Easy Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Published on: November 21, 2025

Close-up of a vibrant marry me chicken recipe, featuring golden-brown chicken breasts simmering in a rich creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs in a metallic pan.

Welcome to a dish so incredibly delicious, it’s rumored to inspire marriage proposals! This marry me chicken recipe is famous for its creamy, rich sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant sundried tomatoes. It’s a fantastic choice for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Get ready to create restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen with this quick preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken

Creamy, Irresistible Sauce: The decadent sauce blends heavy cream, Parmesan, and sundried tomatoes for an unforgettable taste.
Quick and Easy to Make: You can have this impressive meal on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults adores the rich flavors and tender chicken in this dish.
Impressive for Special Occasions: Despite its simplicity, this creamy chicken recipe feels gourmet enough for date nights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your mouthwatering marry me chicken recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in building the incredible depth of flavor.

3 large chicken breasts boneless and skinless, sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
6 tablespoons (50 grams) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (double cream in the UK)
½ cup (43 grams) parmesan cheese grated
1 teaspoon chili flakes
¼ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon thyme
⅓ cup sundried tomatoes chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves

Notes & Substitutions

Use thin chicken cutlets or slice breasts yourself for even cooking.
Consider boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a different texture.

According to culinary experts, the higher fat content in heavy cream makes it less prone to curdling when heated compared to lighter creams or half-and-half.

Always use heavy cream; light cream or half-and-half will curdle.
Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting consistency.
Utilize a tablespoon of oil from the sundried tomato jar for extra depth.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to master this flavorful dish.

Large skillet or pan (cast iron works beautifully)
Kitchen tongs for handling chicken
Wooden spoon or spatula for scraping and stirring
Cutting board for prepping ingredients
Sharp knife for slicing chicken and chopping

Instructions

Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create your perfect marry me chicken recipe. This guide ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.

Prepare and Season Chicken: First, season the chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper. Next, dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This coating helps create a beautiful golden crust.
Heat Oils and Butter: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Swirl the pan to ensure the bottom is evenly coated with the mixture.
Brown Chicken Until Golden: Carefully place the floured chicken cutlets in the hot skillet. Brown them for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate, cover it loosely, and set aside.
Sauté Garlic, Deglaze Pan: Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about one minute until it becomes fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock and deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This adds incredible flavor to your sauce.
Add Cream, Cheese, and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for a couple of minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Season the sauce with chili flakes, oregano, and thyme.
Return Chicken, Simmer to Thicken: Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes. Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes, allowing it to further thicken and for the flavors to meld beautifully around the chicken.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished marry me chicken recipe with fresh basil leaves, chopped just before serving. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful meal with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, leading to steamed instead of browned chicken.
Ensure Sauce Simmers, Don’t Boil: Keep the heat at medium-low when adding cream. Boiling can cause the heavy cream to separate or curdle.
Avoid Grainy Sauce: Use only heavy cream. Low-fat dairy products are prone to curdling in high heat applications, resulting in a grainy sauce.
Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to increase or decrease the chili flakes according to your preference for heat.

Common Mistakes

Using low-fat dairy products can lead to a broken sauce.
Overcooking the chicken will make it dry and tough.
Not scraping the pan after browning chicken misses out on vital flavor.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy chicken dish over garlic butter pasta or plain spaghetti.
Pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed white rice for a comforting meal.
Enjoy the rich sauce with crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
For a low-carb option, serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate any leftover marry me chicken recipe in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce. Gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Avoid freezing creamy sauces like this, as they tend to separate and change texture upon thawing.

Variations

Add fresh spinach or sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra vegetables.
Experiment with different fresh herbs like fresh rosemary or parsley.
Try a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor dimension.

Nutrition Information

This delightful marry me chicken recipe offers a balanced profile of protein and healthy fats. Below is the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving, based on 4 servings.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	447 kcal
Carbohydrate	13 g
Protein	31 g
Fat	30 g
Saturated Fat	15 g
Trans Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	147 mg
Sodium	601 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	3 g
Unsaturated Fat	13 g
Serving Size	1 serving

FAQ

What is “Marry Me Chicken”?

It’s a wildly popular chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. The sauce often includes sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, creating an incredibly flavorful meal.

Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?

The name comes from the rumor that the dish is so incredibly delicious and irresistible, it prompts people to propose marriage. It’s known for winning hearts through its delightful taste.

Can I use chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and add even more richness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

Conclusion

This marry me chicken recipe truly lives up to its hype, offering an unbeatable combination of speed, simplicity, and gourmet flavor. You’ll love how easily it comes together, creating a dish that feels special and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a romantic date night, this creamy chicken is sure to impress. Go ahead, give it a try – you might just fall in love!