Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, Marry Me Chicken is a restaurant-quality dinner that's surprisingly easy to make at home. Tender, pan-seared chicken breasts are simmered in a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs, creating a dish so delicious it's earned its unforgettable name. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a comforting meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Classic Marry Me Chicken 🍗
Juicy chicken paired with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce makes this one-pan recipe an instant family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Add the Cream
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Finish Cooking
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and simmer for another 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Why This Recipe Works 🍽️
The golden sear locks in the chicken's juices while adding rich flavor to the pan. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a slightly sweet, tangy contrast to the creamy Parmesan sauce, and garlic and herbs bring everything together into a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal.
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, richest sauce.
- Don't boil the cream sauce, as gentle simmering keeps it silky.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
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