Juicy, Flavorful Chicken in a Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce—So Good, It Might Just Lead to a Proposal!
This Marry Me Chicken recipe is the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors that come together to create a dish that’s nothing short of irresistible. Juicy seared chicken breasts are nestled in a rich, velvety sauce made with garlic, fresh thyme, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Finished in the oven until the chicken is tender and the sauce is perfectly thickened, this dish is sure to impress! Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for a meal that will make anyone fall in love—guaranteed.
I love making this dish when I want to whip up something special with minimal effort. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs is pure comfort food bliss. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for entertaining. Ready to cook up a meal that might just lead to a proposal? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan is a deliciously addictive combination.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken: Searing the chicken first locks in moisture and adds a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Easy One-Pan Dish: Minimal clean-up and maximum flavor—all in one skillet!
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s date night or a family dinner, this dish will make everyone swoon.
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Key Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, providing tender and juicy meat that’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and adding a subtle, fruity flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a bold, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- Fresh Thyme: Infuses the dish with an herby, earthy note that balances the richness of the sauce.
For the Sauce:
- Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the sauce, adding depth and savoriness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle kick of heat that elevates the overall flavor.
- Fresh Basil: Torn and sprinkled over the top for a burst of freshness.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
1. Sear the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—if your skillet isn’t large enough, sear the chicken in batches to ensure an even, golden-brown crust.
2. Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped garlic, fresh thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—these add tons of flavor to the sauce!
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly and the ingredients are well combined.
3. Return the Chicken and Finish in the Oven
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each piece to ensure they’re well coated.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce should be thickened and bubbly, with the chicken juicy and tender.
4. Serve and Garnish
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle torn fresh basil over the top for a burst of freshness and vibrant color. Serve the chicken with plenty of sauce over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up every delicious bite.
Tips for Success
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning and searing, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help achieve a better sear and prevent sticking.
- Don’t Rush the Searing: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to ensure a nice, golden-brown crust.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes on the stovetop to reduce and thicken.
Serving Suggestions
This Marry Me Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Pasta: Serve over fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Rice: Spoon the chicken and sauce over fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty option.
- Crusty Bread: Enjoy with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen! Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
Variations and Modifications
- Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Spicier Sauce: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Herbed Chicken: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for a more herb-forward flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute instead of heavy cream for a lighter, dairy-free sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken is a dish that lives up to its name—one bite and you’ll fall in love! The tender, juicy chicken paired with the rich, creamy sauce and the sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes is pure perfection. Make it for a special occasion, date night, or just because you’re in the mood for something truly delicious.
Enjoy every rich, savory bite! 🍗❤️
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 4 8-oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- to taste Kosher salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
- to garnish torn fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add chopped garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each piece. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 more minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with torn fresh basil and serve the chicken with its sauce over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.