Marry Me Chicken – The Creamy One-Pan Chicken Recipe Everyone Falls in Love With

Introduction
Marry Me Chicken is one of those recipes that instantly feels special, yet it comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients. The name alone sets high expectations, and after making it myself several times, I can confidently say it earns every bit of its reputation. Tender chicken breasts are gently cooked in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, creating a dish that feels restaurant-worthy without being complicated. I first tried this recipe on a quiet weeknight, expecting something comforting, and it delivered far more than that. The sauce clings beautifully to the chicken, making every bite indulgent but balanced. Whether you are cooking for a partner, guests, or simply want to elevate your usual dinner routine, this recipe has a way of impressing without stress. It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread, making it as versatile as it is memorable.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between elegance and ease. It uses everyday ingredients but transforms them into a luxurious dish with minimal effort. The creamy sauce is deeply flavorful without being heavy, and the chicken stays moist and tender throughout. It is also a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.

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

Chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce well. When lightly seared, they develop a golden crust that adds depth to the final dish.

Olive oil
Olive oil is used to sear the chicken and provides a subtle fruity base. It helps achieve a nice browning while keeping the chicken from sticking to the pan.

Garlic
Fresh garlic adds a robust, aromatic foundation to the sauce. As it cooks, it mellows and blends seamlessly into the cream.

Sun-dried tomatoes
These bring a concentrated, slightly tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the cream. They are essential for the signature flavor of Marry Me Chicken.

Heavy cream
Heavy cream creates the luxurious texture of the sauce. It thickens gently as it simmers, coating the chicken beautifully.

Chicken broth
Chicken broth lightens the sauce slightly while enhancing the savory depth. It prevents the cream from becoming overly heavy.

Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan adds saltiness and umami, helping the sauce thicken naturally while boosting flavor.

Italian seasoning
This blend of herbs ties the dish together, adding warmth and complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.

Red pepper flakes
A small amount adds gentle heat that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.

Salt and black pepper
These are essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce properly, ensuring all flavors are well balanced.

Directions
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on each side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer gently before adding Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer until fully cooked and coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Equipment needed
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.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes approximately 10 minutes, while cooking takes about 25 minutes, making it a 35-minute meal from start to finish.

Storage/reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Variations and Customizations
Marry Me Chicken is highly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to different preferences. For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the heavy cream with cream cheese, which adds tang and extra body to the sauce. If you prefer darker meat, boneless chicken thighs work exceptionally well and remain juicy even with longer simmering. For a lighter version, half-and-half can replace heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. Adding spinach or kale near the end of cooking introduces freshness and color while boosting nutritional value. Mushrooms are another excellent addition, providing earthiness that complements the creamy sauce. If you enjoy stronger heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne. This recipe can also be made dairy-free by using coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, resulting in a slightly different but still satisfying flavor profile.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	38 g
Carbohydrates	12 g
Fat	36 g
Saturated Fat	18 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	780 mg

Expert Tips & Customizations
Perfectly sear the chicken before making the sauce to lock in moisture and flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded cheese for smoother melting. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, as high heat can cause separation. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning gradually for balance.

FAQs

What does Marry Me Chicken taste like?

It has a rich, creamy, savory flavor with subtle tang from sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and can be prepared a day in advance for convenience.

What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken?

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

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?

Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has mild heat, which can be adjusted by changing the amount of red pepper flakes.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Milk is not ideal, as it will result in a much thinner sauce.

Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is a timeless recipe that combines comfort, elegance, and ease in one dish. With its creamy sauce and bold yet balanced flavors, it is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Once you try it, it is easy to see why so many people fall in love with this recipe.

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