Marry Me Chicken Recipe: Creamy Skillet Chicken with Tomatoes and Basil

This Marry Me Chicken is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts are seared until golden, then simmered in a Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. It’s an easy one-skillet meal that’s perfect for date night, family dinners, or any cozy evening—ready in about 30 minutes.

Creamy chicken in a large skillet with a spoon lifting a piece out of skillet.

The sauce is silky and tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, and pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every bite.

Ingredients You Need

Ingredients needed to make Marry me Chicken measured into small bowls, on a marble table.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts — you can substitute boneless thighs for a juicier result.
  • Heavy cream — creates a rich, velvety sauce.
  • Chicken broth or stock — adds depth to the sauce.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese — for a savory, cheesy finish.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped — bring sweet, tangy flavor.
  • Garlic powder — seasons the chicken.
  • Onion powder — enhances overall flavor.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional) — for a touch of heat.
  • Olive oil — for searing.
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper
  • Fresh basil or parsley — for garnish.

Variations

  • Change the chicken: Use boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts for richer flavor and extra moisture.
  • Add vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach or sliced mushrooms to make the dish more substantial.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

STEP 1: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Uncooked chicken being seasoned on a white cutting board.

STEP 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Four chicken breasts seared in a large skillet.

STEP 3: Reduce heat to medium, add the chicken broth to the skillet, and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these add great flavor.

STEP 4: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Cream and cheese added to skillet.

STEP 5: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over each piece, and simmer 10–12 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).

All ingredients added to skilled with chicken on top before finishing cooking the chicken.

STEP 6: Garnish with fresh basil or chopped parsley. Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to enjoy the sauce.

Tips

  • Sear well: Browning the chicken builds flavor and color.
  • Simmer gently: Keep the sauce at a low simmer to prevent the cream from separating.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly and tastes fresher than pre-grated cheese.
  • Serve with sides: Pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add a splash of cream if the sauce needs loosening. If you prefer, boneless thighs can be used in place of breasts for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Golden, juicy chicken breast on a white plate with mashed potatoes.

FAQ’S

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add a little cream to refresh the sauce. Microwaving can dry the chicken, so low, even heat works best.

What’s the best way to serve Marry Me Chicken?

Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes. Boneless, skinless thighs are a great substitute and tend to remain extra juicy.

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5 from 2 votes

Marry Me Chicken

By: Rebecca
Servings: 4
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 25 mins
Creamy chicken in a large skillet with a spoon lifting a piece out of skillet.
This Marry Me Chicken is creamy, flavorful, and simple to prepare. Tender chicken breasts seared to golden brown finish in a Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and sear the chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium and add the chicken broth to the pan, scraping up the browned bits.
  • Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and simmer 10–12 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with your favorite side.

Notes

  • Sear the chicken well: Browning adds flavor and appealing color.
  • Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the cream to keep the sauce smooth.

Nutrition

Calories: 616 kcal
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Protein: 56 g
Fat: 38 g

Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
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