This famous Marry Me Chicken lives up to its bold name with tender, juicy chicken breasts swimming in a rich, creamy sauce that’s so incredibly delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal. The dish combines golden-seared chicken with a luxurious sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs, and cream that creates layers of flavor in every single bite. What makes this recipe truly special is how the chicken absorbs all those wonderful flavors while staying perfectly moist, and the sauce strikes the ideal balance between tangy, savory, and indulgent. Originally shared on social media where it quickly went viral, this restaurant-quality dish proves that some of the most impressive meals come from simple ingredients prepared with a little love and attention. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or any time you want to create something memorable in your own kitchen.
Serves: 4 people
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create your swoon-worthy chicken dinner:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed work best)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
Preparing the Chicken
Start by getting your chicken breasts ready for cooking. Place them on a cutting board and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender throughout.
Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Let the seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while you prepare your other ingredients. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat.
Creating the Perfect Sear
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers and moves easily around the pan, it’s ready for the chicken. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on the first side without moving it. This creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in juices. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. The chicken should feel firm but still springy when gently pressed.
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep it warm while you make the sauce.
Building the Amazing Sauce
In the same skillet with all those delicious browned bits from the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic tastes bitter.
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and cook for another minute. These little gems of concentrated flavor will infuse the entire sauce with their rich, slightly tangy taste.
Adding the Creamy Elements
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are pure flavor that will make your sauce incredible. Let the broth simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add the oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Let this mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt completely into the sauce. The cheese will thicken the sauce and add a wonderful nutty, salty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Bringing It All Together
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each piece. Let everything simmer together for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the chicken to reheat and absorb some of those incredible flavors.
Add the butter and fresh chopped basil during the last minute of cooking. The butter adds richness and helps create a glossy, restaurant-style sauce, while the fresh basil provides a bright, aromatic finish that cuts through the richness.
Final Touches and Serving
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be creamy, flavorful, and coat the back of a spoon nicely. If it seems too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for another minute or two.
Serve your Marry Me Chicken immediately while everything is hot and the sauce is at its creamiest. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread that can soak up every drop of that amazing sauce.
Why It Works So Well
The magic of this dish lies in how each component builds on the others. The sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated umami flavor, the cream creates luxury and richness, the Parmesan adds depth, and the herbs bring everything into perfect balance. The chicken stays incredibly moist because it finishes cooking gently in the sauce, absorbing all those wonderful flavors.
This recipe proves that the most memorable meals often come from simple techniques executed well, combined with ingredients that naturally complement each other to create something truly special.
