Marry Me Chicken: A Creamy, Irresistible Skillet Dinner Everyone Loves

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken has become famous for a reason—it is rich, comforting, and beautifully balanced with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bursts of flavour from sun-dried tomatoes. The sauce clings perfectly to each piece of chicken, making every bite luscious without feeling overly heavy. It’s a simple one-pan dish, yet it tastes like something served at a restaurant, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, date nights, or special occasions. I once made this using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and the result was still silky and full of flavour, proving just how forgiving and adaptable this recipe is. Whether served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this dish delivers warm, bold flavours that make people fall in love with it instantly.

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Ingredients

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

Chicken breasts or thighs
The protein base of the dish—tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavour of the chicken and balance the sauce.

Olive oil
Used for searing the chicken, helping create golden edges and rich flavour.

Garlic
Adds depth and aroma, infusing the sauce with savoury notes.

Sun-dried tomatoes
Provide tangy sweetness and a concentrated tomato flavour that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.

Heavy cream
Creates the rich, velvety sauce that defines the dish and binds all flavours together.

Chicken broth
Adds savoury depth and thins the sauce slightly without losing richness.

Parmesan cheese
Enhances the sauce with nutty, salty flavour and helps create its signature silky texture.

Italian seasoning
Brings herbal balance and complements the tomato and cream elements.

Red pepper flakes
Add gentle warmth without overpowering the dish.

Fresh basil
A bright finishing touch that adds freshness and colour.

Directions

Begin by seasoning the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly to soften them and release their flavour.

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Lower the heat, cover, and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Once done, sprinkle fresh basil over the dish before serving.

The sauce should be creamy, rich, and thick enough to coat the chicken beautifully. Serve immediately with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

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.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent the sauce from separating. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the cream base.

Variations and Customizations

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Slice the cooked chicken and toss it directly with cooked pasta for a complete one-bowl meal.

Lightened-Up Version

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream for a lighter sauce.

Spicy Marry Me Chicken

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

Mushroom Marry Me Chicken

Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the cream for deeper umami flavour.

Sun-Dried Tomato–Free Version

Use cherry tomatoes instead for a milder, fresher taste.

Cheesy Upgrade

Add extra Parmesan or a handful of mozzarella for a richer, thicker sauce.

Herb Garden Marry Me Chicken

Use fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary instead of dried Italian seasoning.

Gluten-Free Option

Serve with gluten-free pasta or rice; the dish itself is naturally gluten-free.

Marry Me Chicken Thighs

Use bone-in or boneless thighs for an even juicier result.

Creamy White Wine Version

Add a splash of white wine before the cream for subtle acidity and brightness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, they add extra flavour and remain very tender.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only mildly, but you can reduce or increase red pepper flakes as desired.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, but reheat gently to keep the sauce smooth.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half works, or a mix of milk and cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely—many people prefer extra sauce for serving over pasta or rice.

Should I drain the sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, drain excess oil before adding them to the pan.

Can this dish be baked?

Yes, assemble the sauce and chicken in a baking dish and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.

What sides pair best?

Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?

It’s not recommended due to the cream-based sauce.

Why is my sauce separating?

Heat may be too high; keep the sauce at a gentle simmer.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken is more than just a charming name—it’s a richly flavoured, satisfying dish that consistently wins over anyone who tastes it. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant tomato accents, this skillet dinner transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether served on a busy weeknight or as part of a celebratory meal, it brings comfort, elegance, and irresistible flavour to the table.

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