If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm, cozy hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time—rich, flavorful, and so comforting. When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked instantly, and honestly, it’s become a go-to for busy weeknights and even special occasions. Stick around because I’m sharing all my tips and tricks to help you nail this dish in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, indulgent sauce: The velvety sauce combines heavy cream, parmesan, and sundried tomatoes for a rich flavor bomb.
- Simple ingredients: No fancy pantry items—most of these are staples you probably have on hand already.
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
- Versatile and satisfying: Goes beautifully over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe is in the balance of fresh herbs, tangy sundried tomatoes, and that cheesy, creamy sauce. The chicken cutlets take center stage, soaking up all those wonderful flavors.
- Chicken breasts: I like to slice them into thin cutlets so they cook quickly and evenly—no waiting around!
- Salt and ground black pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavors.
- All-purpose flour: This gives that lovely golden crust on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce too.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity base for sautéing with a touch of richness.
- Unsalted butter: Butter plays a key role in that silky sauce and browning the chicken.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic boosts flavor with a fragrant punch.
- Chicken stock: Using stock instead of water adds depth without overpowering the dish.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, indulgent creaminess that brings it all together.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan melts perfectly, adding nutty, salty notes.
- Chili flakes: Just a touch to give a gentle kick without overpowering the creaminess.
- Oregano and thyme: These dried herbs add earthy, fresh flavors to the sauce.
- Sundried tomatoes: Chopped finely for bursts of tangy sweetness throughout the sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves: I always finish with fresh basil—it brightens everything up beautifully.
Variations
I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or what mood I’m in. Don’t be afraid to tweak it—you’ll find that little adjustments can really make it your own and keep things exciting.
- Add mushrooms: I sometimes toss in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor and extra texture.
- Swap cream for Greek yogurt: For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt stirred in at the end, but do it off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Spice it up: Increase the chili flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika if you like things hotter.
- Herb swaps: Fresh thyme or rosemary work beautifully if that’s what you have on hand instead of oregano and thyme.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Dredge Your Chicken
Start by seasoning your thin chicken cutlets well with salt and pepper—this is key to every flavorful bite. Then, coat each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This flour coating helps create a golden crust when you sear the chicken, which also adds lovely texture and helps thicken the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken Gently
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. I love swirling the pan to coat it evenly with the fat—this keeps the chicken from sticking and promotes a perfect sear. Cook the chicken cutlets in batches if needed, giving each side 4-5 minutes until golden and fully cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; otherwise, you’ll steam the chicken instead of browning it. Once done, set the chicken aside on a warm plate to rest.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it—it turns bitter fast. Pour in the chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the caramelized bits stuck to the pan; this is flavor gold! Drop the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let the sauce gently simmer so it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Chicken Back In
Season with chili flakes, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Then stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes—they add a slightly sweet, tangy pop that I really love. Nestle the cooked chicken back into the sauce and let everything simmer together for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is steaming hot.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves over the top to add that bright, herbal finish. This Creamy Marry Me Chicken tastes incredible served warm over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. Trust me, your whole family is going to go crazy for this one!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Don’t skip the flour dredge: It’s what gives the chicken that perfect golden crust and helps thicken your sauce quickly.
- Cook chicken in batches: Crowding the pan traps steam, which means no crispy crust—patience pays off!
- Scrape those brown bits: Deglazing the pan with chicken stock unlocks deep, savory flavor for the sauce.
- Avoid burning garlic: Stir constantly and watch closely to keep the garlic fragrant and smooth, not bitter.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with fresh basil because it adds a subtle peppery freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top or a few chili flakes for extra heat if my family is feeling bold.
Side Dishes
My favorite side has to be buttery pasta—linguine or fettuccine soak up that luscious sauce beautifully. Basmati or jasmine rice works just as well if you want something lighter. On occasion, I pair it with garlic mashed potatoes for an ultra-comforting dinner experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For date nights or special family dinners, I like to plate the chicken over a neat nest of pasta with sundried tomatoes and basil arranged artfully on top. A drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds that restaurant-quality touch that wows every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays delicious for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating gently on the stovetop so the sauce doesn’t separate.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Just pop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently. The sauce may thicken but a splash of cream or stock helps loosen it back up.
Reheating
To reheat, use a low heat setting on the stovetop, stirring often to prevent scorching. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little chicken stock or cream until it reaches the right consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and bring a bit more fat and flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time since thighs might take a little longer to cook through.
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What can I serve with Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe?
It goes wonderfully over pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve it alongside roasted veggies or a green salad for a balance of rich and fresh flavors.
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Is this recipe spicy?
It has just a mild heat from the chili flakes, which balances the creamy sauce nicely. You can always adjust the amount up or down depending on your preference.
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Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, but it will change the flavor profile. For best results, stick to the classic version or try lighter dairy alternatives if that works for you.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the kind of meal that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to make. It’s full of flavor, comforting, and impresses everyone who tries it. I’m confident you’ll love it as much as my family and I do—give it a shot and see just how easy it is to turn simple ingredients into something truly memorable!
Print
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a rich and creamy skillet chicken dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts cooked in a luscious sauce of garlic, chicken stock, cream, parmesan cheese, and sundried tomatoes, garnished with fresh basil. This flavorful recipe is perfect to serve over pasta or rice and promises a delicious and impressive meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 large chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream (double cream in the UK)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the thinly sliced chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess flour to ensure a light coating.
- Brown the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and melt the butter. Swirl the pan to evenly coat it with the oil and butter mixture. Add chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, cover, and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and deglaze: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, incorporating them into the sauce.
- Make the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer gently for a couple of minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in chili flakes, thyme, and oregano for added flavor.
- Combine and finish: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped sundried tomatoes and return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes until the sauce thickens further and the chicken is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves over the dish and serve warm. This chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta or rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Marry Me Chicken is creamy, juicy, and full of flavor, often dubbed irresistible enough to inspire a marriage proposal!
- Ensure not to overcrowd the pan while browning chicken to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level for a milder or spicier sauce.
- This dish can be served over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Use fresh herbs like basil to elevate the flavor and presentation just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 447 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 601 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 147 mg