The Best Marry Me Chicken – One-Pan, 30-Minute Recipe
Marry Me Chicken is the kind of meal that makes people sit up and take notice. With tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, every bite is packed with flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes and herbs bring depth, while the creamy texture makes it pure comfort food.
This dish comes together in one pan and takes just 30 minutes, making it great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. However you plate it, this meal is bound to be a hit.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- One Pan & Easy Cleanup – Everything comes together in a single skillet.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce – A creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for a cozy dinner at home or a special meal.
- Quick & Simple – Ready in about 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Chicken: Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, but thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. If using thighs, adjust the cooking time slightly. If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them lightly for even cooking.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add extra richness and blend seamlessly into the sauce. If using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Heavy cream creates the best texture. If using a substitute, you may need to simmer a bit longer to thicken.
Parmesan Cheese: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan, as pre-grated varieties contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s consistency. Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be used for a slightly different flavor.
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the basil, oregano, and thyme. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 3: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting the cheese melt into the sauce.
Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Expert Tips
- Use Thin Chicken Breasts – If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them slightly for even cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Sun-Dried Tomatoes – They add a unique depth of flavor.
- Simmer Uncovered – Helps the sauce thicken beautifully.
- Add Spice – For a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or use cajun seasoning.
- For a vegetarian version, check out this recipe of Marry Me Chickpeas.
What To Served With Marry Me Chicken
This creamy dish pairs well with:
✔️ Pasta – Linguine, fettuccine, or penne.
✔️ Mashed potatoes – Buttery and fluffy for soaking up the sauce.
✔️ Rice – A simple, neutral base to balance the flavors.
✔️ Steamed or roasted veggies – Such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- To Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce.
- To Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
More Chicken Recipes
- Crispy, juicy, and golden brown—this buttermilk fried chicken is the real deal! Double-dipped for extra crunch and packed with flavor, this is the only fried chicken recipe you’ll ever need.
- Make your next meal effortlessly delicious with these crispy air fryer chicken cutlets. They’re ready in no time, with that perfect golden crunch on the outside and juicy tender chicken inside. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead!
- Get ready for the ultimate chicken thighs—crispy on the outside, perfectly juicy on the inside, and all made in your air fryer! This quick and easy air fryer chicken thighs recipe will be your go-to for a delicious dinner any night of the week.
- Crispy, juicy, and utterly delicious—these air fryer chicken drumsticks are a must-try! With minimal prep and no fuss, you can whip up a quick dinner that the whole family will rave about.
If you tried this Marry Me Chicken Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to reduce slightly. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting the cheese melt into the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread!
Notes
- Use Thin Chicken Breasts – If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them slightly for even cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Sun-Dried Tomatoes – They add a unique depth of flavor.
- Simmer Uncovered – Helps the sauce thicken beautifully.
- Add Spice – For a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or use cajun seasoning.
5 star. It was very good.
Hi Marylyn, Thank you for your feedback. I am so glad you liked it.
– Shilpa