If there’s one dish guaranteed to make anyone fall head over heels, it’s Creamy Marry Me Chicken! This savory, tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and fresh herbs is the ultimate romantic meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just looking to treat yourself to something decadent, this dish is a perfect choice.

But why is it called “Marry Me Chicken,” you ask? Well, legend has it that the first time someone tasted this dish, they were so enamored by the flavors that they jokingly (or maybe not-so-jokingly) proposed. The combination of the creamy sauce, the juicy chicken, and the perfectly balanced herbs is nothing short of magical. It’s the type of meal that will surely win over anyone’s heart whether it’s for a romantic dinner date, a cozy night in, or a fun dinner party.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps to create this dreamy chicken dish, share tips to perfect it and explore the best ways to serve it. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Creamy Marry Me Chicken

To create the magic that is Creamy Marry Me Chicken, you won’t need too many ingredients just a few simple items you probably already have in your kitchen! Here’s everything you’ll need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The base of the dish. Chicken breasts are juicy and perfect for absorbing the rich creamy sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for sautéing the chicken and providing a crispy, golden crust.
1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness to the sauce and helps achieve a smooth texture.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – A staple for savory flavor and aroma.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Pairs perfectly with garlic powder for a well-rounded seasoning.
½ teaspoon salt – Brings out the flavors in the chicken and sauce.
½ teaspoon black pepper – A dash of pepper for that bit of spice and warmth.
1 cup heavy cream – The heart of the creamy sauce, adding a luscious and velvety texture.
¾ cup chicken broth – Adds depth of flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that elevates the sauce.
1 teaspoon dried basil – A fragrant herb that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – Adds a Mediterranean touch to the sauce.
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated – The finishing touch, gives the sauce a nutty, cheesy richness.

Directions to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken

1. Preheat the Pan

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. The butter will melt into the olive oil, giving the chicken that rich, golden-brown exterior you’re aiming for. Let the pan heat up for a few minutes until the butter is fully melted and the oil starts to shimmer.

2. Season the Chicken

While the pan is heating, take the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Make sure to coat both sides evenly to ensure that the chicken is flavorful throughout.

3. Cook the Chicken

Once the pan is ready, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Let them cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking and a crispy sear on each side.

Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer 165°F (74°C) is the magic number for perfectly cooked chicken. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You can cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, without wiping out the browned bits left behind by the chicken (they’re packed with flavor!), pour in ¾ cup of chicken broth. Use a spatula to scrape up those bits from the bottom of the pan. This process is called “deglazing” and it adds tons of flavor to your sauce.

Once the bits are incorporated, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. Add in the ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding a creamy, cheesy flavor to the mixture.

Allow the sauce to simmer gently over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the sauce will thicken slightly, becoming luscious and velvety.

5. Finish the Dish

Now that the sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring they’re fully coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

The chicken will absorb some of the sauce, becoming even more flavorful and juicy. This simmering process also gives you time to prepare any side dishes or get the table ready for your romantic dinner.

6. Serve the Creamy Marry Me Chicken

Once the chicken has soaked in all that beautiful sauce, it’s time to serve! You can serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken in a variety of ways, depending on your preference and what you have on hand. Here are some excellent options:

Over pasta: The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. The pasta will soak up the sauce, creating a delightful, rich dish.
With rice: For a more hearty meal, serve the chicken over white rice or even quinoa. The rice absorbs the sauce beautifully and balances out the richness of the dish.
With vegetables: For a lighter option, serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad. The fresh crunch of the vegetables provides a nice contrast to the creamy chicken.

Don’t forget to spoon extra sauce over the chicken and any sides you choose after all, the sauce is the star of the dish!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Marry Me Chicken

Before you indulge, here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown:

Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings

This makes it a great option for a lighter yet indulgent meal, especially if you’re looking to treat yourself or a loved one without overindulging. The rich and creamy sauce is balanced with lean chicken, so you get all the flavor without feeling overly full.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Marry Me Chicken

While Creamy Marry Me Chicken is delicious on its own, here are some ideas to make the meal even more memorable:

Garlic Bread: Serve alongside some freshly baked garlic bread to soak up all the extra sauce.
Salad: Pair this dish with a light caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad to balance out the richness.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic will make the perfect side dish to this flavorful chicken.
Wine Pairing: For those who enjoy wine, pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light rosé. These wines will complement the richness of the sauce.

Variations to Try with Creamy Marry Me Chicken

While this dish is already a winner as is, there are always ways to customize it to your tastes! Here are some fun variations:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce to give it a spicy twist.
Bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, crumble some crispy bacon on top of the chicken just before serving.
Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try substituting the chicken with portobello mushrooms or tofu, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Add Spinach: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach when making the creamy sauce for added nutrients and a pop of color.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Creamy Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just reheat the sauce and cook the chicken as directed.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.

Can I make this dish without heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Conclusion

Creamy Marry Me Chicken is the perfect dish to add a little romance to your dinner table. The combination of tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and the delightful addition of sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan will leave your taste buds swooning. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to be a hit at any dinner party or romantic evening. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or veggies, this dish is sure to become your new favorite recipe.

For more mouthwatering and comforting dishes like this, be sure to check out:

Share your thoughts and how you’ve made this dish your own in the comments below! Happy cooking!

Creamy Marry Me Chicken – Romantic Dinner Recipe

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Marry Me Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish perfect for romantic dinners. With tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan, this dish will win over your taste buds! It’s simple to make and sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup chicken broth
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Preheat the Pan:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, oregano, and parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Finish the Dish:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over each piece, and let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
Serve the Creamy Marry Me Chicken over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables for the ultimate romantic meal!

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
This dish pairs perfectly with pasta or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
You can also substitute the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers if preferred.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American, Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 44g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Recipe, Marry Me Chicken, Romantic Chicken Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipe, Chicken in Cream Sauce