They say this dish is so good it’ll make anyone want to put a ring on it — and honestly, they might be right. One Pan Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is rich, creamy, and absolutely packed with flavor thanks to juicy chicken, a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and those tangy-sweet sun-dried tomatoes. It’s simple enough for weeknights, but elegant enough to feel straight out of a restaurant.
The best part? This recipe all comes together in one skillet in just about 30 minutes. That means less time cooking and cleaning, and more time actually enjoying your dinner (and soaking up all those compliments). It’s the kind of meal that feels like a little luxury without requiring hours in the kitchen — weeknight cooking at its absolute best.
If you like this marry me chicken recipe, you should try our Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Creamy Pesto Chicken next. This dish also pairs perfectly with Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes or some fresh Homemade Bread for dipping into all that dreamy sauce.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality flavor at home. This Marry Me Chicken is all about juicy chicken cutlets simmered in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. The balance of creamy, tangy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors makes it taste like a dish you’d order at a fancy restaurant, but you get to whip it up in your own kitchen any night of the week.
- One pan wonder. Everything comes together in a single skillet — the seared chicken, the garlic, the cream, the Parmesan. That means less mess, fewer dishes, and maximum flavor. It’s a weeknight hero that doesn’t sacrifice elegance, which is exactly the kind of cooking we all need more of.
- Quick and easy. From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30 minutes. The steps are simple, straightforward, and beginner-friendly, so you don’t need advanced skills to pull it off. The result is a silky, flavorful sauce and perfectly tender chicken that tastes like you worked way harder than you actually did.
- Crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or even date night, this recipe never fails to impress. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce clings beautifully to pasta, mashed potatoes, or bread, making it a versatile entree that everyone at the table will rave about.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
To make this delicious Marry Me Chicken, you will need the following ingredients (see recipe card below for quantities):
- chicken cutlets – Boneless and skinless, about 1 pound. You can also slice large chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make cutlets, or swap for boneless skinless chicken thighs if you like richer flavor.
- salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the creamy sauce.
- Italian seasoning – Adds a quick boost of herby flavor. Use a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and basil if you don’t have premade Italian seasoning.
- all-purpose flour – Lightly coating the chicken helps it brown beautifully and gives the sauce a little thickness. For gluten-free, swap with rice flour or almond flour.
- extra virgin olive oil – For searing the chicken with great flavor. Avocado oil also works.
- butter – Adds richness to the sauce and balances the tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
- garlic – Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
- chili flakes – Just a touch for subtle heat. Add more red pepper flakes if you like it spicy, or omit for mild.
- heavy cream – The base of the sauce that makes it so rich and velvety. Half-and-half works in a pinch but won’t be as thick.
- chicken stock – Adds savory depth and helps thin out the cream. Vegetable stock can be used instead.
- sun-dried tomatoes – The star ingredient. Use oil-packed for the best flavor. Drain before chopping.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce and adds a salty, nutty punch. Pecorino Romano is a good substitute.
- fresh basil – A fragrant garnish that brightens everything up. Parsley works too if that’s what you have
Equipment
You’ll also need measuring cups and spoons, a cutting board and sharp knife, a large skillet or sauté pan, a spatula or tongs for turning chicken, and a whisk for the sauce.
Instructions
Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken cutlets completely dry with a paper towel. Season all over with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then lightly evenly coat with flour.
Sear the chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering, about 1–2 minutes. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Make the sauce base
In the same skillet, add butter, garlic, and chili flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken stock, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
Simmer
Mix until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, about 3–4 minutes.
Finish the chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over to coat. Simmer together until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 3–4 minutes. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Expert Tip: Use Thin Cutlets
The key to juicy chicken that cooks quickly is starting with thin cutlets. If your skinless chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally before cooking. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender in the sauce.
More Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F is perfect). Overcooking will make it dry.
- Deglaze the pan. After searing the chicken, scrape up the brown bits at the bottom of the pan when adding stock. Those bits add loads of flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Grating fresh makes the sauce extra silky.
- Balance the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. A pinch more salt, pepper, or chili flakes can make the flavors pop.
- Serve right away. The sauce thickens as it cools, so enjoy this meal fresh off the stove for the best texture.
Recipe Variations
- Make it spicy. Add extra chili flakes or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste for bold heat.
- Mushroom twist. Add sliced mushrooms when sautéing the garlic for extra earthiness and bulk.
- Greens boost. Stir in spinach or kale right before serving for added color and nutrients.
- Cheesy upgrade. Mix in mozzarella or fontina cheese along with Parmesan for a gooey, extra-cheesy sauce.
- Add tomato paste. For an extra boost of depth and richness, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of tomato paste when you add the garlic and chili flakes. It intensifies the savory flavor of the sauce, gives it a deeper red hue, and balances the creaminess with a subtle sweetness.
- Lighter version. Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. The sauce won’t be as thick but will still be delicious.
- Pasta pairing. Slice the chicken and toss it directly with cooked pasta for an easy one-pan creamy pasta dinner.
Storage
How to Store
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce.
How to Freeze
Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
This creamy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes shines with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Serve it with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and add roasted veggies or bread to round out the meal. Serve with Mashed Cauliflower or Zucchini Noodles for a low-carb option.
These are some popular recipes to serve with Marry Me Chicken:
Side Dishes for Chicken
Looking for the perfect accompaniments to your chicken dinner? From roasted vegetables and fresh salads to creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful grains, our collection of sides has something for every type of chicken recipe.
FAQ
The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that this dish is so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal. The rich sauce, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomato flavors make it incredibly comforting and impressive at the same time. It’s the kind of meal you serve when you want to wow someone — whether that’s your partner, family, or even just yourself.
The “real” name is simply creamy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, or creamy Parmesan chicken. The playful name “Marry Me Chicken” was given to this dish because it’s so delicious that it’s rumored to inspire a marriage proposal after just one bite. While not an official culinary term, the nickname has stuck because it captures how irresistible and memorable the dish is. At its core, though, it’s a classic creamy skillet chicken recipe that combines simple, familiar ingredients in a way that feels luxurious and unforgettable — no wedding required to enjoy it!
Marry Me Chicken is made with boneless, skinless chicken cutlets, seared until golden, and then simmered in a creamy Parmesan sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken stock, and heavy cream. Fresh basil on top adds brightness. It’s a simple set of ingredients, but they come together into a meal that tastes indulgent and restaurant-worthy, all in one pan.
Marry Me Chicken is all about balance: rich, creamy, and garlicky with a tangy-sweet kick from sun-dried tomatoes and a nutty, salty depth from Parmesan cheese. The sauce is velvety and indulgent without being overwhelming, thanks to the chicken stock which lightens it up. The fresh basil at the end adds a pop of herby brightness that ties everything together. Overall, the flavor is savory, comforting, and crave-worthy — the kind of dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant but is easy enough to make at home. It’s warm, cozy, and special all at once.
While the two recipes are similar, Marry Me Chicken tends to focus on a creamy Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, while Tuscan chicken often includes extras like spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes for a more layered vegetable base. Tuscan chicken can also sometimes feature a slightly heavier cream-to-stock ratio, making it richer and thicker. Both are one-pan chicken recipes with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors, but Marry Me Chicken is a little more streamlined and straightforward. Think of it as the elegant yet fuss-free cousin of Tuscan chicken — with just enough indulgence to win anyone over.
Yes! You can make the sauce and chicken up to 1 day ahead, then store separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently in a skillet and add the chicken back in to warm through. Just avoid overcooking the chicken during reheating to keep it tender.
Marry Me Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or crusty bread are classic choices. You can also add a fresh green salad or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli to balance out the richness.
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Recipe
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the chicken cutlets completely dry with a paper towel. Season all over with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then lightly evenly coat with flour.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering, about 1–2 minutes. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter, garlic, and chili flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken stock, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, about 3–4 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over to coat. Simmer together until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 3–4 minutes. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve immediately with pasta, rice, or crusty bread..
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