Marry Me Chicken: A Creamy, Irresistible Dinner Worth Saying “Yes” To

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken has earned its name for good reason—this dish is rich, comforting, and so flavourful that it feels worthy of a special occasion yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. The combination of pan-seared chicken, sundried tomatoes, garlic, and cream creates a sauce that is both deeply savoury and slightly tangy. It clings beautifully to the chicken, resulting in a luxurious finish that always impresses. I once experimented by replacing part of the heavy cream with plain Greek yoghurt, and to my surprise, the final dish remained velvety with a pleasant brightness. Whether served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this recipe creates the kind of meal that guests remember—and that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts
Chicken breasts provide a tender, neutral base that soaks up the rich, creamy sauce beautifully. When seared well, they develop a golden crust that adds depth.

Olive oil
Olive oil helps achieve that perfect sear while contributing subtle richness to the overall flavour.

Salt and pepper
These simple seasonings enhance the chicken’s natural flavour and balance the creamy sauce.

Garlic
Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and aroma, complementing the sundried tomatoes perfectly.

Sundried tomatoes
Sundried tomatoes introduce a vibrant tanginess and concentrated tomato flavour that cuts through the richness.

Chicken broth
Broth forms the savoury backbone of the sauce, preventing it from becoming overly heavy.

Heavy cream
Cream gives the sauce its signature velvety texture and luxurious mouthfeel.

Parmesan cheese
Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty depth that rounds out the dish.

Italian seasoning
A blend of herbs that brings harmony and a gently aromatic finish.

Crushed red pepper flakes
A hint of heat enhances the flavour complexity without becoming overpowering.

Fresh basil
Fresh basil adds colour and brightness, lifting the richness of the sauce.

Directions

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. This step creates flavourful fond on the bottom of the pan, which will later enrich the sauce. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Stir in the sundried tomatoes, allowing them to warm and release their oils. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits, then add the heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until smooth. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it generously with the sauce. Simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens to your liking. Finish with fresh basil before serving. Allow the dish to rest briefly so the flavours meld together beautifully.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may cause the sauce to separate.

Variations and Customizations

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Slice the chicken before adding it back to the sauce and toss with cooked pasta for a complete one-pan dish.

Lightened-Up Version

Replace half the cream with Greek yoghurt for a slightly tangier but still creamy sauce.

Spicy Lovers’ Variation

Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for bolder heat.

Mushroom Addition

Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic to add earthy depth.

Spinach Upgrade

Stir in fresh spinach toward the end for added colour and nutrition.

Tomato-Free Version

Skip the sundried tomatoes and incorporate caramelised onions for sweetness.

Parmesan-Crusted Option

Coat the chicken lightly in Parmesan before searing for extra flavour.

Herbs de Provence Twist

Swap Italian seasoning for herbs de Provence for a floral, aromatic profile.

Cream Cheese Enrichment

Add a spoonful of cream cheese for an even richer, silkier sauce.

Dairy-Free Adaptation

Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast; the texture remains luscious with a subtle coconut note.

FAQs

Does Marry Me Chicken taste very tangy?

It has a gentle tang from sundried tomatoes, balanced by the creamy sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs work wonderfully and stay naturally moist.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, reheat slowly with added broth to maintain the sauce texture.

Why did my sauce curdle?

High heat can cause separation; simmer gently instead of boiling.

Can I bake this dish?

You may bake the chicken in the sauce at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes.

Can I add vegetables?

Spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini all complement the flavours well.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?

Freezing is not ideal due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate.

Is Parmesan necessary?

It strongly enhances flavour, but you may use Pecorino as a substitute.

Can I make it without cream?

Use evaporated milk or Greek yoghurt, though the texture will differ slightly.

What can I serve with this recipe?

It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken delivers elegance with minimal effort, blending creamy richness, aromatic herbs, and savoury depth into a memorable meal. Its versatility makes it suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions, while its bold, comforting flavours ensure it becomes a recipe you return to often. Whether prepared traditionally or personalised with your favourite additions, this dish always satisfies.

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