Okay, friends, let me tell you about a dish. It’s creamy, it’s savory, it’s unbelievably easy, and, well, let’s just say it lives up to its name: **Marry Me Chicken**. I know, I know, the name sounds a little… extra. But trust me on this one. Think of it as a cross between chicken parmesan and a comforting creamy pasta sauce, but way simpler to throw together than either of those. Honestly, I think it rivals even my grandma’s famous chicken and dumplings, and that’s saying something. The first time I made this, my husband practically licked the plate clean! It’s that good. It’s *Marry Me Chicken*.
What is a Marry Me Chicken?
So, what exactly *is* Marry Me Chicken? It’s essentially Chicken Breasts simmered in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. The name, as the story goes, comes from the idea that it’s so delicious, whoever you make it for will immediately want to marry you. Now, I can’t guarantee that, but I can guarantee a happy belly and a request to make it again… soon! It’s comfort food taken to a whole new level, and honestly, it feels way fancier than it actually is to prepare. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something special, or for a cozy weekend gathering.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, there are so many reasons why this **Marry Me Chicken** recipe is a winner. First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely incredible. The combination of the tangy sun-dried tomatoes, the aromatic garlic, and the rich cream creates this symphony of flavors that just works. What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s almost foolproof! You can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour, which is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights. Plus, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly. Chicken Breasts are generally a good deal, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. We’re talking delicious and affordable, people! But the best part? It’s versatile! Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread for dipping. You really can’t go wrong. It’s a complete meal that’s sure to impress without breaking the bank. This one’s a keeper!
How do I make a Marry Me Chicken?
Quick Overview
How do I make a **Marry Me Chicken**? How do you make a creamy tomato sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic? If the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and creamy, then simmer everything together until it is tender. The magic is in simplicity! Is it true that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts? Even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this one. Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name!
Ingredients
For the Chicken: How do you prepare
• 4 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 6-8 ounces each, and try to get ones that are relatively uniform in thickness so they can be easily halved.
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: I prefer extra virgin olive oils, but regular olives work just fine.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Kosher salt is my go-to for everything.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Can you make your own homemade oregano, basil, thyme, and mint?
For the “Marry Me” Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Again, extra virgin or regular is fine.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t be shy with the garlic! It adds so much flavor.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained: Be sure to drain them well so the sauce doesn’t get too oily. Is it safe to use sun-dried tomatoes? About 15 minutes before using.
• 1/4 cup chicken broth: Low-sodium is best so you can control the salt level.
• 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce so rich and creamy! If you use half and half, the sauce will not be quite as thick.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded is always better than the pre-shredded stuff.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: Adds a pop of freshness and color.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick!
What is the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you prevent chicken from sticking to your skin? I usually spray it with some cooking spray, but you can also use a little bit of Olive Oil.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Set aside. What are some tips to get a nice sear on chicken breasts? Seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken. Make sure to get every nook and cranny!
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the remaining tablespoon to the skillet and stir to combine. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes. How do you cook a couple of pancakes per side until they are golden brown? You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point, just get a nice color on them. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the “Marry Me” Sauce
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Add the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth and cook for another minute or two, stirring occasionally, until the sun-dried tomatoes have softened slightly. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 5: Simmer and Bake
In a skillet, stir the chicken breasts back into the sauce and cook until golden brown on top. Set aside. Transfer the chicken to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Don’t forget to spoon lots of sauce over everything!
What should you serve it with?
What’s the beauty of marry me chicken? What are some of my favorite ways to serve it: a few different ways.
Over Pasta:What is the best way to serve a hot dog? Any type of pasta works, but I especially love it with linguine, fettuccine or penne. Just toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken.
With Rice:White rice, brown rice or risotto are all good options. How does the rice soak up the sauce?
With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food pairing. The sauce and mashed potatoes create this unbelievably satisfying combination.
What is Crusty Bread?For a simple meal, serve it with sliced crusty bread for dipping. What is a great weeknight dinner idea?
What’s a good side salad? What is a good salad with roasted broccoli or asparagus? In my family, we love serving this with a simple Garlic Bread. My husband insists it’s essential for soaking up all that extra sauce! What is a meal that makes everyone happy?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Marry Me Chicken
Okay, friends, here are a few little tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years for making the *Absolute Best* **Marry Me Chicken**:
Don’t overcook the chicken: don’What is the most important tip for overcooked chicken? Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and pull the chicken out of the oven as soon as it’s cooked. reaches 165°F (74
Use good quality ingredients: (as The flavor of this dish really shines through, so it’s worth using good-quality ingredients. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil will all make a big difference.
Don’t skip the searing: Searing the chicken before baking it adds a ton of flavor and helps to keep it moist. Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before adding the chicken.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste: This recipe is just a starting point! Feel free to add more or less of any of the seasonings to suit your taste. If you like a little more heat, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes. If you want a more garlicky flavor, add an extra clove or two of garlic.
Make it ahead of time: **Marry Me Chicken** is a great make-ahead dish! You can assemble it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to make sure the chicken is cooked through.
Experiment with different variations: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different variations! Try adding some mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts to the sauce. You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone. I’ve even tried it with a splash of white wine in the sauce, and it was divine!
One time, I accidentally grabbed half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and honestly, it was still delicious! The sauce wasn’t quite as rich, but it was a slightly lighter version that I really enjoyed. So don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the **Marry Me Chicken** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled down completely before refrigerating it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, you can either microwave it or bake it in the oven. For the microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals until heated through. For the oven, place it in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
I find that the sauce tends to thicken up a bit when it’s refrigerated or frozen, so you may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to loosen it up. And if you’re reheating it from frozen, it’s best to add a little extra time to the reheating process to make sure it’s heated all the way through. Pro tip: always reheat with a lid to retain moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it: my go-to **Marry Me Chicken** recipe that’s guaranteed to impress. It’s a dish that’s stood the test of time in my kitchen, becoming a firm family favorite that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for a celebration. If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal, this is it! And who knows, maybe it will even lead to a proposal. 😉 But even if it doesn’t, I promise you’ll fall in love with the flavors! If you enjoyed this, you might also like my Creamy Tuscan Salmon or my Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken – both are equally delicious and easy to make. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it and if you made any fun variations. Happy cooking!
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts Boneless, skinless
- 1 cup Cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix. Pour over chicken.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
