Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Marry Me Chicken is a dish that’s as comforting as it is full of flavor. Tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a…
Tip: save now, cook later.Marry Me Chicken is a dish that’s as comforting as it is full of flavor. Tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of Parmesan cheese come together to create a meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. The sauce is rich and velvety, with just the right amount of tang from the sun-dried tomatoes.
I love making this recipe because it’s one of those dishes that impresses without needing to fuss too much. The sauce is unbelievably creamy and flavorful, and it always feels like a little celebration on a weekday night. I also like to sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top to add a pop of color and freshness—it really lifts the whole dish.
For serving, I usually pair it with some fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. A simple green salad on the side rounds it out nicely. It’s a great recipe to keep in your back pocket for when you want a meal that’s cozy, tasty, and a little bit fancy without being complicated.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work great here for quick cooking and tenderness. If you prefer, thighs are juicier and more forgiving but may change cooking time.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add a richer taste and texture. Dried ones can work but soak them first in warm water or broth to soften.
Heavy cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or coconut cream, but the texture won’t be as thick.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor. If unavailable, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good alternatives.
Fresh basil: Fresh herbs brighten the sauce at the end. If you don’t have basil, parsley or thyme can also work well.
How Do I Get the Creamy Sauce Perfect Without It Breaking?
To keep the sauce smooth and creamy, it’s important to cook on medium to medium-low heat once you add cream. High heat can cause the sauce to separate. Also:
- After sautéing garlic and tomatoes, reduce the heat before adding cream.
- Stir continuously while the sauce simmers—this helps prevent curdling.
- Add cheese gradually and melt it gently into the sauce.
- If the sauce gets too thick, thin it out with a bit more chicken broth or cream.
By taking it slow and stirring often, your sauce will stay silky and delicious!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning chicken and cooking the creamy sauce all in one pan.
- Tongs – help you flip the chicken breasts easily without breaking the crust.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate cream, broth, and seasoning measurements.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir the sauce gently and scrape browned bits off the pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and a richer flavor.
- Add fresh spinach or kale near the end for a pop of color and nutrients.
- Swap Parmesan for goat cheese for a tangy twist that melts into the sauce nicely.
- Include a pinch of smoked paprika or oregano to boost warmth and herbiness in the sauce.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend 10 minutes preparing the chicken and ingredients, 15 minutes cooking the chicken and sauce, and a few extra minutes to let the flavors blend before serving. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
Turn the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Use a spoon to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the pan bottom. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, butter, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a little heat. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Combine and Serve:
Stir fresh basil into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors blend and the chicken heats through.
Garnish with extra fresh basil, then serve hot with your favorite sides like rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use a cold water bath for quicker thawing. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it brown nicely.
Can I Make Marry Me Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready, gently reheat the sauce on the stove and warm the chicken in it to keep everything moist and flavorful.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to reheat evenly.
Can I Substitute Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes for a different but delicious flavor. Just keep in mind the sauce’s tanginess will be milder with these alternatives.