Marry Me Chicken is the dish you’ll be dreaming about! The creamy sauce, infused with savory sun-dried tomatoes and tangy Parmesan, elevates the tender chicken to a new level of deliciousness. The light sprinkling of fresh herbs adds a burst of flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
This dish isn’t just for special occasions—though it’s definitely impressive enough for a romantic dinner. It’s also perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something simple yet indulgent. The rich flavors make it feel decadent, but it’s easy to prepare, making it a great go-to for any night of the week.
Full Recipe:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon paprika
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Optional: extra Parmesan for topping
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
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Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
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Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil, parsley, and additional Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Marry Me Chicken: A Flavorful, High-Protein Meal for Any Occasion
Marry Me Chicken is one of those dishes that is perfect for impressing your loved ones or making a simple weeknight dinner feel extra special. This recipe is packed with flavor, comfort, and just the right balance of creamy richness and savory notes. It’s no wonder that it has become such a popular dish among home cooks and food bloggers alike. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or a busy weeknight, Marry Me Chicken will surely become a new favorite in your repertoire.
What Makes Marry Me Chicken So Special?
At the heart of this dish is the perfect blend of juicy chicken breasts, a creamy sauce, and a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of fresh herbs. What truly makes Marry Me Chicken stand out is how it combines these ingredients to create a meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce with a hint of garlic and basil elevates the chicken to new heights, making every bite a little piece of heaven.
What sets this dish apart is its versatility. It’s easy to adjust to personal taste preferences and dietary needs. For example, if you want to add a bit more spice, you can increase the red pepper flakes. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder version, simply cut back on the heat and enjoy the rich, creamy flavor. No matter how you customize it, this dish never loses its charm.
Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken
This recipe has a lot going for it, and here’s why you should add it to your cooking rotation:
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Quick and Easy – One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and 35 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy individuals who still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal without a lot of effort.
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High in Protein – This dish is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the chicken breasts, which makes it an ideal option for those who are looking to build or maintain muscle mass. If you’re someone who enjoys a high-protein diet, Marry Me Chicken is an excellent addition to your weekly meal planning.
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Impresses Guests – Whether you’re cooking for your partner, family, or friends, this dish is sure to impress. The rich, creamy sauce combined with the subtle flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan will have everyone asking for the recipe.
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Comfort Food with a Twist – While it may be a little indulgent, this recipe is still balanced enough to be considered a comforting yet healthy meal. The sauce adds a creamy texture that’s not too heavy, and the freshness of the basil and parsley cuts through the richness beautifully.
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Great for Leftovers – If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Marry Me Chicken stores wonderfully. The sauce thickens as it sits, making the chicken even more flavorful the next day. Reheat it for a quick lunch or dinner, and you’ll feel like you’re eating it fresh again.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken
While Marry Me Chicken is flavorful and satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can take the meal to the next level. Here are some great options to serve alongside your chicken:
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Roasted Vegetables – Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots pair beautifully with the rich creaminess of the chicken. The slight bitterness of the roasted vegetables complements the cream sauce, balancing out the dish.
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Mashed Potatoes or Rice – If you’re craving something hearty to soak up all that creamy goodness, serve Marry Me Chicken with mashed potatoes or rice. Both are excellent choices to pair with the chicken and the flavorful sauce.
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Salad – For a lighter option, a crisp salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens works wonderfully. You can add a tangy vinaigrette or just a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to brighten the dish and add some freshness.
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Pasta – If you love Italian flavors, try serving Marry Me Chicken over a bed of pasta. Whether you choose spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, the creamy sauce will coat the pasta beautifully.
Making Marry Me Chicken Your Own
As with any recipe, Marry Me Chicken is versatile enough to be customized to suit your personal preferences. Here are a few ways to tweak the recipe to make it your own:
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Spice It Up – If you like a bit more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. This will give the dish an extra kick and balance the creaminess of the sauce.
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Add Vegetables – Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even artichokes to the sauce. These vegetables pair well with the flavors of the chicken and add a healthy dose of nutrients to the dish.
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Use Chicken Thighs – If you prefer dark meat, swapping out the chicken breasts for chicken thighs will give the dish a richer flavor and slightly juicier texture. Thighs are also more forgiving when it comes to overcooking, making them a great choice for beginners.
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Dairy-Free Version – For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative. You can also use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast to give the dish a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken
To ensure your Marry Me Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
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Sear the Chicken Properly – Searing the chicken breasts before baking helps lock in the juices, creating a juicy and tender texture. Don’t skip this step!
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Monitor the Chicken Temperature – The key to juicy chicken is cooking it to the right temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
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Don’t Overcook the Sauce – When simmering the cream and broth mixture, keep a close eye on it. Overcooking the sauce can cause it to become too thick or curdled. Once it reaches a smooth consistency, it’s time to add the chicken back in.
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Garnish for Extra Flavor – Fresh herbs like basil and parsley add a pop of color and fresh flavor to the dish. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving for added richness.
Conclusion: A Recipe to Fall in Love With
Marry Me Chicken is a dish that truly lives up to its name. With its creamy, rich sauce and tender chicken, it’s a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a flavorful, high-protein meal during the week, this recipe delivers.
It’s easy to make, easy to customize, and always delicious, making it the perfect addition to any home cook’s recipe collection. If you’re looking for a dish that is both comforting and impressive, Marry Me Chicken is sure to become your go-to.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe—whether you want to add more spice, swap out vegetables, or try it with different cuts of chicken, the possibilities are endless. Give it a try, and you might just fall in love with it, too!