A Dish with a Funny Name
I first heard about this chicken from my neighbor, Linda. She made it for her boyfriend, Frank. He loved it so much he joked, Will you marry me? I still laugh at that. The name just stuck.
It is more than just a silly story. It is about food made with love. A good meal can make someone feel truly special. That is why this matters. What is the best meal someone has ever made for you?
Getting Your Chicken Just Right
Do not skip the first step. Pat your chicken dry with a paper towel. This is the secret for a beautiful, crispy outside. A soggy chicken will not sear properly.
Season it well with the Italian seasoning and spices. Do not be shy. This gives the chicken its own great flavor before it even touches the sauce. You want every part to be tasty.
The Magic is in the Sauce
After you cook the chicken, you make the sauce right in the same pan. All those little brown bits left behind are flavor gold. You melt the butter and sauté the garlic. Does not that smell amazing?
Then you add the broth, cream, and parmesan. Stir and watch it come together. It gets thick and creamy. Fun fact: The acid in the lemon juice brightens the whole sauce. It keeps it from feeling too heavy.
Bringing It All Together
Now for the sun-dried tomatoes. They are little sweet and tangy surprises. Stir them into the creamy sauce. Then you put the chicken back in the pan.
Spoon that lovely sauce right over each piece. Let it all get cozy for a few minutes. This lets the chicken soak up some of that creamy goodness. Do you prefer your food over pasta, rice, or something else?
Why a Simple Meal Feels Special
This dish feels like a fancy restaurant meal. But you make it in your own kitchen. It shows that you do not need complicated recipes to create joy. That is a good lesson for cooking and for life.
The best dinners are about the feeling they give you. This one is warm, creamy, and full of love. It is a hug on a plate. What is your own special occasion recipe at home?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 2 large | Halved horizontally |
| Avocado oil | 2-3 tablespoons | |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tablespoon | |
| Garlic powder | 2 teaspoons | |
| Cayenne pepper | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons | |
| Garlic, cloves | 4-5 | Minced |
| Chicken broth | 1 ¼ cup | |
| Heavy cream | 1 ¼ cup | |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup | Freshly grated |
| Sun dried tomatoes | ¾ cup | Drained and chopped |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | |
| Red pepper flakes | For garnish | Optional |
| Fresh parsley and basil | For garnish | Optional, chopped |
Why They Call It Marry Me Chicken
I first made this chicken for my Frank on a regular Tuesday. He took one bite and got this funny look. He said, Grace, you should serve this on our anniversary. I still laugh at that. The name is silly, but the feeling is real. It is just that good.
This dish is pure comfort in a pan. It feels fancy but is so simple to make. The creamy sauce with those little sun-dried tomatoes is magic. It makes your whole kitchen smell amazing. You will want to serve it over something to catch every drop.
Let’s get your chicken ready for the pan. Pat it dry with a paper towel. This helps the skin get a beautiful golden color. Brush it with oil and rub on all those lovely seasonings. Doesn’t that smell wonderful already?
Step 1: Heat your skillet until it is nice and hot. Add a little oil to coat the bottom. Carefully place your chicken in the pan. You should hear a happy sizzle. Cook it for a few minutes on each side until golden.
Step 2: Take the chicken out and set it aside. Now, for the best part, the sauce. Melt your butter in that same pan. All those little browned bits from the chicken are flavor gold. Add the garlic and stir until you can smell it. Oh, it is heavenly.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Sprinkle in your freshly grated parmesan. Stir, stir, stir until it is all melted together. Let it bubble gently until it thickens up. (A hard-learned tip: grate your own parmesan. The pre-shredded kind just does not melt as smoothly.)
Step 4: Now, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and a squeeze of lemon juice. This little bit of lemon makes the whole sauce sing. Give it a taste. Does it need a pinch more salt or pepper? You are the boss of your sauce.
Step 5: Tuck the chicken back into that creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce right over the top of each piece. Let it all warm together for a few minutes. What is your favorite cozy meal to make? Share below! Now it is ready to make someone very happy.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Give It Your Own Twist
This recipe is like a good friend. It is wonderful as it is, but it also loves new ideas. Do not be afraid to play with your food. I do it all the time. Here are a few fun ways to change it up.
Mushroom Lover’s Dream. Swap the chicken for sliced mushrooms. They get so juicy and soak up the sauce beautifully. A perfect meatless Monday dish.
Extra Spicy Kick. Add a big spoonful of Calabrian chili paste with the garlic. It will warm you right up from the inside out. Frank calls this my fiery version.
Summer Garden Style. Use fresh, chopped tomatoes from the garden instead of sun-dried. Add a handful of fresh spinach at the very end. It tastes like sunshine.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving Your Masterpiece
Now, how to serve this lovely chicken? You need something to soak up that incredible sauce. A bed of fluffy white rice is my go-to. It is simple and perfect. Or, you can spoon it over a nest of fettuccine pasta. That is pure comfort.
Do not forget a little green on the side. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette is lovely. The peppery taste cuts through the rich sauce. Or just some steamed green beans. They are so easy and always good.
What to drink? A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully. For a non-alcoholic treat, try sparkling water with a slice of lemon. It cleanses your palate between bites. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Marry Me Chicken Happy
Let’s talk about storing this lovely dish. Cool it completely before it goes in the fridge. It will stay good for about three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. I use an airtight container.
To reheat, be gentle. Use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream. This keeps the sauce from separating. I learned this the hard way. My first time, I used high heat. The sauce became a bit grainy.
This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Double it and freeze one portion. Having a ready-made meal saves busy nights. It means more time for family. That is what truly matters. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups
Is your sauce too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer. The cream will thicken as it reduces. A thin sauce can make the dish feel soupy. Getting it right makes the meal feel special.
Is the chicken sticking to the pan? Make sure your pan is properly hot. I remember when I was too impatient. I added the chicken too soon. It stuck and tore. A hot pan gives you a perfect sear.
Does it taste a little bland? Do not forget to season at every step. Salt the chicken. Taste the sauce before adding the chicken back. Layering flavor builds your confidence. You learn how flavors work together. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. Just serve it with rice or gluten-free pasta.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time? A: Absolutely. Make the full dish and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently before serving.
Q: What if I do not have sun-dried tomatoes? A: You can use a bit of tomato paste. It will give a different, but still lovely, flavor.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course. Use a very large skillet. Or cook the chicken in two batches.
Q: Are the garnishes important? A: The fresh herbs are lovely. But the dish is still delicious without them. Fun fact: The lemon juice brightens all the other flavors! Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making this Marry Me Chicken. It is a recipe that feels like a warm hug. Sharing food is one of life’s greatest joys.
I would be so delighted to see your creation. If you make it, please share a photo. You can tag my blog on Pinterest. It makes my day to see your dishes. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking! —Grace Ellington.
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Description
This creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken features tender pan-seared chicken in a rich, cheesy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients
CHICKEN:
CREAM SAUCE:
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Brush with oil then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.
- Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining oil and coat the bottom of the pan. Once hot, add chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, until cooked through and the edges have crisped. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined and the cheese has melted. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.
- Add sun dried tomatoes, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, and any remaining seasonings. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust the sauce as needed.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce on top of each filet, and continue simmering for 3-5 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 165ºF).
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and basil if desired. Serve over white rice or pasta.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese as it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
