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Marry Me Chicken Recipe

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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.

Golden seared marry me chicken simmered in a creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and basil in a cast iron skillet
Marry Me Chicken simmered in a rich parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs – the perfect cozy skillet dinner

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.

9.5CELIA Score
Marry Me Chicken
I made Marry Me Chicken because I needed something quick and cozy and it blew us away. The chicken turns out juicy, the sauce is creamy and packed with garlic and sun-dried tomato flavor, and the whole meal comes together in one skillet in just 30 minutes. I serve it over pasta or with crusty bread, and it’s always a hit. If you’re short on time but want to serve something that feels a little special, this is it.
Ease of Preparation
10
Flavor Profile
10
Cleanup
9
Visual Appeal
10
Weeknight Friendly
10
Versatility
9
Positives
  • 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
Negatives
  • 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
1

Easy but Looks Fancy

Quick to cook, elegant to serve

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.

2

Rich, Cozy Flavor

Creamy, garlicky, and deeply satisfying

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.

3

Total Crowd-Pleaser

Easy to adjust for ingredients or diets

Don’t have chicken breasts? Use thighs. Avoiding dairy? Try coconut cream. This recipe welcomes swaps and still turns out delicious.

4

Flexible and Forgiving

Easy to adjust for ingredients or diets

Don’t have chicken breasts? Use thighs. Avoiding dairy? Try coconut cream. This recipe welcomes swaps and still turns out delicious.

5

Weeknight Comfort

Simple food that brings calm to your evening

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

Marry Me Chicken

No ratings yet
This creamy, dreamy Marry Me Chicken is the viral TikTok sensation you’ll want to make again and again. With sun-dried tomatoes, garlic-Parmesan sauce, and a one-skillet method, it’s perfect for romantic dinners or cozy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 510

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large chicken breasts – boneless and skinless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – for searing the chicken
  • ½ teaspoon salt – to season
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – adds flavor
  • 2 garlic cloves minced – for a bold, savory base
  • 1 teaspoon thyme – dried or fresh
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – for a mild kick adjust to taste
  • ¾ cup chicken broth – builds the sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream – gives the dish its rich texture
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped – adds sweetness and depth
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese – for a salty creamy finish
  • Fresh basil leaves – for garnish and freshness

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Instructions
 

  1. Pat dry, pound slightly, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
  3. In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add thyme and red pepper flakes.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer gently.
  5. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan. Cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Return chicken to pan. Simmer 5–10 minutes until cooked through (165°F).
  7. Turn off heat. Top with fresh basil. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 510kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 40gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 210mgIron: 1.3mg

Notes

Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies. Can be stored in the fridge up to 3 days.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Marry Me Chicken

Flat lay of raw chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, olive oil, herbs, and spices on a white marble surface
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken

Simple, wholesome ingredients that turn into something unforgettable.

3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
¾ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (use the ones packed in oil), chopped
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish

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

Seared chicken breasts in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs in a cast iron skillet
Close-up of Marry Me Chicken simmering in a cast iron skillet with creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs
Let’s Cook: Creamy Marry Me Chicken Made Simple
Let’s bring this one-skillet wonder to life, step by step.
Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry, then gently pound them so they cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear It Up
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Once done, remove and set aside.
Build the Base
Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the thyme and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.
Deglaze & Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and gently scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the cream and stir it in. Let it come to a light simmer.
Add the Flavor
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Bring It Together
Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Let it simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F inside.
Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve while hot.

Celia’s Tip:

If your sauce thickens too much while simmering, just add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

How to make creamy Marry Me Chicken in one skillet – a quick 30-minute recipe with garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Recipe by Celia from celiarecipes.com

What Can I Tweak in Marry Me Chicken?

Little changes that make this recipe work for any night or any eater.

Use What You Have
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.
Lighten It Up
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.
Keep It Low-Carb
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.
Adjust the Heat
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.
Sneak In Veggies
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.

ElementSwap OptionNotes
Chicken breastsChicken thighsJuicier but longer cook time
Heavy creamCoconut milkFor dairy-free version
Parmesan cheeseNutritional yeastVegan-friendly alternative
Red pepper flakesCayenne or noneAdjust heat to your liking

What Should I Serve with Marry Me Chicken?

Easy sides that soak up all that creamy, dreamy sauce.

Pasta
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.
Mashed Potatoes or Rice
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.
Crusty Bread
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.
Steamed Veggies
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 Simple Salad
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.
Crusty Bread
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

Marry Me Chicken

No ratings yet
This creamy, dreamy Marry Me Chicken is the viral TikTok sensation you’ll want to make again and again. With sun-dried tomatoes, garlic-Parmesan sauce, and a one-skillet method, it’s perfect for romantic dinners or cozy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 510

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large chicken breasts – boneless and skinless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – for searing the chicken
  • ½ teaspoon salt – to season
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – adds flavor
  • 2 garlic cloves minced – for a bold, savory base
  • 1 teaspoon thyme – dried or fresh
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – for a mild kick adjust to taste
  • ¾ cup chicken broth – builds the sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream – gives the dish its rich texture
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped – adds sweetness and depth
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese – for a salty creamy finish
  • Fresh basil leaves – for garnish and freshness

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Instructions
 

  1. Pat dry, pound slightly, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
  3. In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add thyme and red pepper flakes.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer gently.
  5. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan. Cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Return chicken to pan. Simmer 5–10 minutes until cooked through (165°F).
  7. Turn off heat. Top with fresh basil. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 510kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 40gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 210mgIron: 1.3mg

Notes

Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies. Can be stored in the fridge up to 3 days.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

FAQs About Marry Me Chicken

Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?

I didn’t come up with the name, but I get it now. It’s so good people joke that one bite might get you a proposal. It’s kind of silly, kind of sweet—and honestly, it is that good.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Totally. I’ve done it when that’s what I had on hand. Just cook them a little longer since thighs take more time than breasts.

Is it super spicy?

Not really. There’s a little heat from the red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to tone down or leave them out completely if you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive folks.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, and it reheats really well. Just try not to overcook the chicken the first time around, so it stays tender when you warm it back up.

What do I serve it with?

Pasta is my usual go-to, but rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread are all great. Basically, anything that can soak up that sauce.

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About Celia

Celia Recipes

Hi there, I’m Celia!

I am a mom of two awesome kids, yogi, and healthy recipe lover. I share feel-good meals and natural drinks to help busy women eat well, stay balanced, and love real food.

7-day Mounjaro Mediterranean meal plan with anti-inflammatory dishes

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