Creamy Marry Me Chicken: An Easy One-Pan Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Parmesan

Prepare to fall in love with this incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple “Marry Me Chicken” recipe. Featuring tender, golden-seared chicken breast bathed in a luscious parmesan and cream sauce, speckled with savory sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is an absolute showstopper. It’s designed to be so irresistible that tradition says it might just earn you a proposal! But even if a ring isn’t on your mind, the harmonious blend of ingredients truly “marries” together to create a decadent meal that’s quick, easy, and perfect for any night of the week.

Why This Marry Me Chicken Recipe Works So Well

The intriguing name “Marry Me Chicken” carries a delightful reputation: a dish so profoundly delicious it’s said to inspire marriage proposals! While we can’t guarantee a ring, we can certainly attest to its incredible flavor profile that makes it utterly swoon-worthy. The name also perfectly encapsulates how all the ingredients come together, “marrying” in a symphony of tastes and textures. The combination of rich, velvety cream, sharp parmesan, and tangy, sweet sun-dried tomatoes creates a sauce that is truly out of this world, clinging beautifully to every piece of chicken.

Beyond its romantic lore and fantastic taste, this recipe is a weeknight warrior. It’s one of our absolute favorite ways to transform ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary meal, rivaling classic dishes like Chicken Marsala in flavor but surpassing it in simplicity. You can have this entire dish ready in around 25 minutes, all cooked conveniently in a single skillet. This means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for Your Marry Me Chicken

Gathering high-quality ingredients is the first step to creating a truly unforgettable Marry Me Chicken. You’ll find all precise measurements, ingredient lists, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the conclusion of this blog post. Using fresh components will always yield the best results for this creamy, flavorful dish.

Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions

Understanding each ingredient’s role and potential alternatives can elevate your cooking experience and adapt this recipe to your pantry or dietary needs.

Chicken

For this recipe, we recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. To ensure quick and even cooking, we slice two standard chicken breasts in half horizontally, effectively creating four thinner chicken cutlets. This technique increases the surface area for a beautiful golden sear and allows the chicken to cook much faster, preventing it from drying out. If you prefer, you can also purchase pre-cut chicken cutlets from your grocery store for added convenience. For an even richer flavor and more tender result, especially if you’re concerned about chicken drying out, you could substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They tend to be more forgiving and bring a deeper chicken flavor to the dish. Just be sure to trim any excess fat.

The Decadent Cream Sauce

Heavy Cream: This is the star of our luscious sauce. We strongly advise sticking with heavy whipping cream for this recipe. Its high fat content is crucial for achieving that signature creamy, decadent texture and rich mouthfeel that defines Marry Me Chicken. Unlike regular milk or half-and-half, heavy cream reduces beautifully without curdling and provides the necessary body for the sauce to cling to the chicken. Lighter alternatives will not yield the same luxurious consistency or flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: The quality of your parmesan makes a significant difference. For the best flavor, freshly grated parmesan cheese from a block is highly recommended. It melts smoothly and imparts a robust, nutty, and salty depth to the sauce that pre-grated parmesan (which often contains anti-caking agents) simply cannot match. However, if convenience is key, finely grated parmesan from the grocery store can still be used.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems are flavor bombs! They contribute a wonderful sweet, tangy, and intensely umami note that perfectly balances the richness of the cream sauce. We use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for their tender texture and infused flavor. You can either julienne them into thin strips or chop them into smaller pieces, depending on your preferred texture and how you want them distributed throughout the sauce. Remember to drain them well before adding to prevent excess oil from diluting the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic foundation for the sauce. While jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch, fresh garlic offers a more vibrant and potent flavor.

Seasonings and Fats

Black Pepper & Garlic Salt: These simple seasonings are all you need to bring out the best in the chicken and enhance the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: A light dredge in flour gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust when seared and helps to slightly thicken the sauce. For a gluten-free version, a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used.
Olive Oil & Butter: The combination of olive oil and butter is perfect for searing the chicken. Olive oil has a higher smoke point, preventing the butter from burning, while butter adds an unparalleled richness and helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.

Crafting Your Marry Me Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this incredible recipe. For a convenient printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, simply Jump to the Recipe Card at the bottom of this post.

Prepare the Chicken: Take your two boneless, skinless chicken breasts and carefully slice each one in half horizontally. This will yield four thinner cutlets, ensuring they cook faster and more evenly. Generously season both sides of these chicken cutlets with a blend of garlic salt and black pepper. Don’t use all the seasoning yet; reserve some for the sauce. This initial seasoning is crucial for building flavor from the ground up.
Dredge in Flour: Lightly dredge each seasoned chicken cutlet in all-purpose flour, ensuring both sides are coated evenly. Gently shake off any excess flour. This thin layer of flour will help create a beautiful golden crust when searing and contributes to the sauce’s thickness later on.
Heat the Skillet: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, combine olive oil and butter. Place the skillet over medium heat and allow the butter to melt completely, shimmering gently. The combination of oil and butter prevents the butter from burning while providing rich flavor for searing.
Sear the Chicken: Carefully add the floured chicken cutlets to the hot skillet in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of searing it. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and is cooked through. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Reserve Pan Drippings: Carefully drain the excess oil and butter mixture from the skillet into a heatproof bowl or container, reserving it for later. It’s important NOT to wipe the pan clean, as the browned bits (fond) stuck to the bottom are full of flavor and will be crucial for building a delicious sauce.
Build the Cream Sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the heavy cream, minced garlic, the remaining black pepper, the remaining garlic salt, parmesan cheese, and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. This is where the magic of the sauce begins to happen, infusing the cream with rich, savory, and tangy notes.
Incorporate Drippings and Simmer: Measure out 2 tablespoons of the reserved butter/oil drippings from step 5 and add them back into the skillet with the cream mixture. Whisk again to fully combine. The drippings add an extra layer of savory depth and richness to your sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to a simmer, allowing it to slightly thicken. You can now discard any leftover butter/oil mixture.
Finish and Serve: Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the simmering cream sauce. Turn each piece to ensure it is thoroughly coated with the luxurious sauce. Bring the dish back to a gentle boil over medium heat and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to fully heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Serve immediately, perhaps garnished with fresh herbs, and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

How do I store leftover Marry Me Chicken?

Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream or water if the sauce has become too thick, to loosen it back to its original consistency.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?

While technically possible, we generally do not recommend freezing this dish. Heavy cream-based sauces tend to separate and change in both flavor and texture once thawed, often becoming grainy or watery. For the best experience, this dish is ideally consumed the day it’s made or reheated the following day.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to include your favorite vegetables. Sauté sliced mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or even asparagus spears in the skillet after removing the chicken, before you start building the sauce. Cook them until tender-crisp, then incorporate them back into the pan with the chicken at the end. Spinach, in particular, wilts beautifully into the creamy sauce.

What kind of pan is best for Marry Me Chicken?

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan is ideal. Its ability to retain heat evenly ensures a perfect sear on the chicken and provides a consistent temperature for the sauce. A non-stick skillet can also work, but a heavier pan will often yield better browning results.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

For those who enjoy a little heat, you can easily add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Start with a small amount and add more to taste, ensuring it blends well with the creamy flavors.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make Marry Me Chicken gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Always check the labels of other ingredients like chicken broth (if using any for variations) and heavy cream to ensure they are certified gluten-free, though most are naturally so.

Perfect Pairings for Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken, with its rich and creamy sauce, pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that can soak up every last drop of flavor. Consider serving it with classic starchy accompaniments like fluffy mashed potatoes, which provide a comforting base, or perfectly cooked pasta such as fettuccine or linguine, tossed directly with the exquisite sauce. Steamed or roasted rice is another excellent option, offering a subtle flavor that highlights the chicken and its vibrant sauce. To complete the meal and add a touch of freshness, incorporate steamed or roasted vegetables on the side. Broccoli florets, tender asparagus, glazed carrots, or crispy roasted green beans would all complement the richness of the main dish wonderfully. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil and a little extra grated Parmesan cheese before serving warm straight from the pan. Enjoy!

Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes

If you loved this creamy Marry Me Chicken, you’ll be delighted by our other fantastic chicken recipes that offer a variety of flavors and cooking styles. Expand your culinary repertoire with these proven favorites:

Chicken Piccata
Chicken Milanese
Chicken Tetrazzini
Chicken Cacciatore
Stuffed Chicken Breast
Chicken Divan

I absolutely adore cooking and baking, and my greatest joy is sharing my kitchen adventures and delicious recipes with all of you! It can be tricky to remember to check back every day for new culinary inspiration, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every time a new recipe is published. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes to keep your meal plans exciting and delicious!

Marry Me Chicken

This Marry Me Chicken recipe is a truly decadent and flavorful dish, yet it’s incredibly easy to make in just about 25 minutes, all in a single skillet. Its creamy parmesan sauce, combined with golden-seared chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, creates a meal so delicious it’s earned its romantic name.

★★★★★

5 from 35 votes

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

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Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Servings:

4
servings

Calories:
905

Author:
Amanda Davis

Ingredients

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1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)
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1 Tablespoon black pepper divided
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1 teaspoon garlic salt divided
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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4 Tablespoons olive oil
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3 Tablespoons butter
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped, packed in oil, drained
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1 Tablespoon minced garlic
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2 cups heavy whipping cream
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3 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Things You’ll Need

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Large heavy bottomed skillet (10-12 inch)
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Vinyl gloves (optional)

Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips

Chicken Preparation: Cutting the chicken breasts in half horizontally ensures more evenly sized cutlets, which in turn leads to faster and more consistent cooking. This method also creates more surface area for that delicious golden crust!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For the best flavor and texture, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. Drain them well before chopping to prevent excess oil from thinning your sauce. You can julienne them for long strips or chop them finely – whatever you prefer!
Storage & Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over low-medium heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a dash of water or heavy cream to bring it back to a smooth, luscious consistency.
Building Flavor: Do NOT wipe your pan clean after searing the chicken! The browned bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the skillet are packed with flavor and are essential for a rich, deep sauce. They will deglaze naturally when you add the cream.
Fresh Parmesan: While pre-grated parmesan can be used for convenience, freshly grated parmesan from a block will melt more smoothly and provide a superior, more robust flavor to your sauce.

Instructions

Cut two chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Season both sides generously with garlic salt and black pepper, reserving some for the sauce.
Dredge each chicken cutlet in all-purpose flour, ensuring an even coat, then shake off any excess.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and shimmering.
Add the floured chicken to the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Carefully drain the excess oil and butter mixture from the pan into a heatproof bowl, reserving it. Do not wipe the pan clean; leave the flavorful browned bits.
Into the same skillet, add the heavy cream, minced garlic, the remaining black pepper, remaining garlic salt, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Whisk everything together to combine.
Measure 2 tablespoons of the reserved butter/oil drippings and add them back to the cream mixture in the skillet. Whisk again, then bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Discard any remaining drippings.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, turning to coat each piece thoroughly in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.