Marry Me Chicken is everything you want in a comfort meal. It’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor, with tender chicken in a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce. The balance of tangy sun-dried tomatoes and herbs takes it over the top. If you’re looking for a recipe that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough for a weeknight, this is the one you’ll come back to again and again. This isn’t just a good chicken dish. It’s the only one you’ll ever need.
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Slice chicken breasts into thin cutlets, pat dry, season with salt and pepper, and dredge in flour. Shake off excess.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat slightly, add garlic (and a spoonful of sun‑dried tomato oil if available) to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken stock and scrape up browned bits with a wooden spoon.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Add sun‑dried tomatoes or paste, dried thyme, oregano, and chili flakes. Stir to combine.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over each piece, and simmer a few minutes until sauce thickens and clings.
- Turn off heat, garnish with chopped fresh basil, and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Calories: 447 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 147 mg
- Sodium: 601 mg
- Potassium: 749 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Vitamin A: 1019 IU
- Vitamin C: 5 mg
- Calcium: 154 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Is Marry Me Chicken & Why Is It So Famous?
The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that the dish is so good it might just earn you a marriage proposal. Its creamy, savory flavor and impressive look have made it a viral favorite. Some say the first bite could win someone’s heart.
The story behind its popularity begins with a recipe shared by Delish in 2016. That version made the dish widely known online. But the roots go even further back. In 1982, Glamour magazine featured something called “Engagement Chicken” which had a similar idea. The connection between delicious food and love clearly isn’t new.
Marry Me Chicken is known for its rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. The flavor is smooth and savory with a touch of tangy sweetness. It feels comforting yet elegant, making it perfect for everything from cozy dinners to special occasions.
Why This Is the Best Marry Me Chicken Recipe
This version stands out because every detail has been tested and refined. The sauce has just the right balance of cream and stock, creating a thick and silky texture without splitting or turning greasy.
You’ll also find expert tips throughout the recipe. From how to get the perfect golden crust on your chicken to which cheese melts best, these small tricks add up to restaurant-level results in your own kitchen.
What really sets this guide apart is how complete it is. Every common question is answered in one place. Whether you’re wondering about ingredient swaps, storage tips, or serving ideas, you won’t need to search anywhere else. This is your one-stop guide to mastering Marry Me Chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- Chicken breasts (slice them into thin cutlets for quicker, even cooking)
- Plain flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Butter
These create a light, crispy crust that holds up beautifully under the creamy sauce.
For the Creamy Sauce
- Garlic (freshly chopped for best flavor)
- Chicken stock (adds savory depth)
- Heavy cream (use full-fat cream only for a thick, rich texture)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (grating it yourself gives better melt and flavor)
- Sun-dried tomato paste or chopped sun-dried tomatoes (the star of the dish)
Herbs and Seasonings
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Chili flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Fresh basil (roughly chopped for garnish)
These ingredients come together to make a sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with layered flavors.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make thin cutlets. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge the cutlets lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat a mix of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for about four minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Start the Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add chopped garlic. Sauté until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits hold a lot of flavor.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir slowly until the sauce becomes smooth and starts to thicken.
Step 6: Add Flavor
Stir in the sun-dried tomato paste, dried thyme, and oregano. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Step 7: Combine and Simmer
Place the cooked chicken back into the pan. Spoon some sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Pro-Tips for Perfect Results
Use Chicken Cutlets
Thin, even pieces cook faster and stay juicier. Cutting chicken breasts in half horizontally gives you better texture and more consistent results.
Grate Your Own Parmesan
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated Parmesan blends into the sauce better and adds a richer taste.
Use Heavy Cream Only
Skip light cream or half-and-half. Only full-fat heavy cream gives the sauce its velvety texture and helps it thicken properly.
Don’t Waste Flavor
When you open the jar of sun-dried tomatoes, use a spoonful of the oil to sauté your garlic. It adds a deep, savory flavor that takes the sauce up a notch.
Recipe Variations to Try
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
After the chicken is cooked and the sauce is ready, stir in cooked pasta like pappardelle or fettuccine. Let it simmer for a minute so the pasta can soak up the creamy sauce.
Add Greens
Toss in a few handfuls of fresh spinach right before serving. The heat from the sauce will wilt the spinach quickly, adding color and a bit of extra nutrition.
Spicier Version
If you like heat, increase the amount of chili flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bolder kick without changing the base flavor too much.
What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken
Classic Pairings
Pasta
Serve with plain spaghetti, linguine, or garlic butter pasta to soak up the rich sauce.
Mashed Potatoes or Rice
Both are great for balancing the creaminess. Mashed potatoes add extra comfort, while white or brown rice keeps it simple.
Crusty Bread or Homemade Breadsticks
Perfect for scooping up every last bit of the sauce. Choose a loaf with a crisp edge and soft center.
Low-Carb Options
Zucchini Noodles or Butternut Squash Noodles
These are light alternatives that still pair well with the bold sauce.
Cauliflower Rice
Mild in flavor and quick to cook, this keeps the dish lower in carbs without losing satisfaction.
Steamed Greens
Try broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. Their clean taste balances the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
Storing
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The dish stays fresh for up to three days.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave using short intervals. Add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce and keep it smooth.
Freezing
This dish is not ideal for freezing. The creamy sauce can separate and turn grainy once thawed. For best texture and flavor, enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making it.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is the kind of recipe that feels both comforting and impressive. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it delivers bold flavor without being difficult to make. It’s the go-to dish for weeknight dinners, date nights, or when you simply want something that tastes special.
If you’ve tried this recipe, leave a comment below and give it a star rating. Your feedback helps others and means a lot. Feel free to share your version on Pinterest or Facebook to spread the love.
What twist did you try on this dish? Did you go spicy, add pasta, or keep it classic? Let us know in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where does Marry Me Chicken come from?
The name comes from the idea that this dish is so tasty that it could inspire a marriage proposal. Its modern version has gained popularity thanks to a recipe published by Delish in 2016, although the concept dates back to “Engagement Chicken” published by Glamour magazine in 1982.
Does the “Marry me” chicken warm up well?
Yes, it warms up very well. Heat it gently over low heat or in the microwave, with a little water or broth to relax the sauce.
What’s the difference between Marry Me Chicken and Tuscan Chicken?
Explain they are very similar, but Tuscan chicken often includes spinach and sometimes mushrooms, while Marry Me Chicken’s flavor profile is more focused on the sun-dried tomato and herb combination.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but note that boneless, skinless thighs may take longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Advise that heavy cream is best for thickness, but mascarpone is another option used in some variations. Explicitly advise against milk or light cream.
Did you make this Marry Me Chicken recipe? I’d love to see it! Be sure to leave a star rating and a review below. Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest for later and tag me on Instagram when you share your creation.