date night.
You may have a supper fit for every occasion if you serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Why You’ll Love It
- Rich and Creamy: The sauce is delicious, cheesy, and full of flavor.
- Quick and Easy: It takes less than 40 minutes to go from the stove to the table.
- It goes well with a lot of different foods, like pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
- Family-Friendly: Kids adore it just as much as adults do.
- Restaurant-Worthy: Good enough for a romantic night or a party.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts without bones or skin
- 2 teaspoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, chopped up
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of thick cream
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- For garnish, fresh basil or parsley
Preparation Steps
-
Get the chicken ready
Dry off the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt & pepper. Put olive oil in a big skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown. Take it out and put it away. -
Make the sauce with cream
Put minced garlic in the same skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until it smells good. Add the chicken broth and scrape away any browned bits from the pan. Lower the heat a little and mix in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it thickens a little.
-
Put the chicken back in the skillet.
Put the chicken breasts that have been seared back into the pan. Put the sauce on the chicken, cover it, and cook it for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is done (165°F inside). -
Add a garnish and serve
Add fresh parsley or basil on top. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Fettuccine or Penne Pasta: A restaurant-style meal.
- Garlic mashed potatoes are creamy on top of creamy.
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus adds a crisp, green balance.
- Rice or risotto with butter is easy and satisfying.
- Crusty bread is great for soaking up additional sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Pound chicken breasts to make them all the same thickness so they cook faster and more evenly.
- The best flavor comes from freshly grated Parmesan.
- Change the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- If you’re serving it with spaghetti, double the sauce (believe me, everyone will want more!).
- Marry Me Chicken Thighs: Use succulent, bone-in thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for more veggies.
- One-Pot Pasta: For a whole supper, cook the pasta right in the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: You can keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Freezer: You can freeze it in a sealed container for up to two months.
- Reheat: Warm it up on the stove over medium heat. Add a little broth or cream to the sauce to make it easier to pour.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why do they call it “Marry Me Chicken”?
- The moniker derives from how good it tastes—it’s supposed to be “proposal worthy”!
- Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes. You can create the sauce ahead of time and then heat it up again. Cook the chicken fresh before serving.
- Q: Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
- Of course! Thighs are just as good and juicy.
This Marry Me Chicken recipe shows that you can make something really special with just a few simple ingredients.
It’s rich, tasty, and just the right amount of indulgence to make any meal feel exceptional.
This recipe is sure to win hearts, whether you’re making it for family, visitors, or a romantic dinner.