If you’re looking for a meal that says “special occasion” but cooks up easy enough for a weeknight, look no further than this Original Marry Me Chicken recipe. It’s rich, creamy, savory, and just a little indulgent—all the things that make it perfect for dinner with someone you love (even if that someone is you).
This dish gets its name from its swoon-worthy flavor: golden seared chicken simmered in a luscious sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan. It’s finished in the oven for maximum tenderness and flavor, and trust me—it’s hard not to fall in love at first bite.
💕 Why I Love This Marry Me Chicken
- One pan, no stress: Sear, simmer, bake—done!
- Elegant but easy: Restaurant-quality results from home.
- Romantic flavors: The sun-dried tomato cream sauce is downright dreamy.
- Versatile: Works just as well for date night or Sunday supper.
🛒 Ingredients
- 🍗 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 🧴 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 🧂 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 🍯 ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
- 🧀 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
🔁 Ingredient Swaps & Enhancements
- Chicken thighs instead of breasts for even juicier meat.
- Use fresh garlic if preferred—2 minced cloves = 1 tsp garlic powder.
- Swap dried thyme for Italian seasoning or fresh basil.
- Add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan before adding cream for extra depth.
- Mix in spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove temporarily.
- In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Stir and let simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon some sauce over each piece.
- Transfer to oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F).
- Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the top.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use a cast iron or oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring pans.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet—get that golden sear!
- Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens just right.
- Want it saucier? Add an extra splash of cream at the end.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish shines with classic, creamy or herby sides:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.
- Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad.
- A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for date-night vibes.
- For a non-alcoholic refresh, sip this Blueberry Lemonade.
Start with a show-stopping appetizer like This Baked Brie and finish with a sweet treat like:
🧊 Storage & Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
- Freezer-friendly: You can freeze it, but the sauce may separate slightly. Reheat low and slow for best results.
🔗 More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Baked Brie Appetizer – Elegant and simple.
- This Blueberry Lemonade – A perfect pairing for creamy dishes.
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – Moist, rich, and always a hit.
- These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins – Cozy and crowd-pleasing.
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – Perfect to end a romantic dinner on a sweet note.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken really lives up to its name—it’s warm, romantic, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking to impress or treating yourself to something special, this dish delivers all the rich, comforting flavors you could want in a single skillet.
If you give this a try, share your thoughts in the comments or tag us @ChefManiac with your creations. Want more easy, elegant meals? Follow along and never miss a recipe that’s full of love and flavor.
Leave a Reply