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Marry Me Chicken (Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce)

Marry Me Chicken (Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce)

If you’re craving a chicken dinner that feels romantic, indulgent, and restaurant-level fancy—but still totally doable on a busy weeknight—this Marry Me Chicken (Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce) is the recipe you need in your life.

This dish is famous for a reason: tender chicken breasts are seared until golden, then simmered (and finished in the oven) in a luxury creamy sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, oregano, and a splash of chicken broth. It’s creamy, savory, slightly tangy, and wildly flavorful… basically the kind of dinner that makes people stop talking after the first bite.

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And yes—people joke that it’s so good it could lead to a proposal. 😄

Whether you’re cooking for date night, Sunday dinner, or just want to make your Tuesday feel special, this Marry Me Chicken (Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce) will become one of your go-to recipes.

Why It’s Called “Marry Me Chicken”

Let’s be honest: food doesn’t actually cause marriage proposals (but it helps 😅).

This recipe earned its name because it has everything people love in a comforting “wow” dinner:

  • Juicy seared chicken

  • A creamy parmesan sauce

  • Sun-dried tomatoes for rich tang + sweetness

  • Garlic + herbs that smell amazing

  • A “lick-the-plate” sauce that tastes like something you’d order at a high-end Italian restaurant

It’s cozy, impressive, and unforgettable—exactly what you want when you’re trying to win hearts.

Recipe Details

Recipe Name: Marry Me Chicken (Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 (depending on breast size)
Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
Course: Dinner / Main Course
Difficulty: Easy–Intermediate

Equipment Needed

  • Paper towels

  • Cutting board

  • Meat mallet or rolling pin (to pound chicken evenly)

  • Large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet

  • Tongs

  • Plate

  • Whisk or silicone spatula

  • Cheese grater

  • Spoon or small ladle

  • Meat thermometer (recommended)

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 large breasts)

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or other neutral oil)

For the Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce

  • 2 tbsp minced garlic

  • ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature

  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, room temperature

  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil)

  • 1 tsp dried oregano (more/less to taste)

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional for Serving

  • Fresh basil (chiffonade / thinly sliced)

  • Extra parmesan

Step-by-Step Instructions (Easy + Foolproof)

1) Prepare & Sear the Chicken

  1. Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and trim as needed.

  2. Pound chicken until all pieces are similar thickness.

  3. Pat chicken dry with paper towels (this helps browning).

  4. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

  5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  6. Add oil. When shimmering, sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden.

  7. Transfer chicken to a plate.

✅ Don’t worry if chicken isn’t cooked through yet—it finishes later.

2) Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Lower skillet heat to medium-low.

  3. Add garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds.

  4. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits.

  5. Move skillet off heat for 2–3 minutes (prevents curdling).

  6. Add heavy cream and whisk until smooth.

  7. Sprinkle in parmesan and whisk until melted.

  8. Return to medium-low heat for 1–2 minutes.

  9. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

  10. Simmer gently—don’t boil.

3) Finish Baking

  1. Add chicken breasts back into the skillet (plus juices).

  2. Spoon sauce over the chicken.

  3. Transfer skillet to oven and bake 10–15 minutes, until chicken reaches:

    • ✅ 165°F (74°C) internal temperature

  4. Let rest 5 minutes.

  5. Top with fresh basil + extra parmesan.

What Makes This Sauce So Addictive?

Let’s break it down. The magic of Marry Me Chicken (Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce) isn’t just “cream + cheese.”

It’s how the ingredients work together:

  • Garlic gives it a deep savory base.

  • Chicken broth loosens the sauce and adds body.

  • Parmesan melts in and creates umami richness.

  • Sun-dried tomatoes add tangy sweetness and intense tomato flavor.

  • Oregano adds Italian comfort vibes.

  • Red pepper flakes create a warm back-of-the-throat heat (optional, but recommended).

It’s balanced: creamy, salty, tangy, herby… not heavy for no reason.

Tips for the BEST Marry Me Chicken

These tips will take your recipe from “good” to unforgettable.

✅ Pound Chicken Evenly

Uneven thickness causes:

  • dry edges

  • undercooked centers

Even chicken = juicy chicken.

✅ Dry Chicken Before Searing

Moisture = steaming, not browning.

Golden crust = flavor.

✅ Use Fresh Parmesan

Pre-shredded parmesan contains anti-caking agents that cause:

  • grainy texture

  • weird melting

Freshly grated melts creamy and smooth.

✅ Bring Cream to Room Temp

Cold cream can shock the pan and curdle.

✅ Don’t Boil the Sauce

A hard boil can split cream sauces.
Keep it at a gentle simmer.

✅ Choose Sun-Dried Tomatoes Packed in Oil

They’re richer, softer, and more flavorful.
Drain slightly if too oily.

Variations (Easy Swaps + Flavor Upgrades)

One reason people LOVE this recipe is how customizable it is.

1) Marry Me Chicken Thighs

Swap breasts for boneless chicken thighs.
They’re extra juicy and forgiving.

Cook time may be slightly longer (check temperature!).

2) Add Spinach

Stir in 2–3 cups baby spinach at the end.
It wilts fast and makes it feel more “complete.”

3) Make It Extra Cheesy

Add:

  • more parmesan

  • or a spoon of cream cheese

  • or shredded mozzarella for gooey vibes

4) Make It Spicy

Add:

  • extra red pepper flakes

  • cayenne

  • or chili oil drizzle

5) Add Mushrooms

Sauté sliced mushrooms after searing chicken.
Then proceed with sauce.

What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken

This sauce deserves something that soaks it up.

Best Pasta Pairings

  • fettuccine

  • penne

  • angel hair

  • rigatoni

Best Starches

  • mashed potatoes (elite combo)

  • rice

  • creamy polenta

Best Bread

  • crusty bread

  • garlic bread

  • toasted baguette

Best Veggies

  • roasted broccoli

  • green beans

  • asparagus

  • sautéed zucchini

📌 Pro tip: Serve with pasta + roasted broccoli for a restaurant plate at home.

Make-Ahead + Storage Tips

Can I Make Marry Me Chicken Ahead of Time?

Yes! It’s even better the next day because the flavors deepen.

Make it fully, cool it, then store in an airtight container.

How to Store

  • Refrigerator: up to 3–4 days

How to Reheat (Important!)

Reheat gently:

  • skillet over low heat

  • add a splash of broth/cream

Avoid high heat or microwaving too long (cream sauce can separate).

Freezing?

Cream sauces can change texture in the freezer.
You can freeze it, but expect slight separation.

If freezing:

  • freeze in an airtight container

  • thaw overnight in fridge

  • reheat slowly while whisking

Print

Marry Me Chicken (Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce)

Marry Me Chicken (Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce)
Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a chicken dinner that feels restaurant fancy but is still super easy to make at home—this is it. Marry Me Chicken is made with juicy seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich sun-dried tomato parmesan cream sauce, finished with basil and extra parmesan. It’s creamy, savory, slightly tangy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

  • Author: salah

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 large breasts)

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or other neutral oil)

For the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

  • 2 tbsp minced garlic

  • ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature

  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, room temperature

  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil)

  • 1 tsp dried oregano (more/less to taste)

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)

Optional for Serving

  • Fresh basil (chiffonade/sliced thin)

  • Extra parmesan cheese

Instructions

1) Prepare & Sear the Chicken

  1. Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. Trim if needed.

  2. Pound chicken until all pieces are similar thickness (helps them cook evenly).

  3. Pat chicken dry with paper towels (this helps browning).

  4. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.

  5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and heat until shimmering.

  6. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until lightly golden.

  7. Transfer chicken to a plate (it will finish cooking later—don’t worry).

2) Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Lower skillet heat to medium-low.

  3. Add minced garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

  4. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the pan (flavor!).

  5. Move skillet off heat for 2–3 minutes to cool slightly.

  6. Add heavy cream and whisk until smooth.

  7. Sprinkle in parmesan and whisk until melted and creamy.

  8. Return skillet to medium-low heat for 1–2 minutes.

  9. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

  10. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.

3) Finish Baking

  1. Add chicken breasts back into the skillet (along with juices from the plate).

  2. Spoon sauce over the chicken.

  3. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake 10–15 minutes, or until chicken reaches:

    • 165°F (74°C) safe internal temp

  4. Let rest 5 minutes, then top with basil + more parmesan.

Notes

✅ Pound chicken evenly so it stays juicy and cooks at the same time.
✅ Use freshly grated parmesan (pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly).
✅ Let cream/parmesan come to room temp to avoid curdling.
✅ Don’t boil the sauce—keep it at a gentle simmer.
✅ Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil give the best flavor (drain slightly if very oily).

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Nutrition (Estimated)

Nutrition varies by brand/portion.

Approx. per serving (1/6 of recipe):

  • Calories: ~520

  • Protein: ~50g

  • Fat: ~30g

  • Carbs: ~10g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
If you use half-and-half, add a little extra parmesan to thicken.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Add a splash of chicken broth until silky.

What if my sauce is too thin?

Simmer gently for a few minutes, or add more parmesan.

Can I make this without an oven?

Yes! After adding chicken back into sauce, cover skillet and simmer on low until 165°F.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken (Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce) is the kind of recipe that turns a normal dinner into a full experience.

It’s warm, comforting, creamy, and packed with bold flavor—yet still simple enough for home cooks. Whether you serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, the sauce steals the show every single time.