I’m Celia. Honestly, most nights I’m just trying to get dinner on the table before someone melts down (and sometimes that someone is me). I live in New Mexico with my husband, our two kids, and a dog who thinks he’s the real head chef around here.
I made Marry Me Chicken one night when I had zero energy, a pack of chicken breasts, and some stuff in the fridge I needed to use up. Didn’t expect much just wanted something warm and filling.
But it turned out amazing. Creamy, full of flavor, that little hit from the sun-dried tomatoes? My husband looked up and said, “Please make this again.” So I did. And I still do.
This isn’t one of those recipes with a million steps or weird ingredients. It’s just simple food that tastes really, really good. If you like this kind of thing, you’ll probably like my Baked Chicken Breasts or Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie. They’re the kind of meals that make life easier and tastier.
- Done in 30 minutes
- Only one pan to wash
- Restaurant-quality flavor at home
- Easy to adjust (dairy-free, low-carb, etc.)
- Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly
- Sauce is rich (not ideal if watching fat)
- Not dairy-free without substitutes
- Red pepper flakes may be too spicy for sensitive palates (adjust to taste)
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Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken
Why I Keep Making Marry Me Chicken
- Looks impressive, but it’s super easy
- Done in one pan in 30 minutes
- Creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor
- My whole family actually eats it
- Easy to customize for any diet
- Feels like a win after a long day
Easy but Looks Fancy
This comes together in under 30 minutes and only uses one pan, but you’d never guess by how it looks. It’s the perfect trick for looking like you tried harder than you did.
Rich, Cozy Flavor
The sauce is smooth and full of garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomato richness. It tastes like something you’d splurge on at a nice restaurant but it’s all yours at home.
Total Crowd-Pleaser
Don’t have chicken breasts? Use thighs. Avoiding dairy? Try coconut cream. This recipe welcomes swaps and still turns out delicious.
Flexible and Forgiving
Don’t have chicken breasts? Use thighs. Avoiding dairy? Try coconut cream. This recipe welcomes swaps and still turns out delicious.
Weeknight Comfort
When the day’s been long and chaotic, this meal brings everyone together. It’s warm, grounding, and makes the kitchen feel like a cozy retreat.
Get The Recipe Card: Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Pat dry, pound slightly, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add thyme and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer gently.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan. Cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to pan. Simmer 5–10 minutes until cooked through (165°F).
- Turn off heat. Top with fresh basil. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Ingredients You’ll Need for Marry Me Chicken
Simple, wholesome ingredients that turn into something unforgettable.
Celia’s Tip:
Use sun-dried tomatoes in oil—they add way more flavor and depth than the dry kind.
How to Make for Creamy Marry Me Chicken
Celia’s Tip:
If your sauce thickens too much while simmering, just add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
What Can I Tweak in Marry Me Chicken?
Little changes that make this recipe work for any night or any eater.
I’ve made this with chicken thighs when I was out of breasts, and honestly, it’s just as good. They take a bit longer to cook, but they’re super juicy.
Some nights I use half-and-half or even coconut milk instead of cream. It’s still creamy, still delicious, and a little easier on the stomach if you’re not doing heavy dairy.
If I’m not in the mood for pasta, I’ll throw it over some sautéed spinach or roasted veggies. It’s just as satisfying without the carbs.
If you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive folks, skip the red pepper flakes. Or if you like a little fire, add more. You can totally make it your own here.
Sometimes I’ll toss in spinach or mushrooms near the end, especially if they’re hanging out in the fridge waiting to be used. The sauce makes everything taste good, so why not?
Celia’s Tip:
If your people are sauce lovers like mine, double the sauce. Trust me, you’ll want that extra to spoon over everything.
| Element | Swap Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Chicken thighs | Juicier but longer cook time |
| Heavy cream | Coconut milk | For dairy-free version |
| Parmesan cheese | Nutritional yeast | Vegan-friendly alternative |
| Red pepper flakes | Cayenne or none | Adjust heat to your liking |
What Should I Serve with Marry Me Chicken?
Easy sides that soak up all that creamy, dreamy sauce.
This is my go-to. I usually grab whatever I have—penne, fettuccine, or even orzo. The sauce clings to pasta like it was made for it.
If I’m in comfort food mode, mashed potatoes win. Fluffy white rice works great too, especially when you’ve got a lot of sauce to scoop up.
Some nights, we skip the sides and just tear into a warm loaf of bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that garlic-parmesan goodness.
If I’m trying to balance things out, I’ll add broccoli or green beans. Quick to steam and they go well with the creamy sauce.
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and makes the whole plate feel lighter. Plus, it’s fast to toss together.
Some nights, we skip the sides and just tear into a warm loaf of bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that garlic-parmesan goodness. And if you love creamy, comforting chicken recipes, definitely check out my MIYM Chicken it’s just as easy and absolutely lives up to the name.
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Pat dry, pound slightly, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add thyme and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer gently.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan. Cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to pan. Simmer 5–10 minutes until cooked through (165°F).
- Turn off heat. Top with fresh basil. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs About Marry Me Chicken
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Is it super spicy?
Can I make it ahead of time?
What do I serve it with?
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