Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s quick, elegant, deeply flavorful, and wonderfully comforting. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, potatoes, or rice and turns simple chicken breasts into a truly memorable meal.
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Marry Me Chicken: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Dish Worthy of Any Special Occasion
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A creamy, flavorful chicken dish simmered in a sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce so irresistible it’s said to inspire marriage proposals—rich, comforting, and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer 10–12 minutes, or until fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten it (sauce will be thinner).
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Add spinach for extra greens and color.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs
Form the tender, juicy base of the dish and absorb the sauce beautifully.
Olive oil and butter
Provide richness and help sear the chicken to a golden crust.
Garlic
Adds aromatic depth and infuses the sauce with warm, savory flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes
Bring tangy sweetness and bold flavor that contrasts the cream.
Heavy cream
Creates the luxurious, velvety sauce that defines the dish.
Parmesan cheese
Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
Chicken broth
Lightens the sauce slightly and enhances savory notes.
Italian seasoning
Brings herbal warmth and balance to the creamy base.
Red pepper flakes
Offer gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
Salt and black pepper
Season the chicken and sauce for full, balanced flavor.
Fresh basil or parsley
Adds brightness and a fresh finish when served.
Directions
Begin by seasoning the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, then add chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently until thickened and glossy.
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Adjust seasoning and stir in fresh herbs before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: about 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave; add a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. Freezing is not recommended due to separation in the creamy sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Add cooked pasta directly to the skillet to create a one-pan meal.
Marry Me Chicken Thighs
Use bone-in or boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
Tomato Basil Version
Add cherry tomatoes and more fresh basil for a lighter, summery twist.
Spinach Add-In
Fold in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for color and nutrients.
Spicy Marry Me Chicken
Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
Mushroom Cream Sauce
Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth.
Lightened Version
Use half-and-half instead of cream (sauce will be slightly thinner).
Lemon Cream Variation
Add a squeeze of lemon for bright, tangy contrast.
Bacon Lovers’ Twist
Crumble crispy bacon over the top before serving.
Pesto Marry Me Chicken
Stir in a spoonful of pesto for herbaceous richness.
FAQs
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil?
Yes, they’re ideal—drain lightly and use the oil for extra flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely; they stay tender and juicy.
Will the sauce thicken as it cooks?
Yes, the cream and Parmesan create a naturally thick sauce.
Can I make this ahead?
It’s best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well.
Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly—adjust red pepper flakes to taste.
Can I serve this over rice?
Yes, rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread all pair well.
Do I need to pound the chicken breasts?
Not necessary, but even thickness ensures even cooking.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Milk is too thin; use half-and-half if needed.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes—spinach, mushrooms, peas, or tomatoes work well.
Why is my sauce separating?
Avoid boiling and keep heat moderate to maintain a smooth texture.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken brings together tender chicken, a silky sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and aromatic herbs in a dish that feels indulgent yet effortless. Perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or cozy evenings in, it offers bold flavor and comforting richness in every forkful. With easy steps and impressive results, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
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