Creamy Marry Me Chicken (One Pan Recipe in 30 Mins!)

Photo of author
Author: Alana
Published:
Table of Contents



They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and this Creamy Marry Me Chicken is the delicious proof. With its viral name suggesting it’s so good it might elicit a marriage proposal, this dish has taken the internet by storm for a reason. It features juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts swimming in a rich, luxurious sauce made of heavy cream, parmesan, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.

High angle view of creamy marry me chicken simmering in a cast iron skillet with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.


The best part? You don’t need a culinary degree to make this romantic dinner idea. It comes together in one pan and is ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you are planning a special date night or just want to elevate a boring weeknight dinner, this easy Italian chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup. If you love rich, creamy sauces like our popular Chicken Tuscan Pasta, you are going to be obsessed with this recipe!

Key Information for Creamy Marry Me Chicken

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4 Servings
  • Calories: ~550 kcal
Recipe Profile Details
Main Flavor Creamy, Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomato
Diet Gluten-Free (if no flour), Low Carb
Cooking Method One Pan / Skillet
Best Side Pasta or Mashed Potatoes

Why You Will Love This Creamy Marry Me Chicken

  • The Sauce: The combination of tangy sun-dried tomatoes and salty parmesan creates an “umami bomb” that is addictive.
  • Speed: From fridge to table in less than 30 minutes.
  • Versatility: Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles.
  • Crowd Pleaser: It looks fancy but uses simple pantry staples, similar to our Cottage Cheese Wraps which focus on high protein and great taste.

Ingredients for Creamy Marry Me Chicken

To get that signature sauce, quality ingredients matter.

Ingredients for marry me chicken including raw chicken breasts, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic on a wooden table.
  • 1.5 lbs (700g) Chicken Breasts: Slice them horizontally into thin cutlets.
  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour: For dredging. This gives the chicken a golden crust.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: To season the chicken.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil & 1 tbsp Butter: The oil prevents burning, and the butter adds richness.
  • 3 cloves Garlic: Minced. Fresh is always best!
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium so you can control the saltiness.
  • 3/4 cup Heavy Cream: Do not substitute with milk, or the sauce might curdle.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated melts smoother than the pre-shredded stuff.
  • 1/3 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped. These add a concentrated burst of tomato flavor.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano & 1 tsp Thyme: Classic Italian herbs.
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle heat (optional).
  • Fresh Basil: For garnish.

Equipment Needed

  • Large Skillet: Cast iron or stainless steel works best for a good sear.
  • Tongs: For flipping the chicken.
  • Whisk: To blend the sauce smoothly.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps for the perfect creamy garlic sauce.

  1. Prep the Chicken: Season your chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge them in the flour, shaking off any excess. This thin coating is the secret to a great sear.
  2. Sear to Perfection: Heat the olive oil and butter in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan (don’t clean it!), add the minced garlic. Sauté for just 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
  4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth. Use your spoon to scrape up the “fond” (those brown tasty bits stuck to the bottom). Add the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes. It will start to thicken and turn a beautiful creamy orange color.
  6. Combine: Return the cooked chicken (and any juices on the plate) back into the skillet. Spoon the luscious sauce over the chicken to warm it through.
  7. Serve: Garnish generously with fresh chopped basil and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Creamy Marry Me Chicken

  • Don’t Overcook Chicken: Using thin cutlets is key. If your breasts are thick, pound them flat or slice them in half.
  • Make it Spicy: If you love heat, double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • Seafood Twist: If you are a seafood lover, you can try this sauce with salmon, similar to how we make our Hot Honey Air Fryer Salmon Bites.
  • Dairy-Free: You can use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.

Serving Creamy Marry Me Chicken

What should you serve with this dish?

  • Carb Lovers: It is traditionally served over Angel Hair Pasta or luscious Mashed Potatoes to soak up the sauce. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Smashed Green Onion Potato Bombs for extra crunch.
  • Low Carb: Try it with Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) or roasted asparagus.
  • Snack Side: If you are cooking for kids, you can serve Air Fryer Baby Snacks as an appetizer while the chicken cooks.
A serving of creamy marry me chicken plated over angel hair pasta with extra sauce and a glass of white wine.

Storing Leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
  • Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this dish as the cream sauce can split and become grainy when thawed.

FAQ: Questions About Creamy Marry Me Chicken

Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?

The legend goes that the sauce is so rich and flavorful that anyone you serve it to will want to marry you on the spot! It’s the ultimate engagement chicken

Can I use chicken thighs for Creamy Marry Me Chicken?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving. Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are done.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not really. The red pepper flakes add a tiny “kick” to balance the heavy cream, but it’s not “hot.” You can omit them entirely if serving to kids.

Can I make a dessert to go with this?

Yes! A romantic meal needs a sweet ending. We recommend our Peanut Butter Banana Mug Cake for a quick and easy dessert.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for a proposal or just a pat on the back for a great dinner, this Creamy Marry Me Chicken is a winner. It brings the bold flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs together in a way that feels fancy but is effortless to make.

Ready to fall in love? If you try this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to pin this to your “Date Night Recipes” board.

Join my vibrant Facebook Page, Alanarecipes, and share your best brunch creations!


Print

Creamy Marry Me Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This viral Creamy Marry Me Chicken recipe features juicy chicken in a rich sun-dried tomato and parmesan cream sauce. It’s a one-pan meal ready in 30 minutes, perfect for a romantic dinner or busy weeknight.

  • Author: Alana
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 25
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs (700g) Chicken Breasts (cut into cutlets)

1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (optional for dredging)

Salt and Black Pepper to taste

2 tbsp Olive Oil

1 tbsp Butter

3 cloves Garlic, minced

1 cup Chicken Broth (low sodium)

3/4 cup Heavy Cream

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

1/3 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped

1 tsp Dried Oregano

1 tsp Dried Thyme

1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

Fresh Basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge in flour (shake off excess).

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same pan, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up brown bits.

6. Add heavy cream, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.

7. Simmer on low for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

8. Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it to warm through.

9. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

Low Carb Option: Skip the flour and serve over zucchini noodles.

Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 breast
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 600
  • Fat: 35
  • Saturated Fat: 18
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 12
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 45
  • Cholesterol: 140

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Alana Bennett

Hi, I’m Alana! I’m a home cook from North Carolina who believes great food brings people together. I started alanarecipes to share easy, flavorful recipes that anyone can make. From cozy classics to fun kitchen experiments, I’m here to help you cook with joy—one delicious dish at a time.

You Might Also Like...

Easy Keto Taco Casserole: Cheesy Low Carb Dinner (30 Mins)

Easy Keto Taco Casserole: Cheesy Low Carb Dinner (30 Mins)

Best High Iron BLW Recipes: Soft Beef & Spinach Bites

Best High Iron BLW Recipes: Soft Beef & Spinach Bites

Hot Honey Air Fryer Salmon Bites: The Best 10-Minute Viral Dinner

Hot Honey Air Fryer Salmon Bites: The Best 10-Minute Viral Dinner

Baked Brie with Figs and Honey: The Ultimate 15-Minute Elegant Appetizer

Baked Brie with Figs and Honey: The Ultimate 15-Minute Elegant Appetizer

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star