Quick & Tasty Marry Me Chicken (30-Minute Version)

I’ve made Marry Me Chicken dozens of times, and I can honestly say it never gets old. The first time I served this creamy garlic chicken to friends, they immediately asked for the recipe. There’s something magical about how the rich Parmesan sauce combines with tangy sun-dried tomatoes that makes this dish absolutely irresistible.

What I love most about this quick Marry Me Chicken version is how fast it comes together. On busy weeknights when I need dinner on the table quickly, this one-skillet recipe saves the day. The chicken stays incredibly tender, and that creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes is just perfection. I usually serve it over pasta, but it’s equally delicious with rice or roasted vegetables. The best part is watching everyone’s face light up when they take that first bite of this restaurant-quality chicken dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Marry Me Chicken

I always use full-fat heavy cream for the richest sauce. Pro tip: Let your chicken breasts come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for more even results.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic makes all the difference here)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed varieties add more flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
• Red pepper flakes, optional for a slight kick
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How to Make the Best Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Season chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Pat the chicken dry first for better browning.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. The pan should be hot enough that the chicken sizzles when it hits the surface.

Step 3: Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. A beautiful golden crust should form on both sides. Remove chicken and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Let it melt completely.

Step 5: Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. You’ll smell that amazing aroma immediately. Burnt garlic tastes bitter, so watch it closely.

Step 6: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. They’ll start to release their oils and flavors into the butter.

Step 7: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 8: Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating that signature creamy texture.

Step 9: Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.

Step 10: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce. Spoon sauce generously over the top of each piece.

Step 11: Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure the chicken is heated through. The chicken will absorb some of that delicious sauce.

Step 12: Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. Serve immediately while hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Perfect Pairings for Marry Me Chicken

This creamy, garlicky dish works beautifully with sides that can either soak up the sauce or provide contrast.

Linguine or Fettuccine: My favorite way to serve Marry Me Chicken. The wide pasta noodles are perfect for catching every bit of that creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta directly in the sauce for best results.

Mashed Potatoes or Creamy Polenta: For ultimate comfort food vibes. The smooth, creamy texture complements the rich sauce while adding satisfying heartiness to the meal.

Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add color, nutrition, and a fresh crunch that balances the richness. I like to drizzle a little of the chicken sauce over the vegetables too.

Side Salad: A simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creamy richness perfectly. Arugula with shaved Parmesan is my go-to.

Crusty Bread: Essential for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce. Garlic bread takes it to the next level.

More Marry Me Chicken Recipes to Love

This Quick Tasty Marry Me Chicken delivers impressive restaurant-quality results in minimal time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. For a heartier version that includes pasta, both the Marry Me Chicken Pasta and Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta turn this dish into a complete one-pan meal.

When you need hands-free cooking, the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken lets the slow cooker work its magic all day. For a cozy twist on these flavors, the Amazing Marry Me Chicken Soup transforms the creamy sauce into a comforting soup that’s ideal for cooler weather.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving. I recommend storing the chicken and sauce together to keep the chicken moist.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge. Stir frequently while reheating to prevent the cream from separating. Microwave reheating works but may cause the sauce to separate slightly. Just stir well after heating.

Pro tip: The creamy tomato sauce can be made in advance and stored for up to 2 days. This makes meal prep incredibly easy. For freezing, store the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Your Marry Me Chicken Questions Answered

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