Marry Me Chicken is a creamy one-pan chicken recipe made with tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and a rich cream sauce. It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an easy option for weeknight dinners or date nights.
The chicken is first seared until golden, then finished in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce for a flavorful skillet dinner that pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
The Story Behind the Name
The name “Marry Me Chicken” has a fun origin. According to Delish’s original Marry Me Chicken recipe, recipe developer Lindsay Funston created the dish in 2016, originally calling it “Sicilian Chicken Skillet.”
During the recipe’s video shoot, Delish videographer Chelsea tasted the finished chicken and said, “I’d marry you for that chicken!” The reaction inspired the name “Marry Me Chicken,” which later became widely associated with creamy chicken recipes featuring sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a rich sauce.
The dish later became widely popular online. The New York Times also covered the Marry Me Chicken phenomenon in 2023, years after the original Delish recipe was created. Delish reports that the New York Times version became its most popular recipe of 2023.
Why This Recipe Works
- One-pan cooking – Minimal cleanup
- 30 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights
- Creamy, rich sauce – Parmesan, cream, and sun-dried tomatoes
- Tender chicken – Pan-seared then simmered in the sauce
- Great for serving – The creamy sauce makes it suitable for weeknight dinners or date nights.
Marry Me Chicken Recipe – Creamy, One-Pan, 30 Minutes
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Instant-read thermometer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. If breasts are very thick, slice them horizontally to create cutlets of even thickness.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce starts to thicken.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve immediately. Pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Notes
Marry Me Chicken vs Tuscan Chicken
Marry Me Chicken and Tuscan Chicken are similar creamy skillet dishes, but they are not always prepared the same way. Recipes vary, so the differences depend on the version you make.
| Feature | Marry Me Chicken | Tuscan Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Sauce | Usually a creamy Parmesan sauce | Usually a creamy garlic sauce |
| Tomatoes | Sun-dried tomatoes are a signature ingredient | Often includes sun-dried tomatoes |
| Greens | Spinach is optional and not always included | Spinach is common in many versions |
| Flavor | Rich, savory, slightly tangy and sometimes spicy | Creamy, garlicky and herb-forward |
| Chicken | Usually chicken breasts or cutlets | Chicken breasts or thighs |
| Preparation | Typically made in one skillet | Typically made in one skillet |
Marry Me Chicken Variations
- High-Protein Version: Blend ¼ cup whole milk cottage cheese with heavy cream and bone broth for extra protein. Blend until smooth with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
- Spice it up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-spicy twist.
- Dairy-free option: Use full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Tips for Marry Me Chicken
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Pat the chicken dry | Helps the surface brown better |
| Pound to an even thickness | Promotes more even cooking |
| Use a little sun-dried tomato oil | Adds extra flavor to the sauce |
| Grate Parmesan fresh | Melts more smoothly into the sauce |
| Sear the chicken first | Creates browning and flavorful bits in the pan |
| Use an instant-read thermometer | Helps verify the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) |
| Add fresh basil at the end | Adds fresh flavor and color |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Marry Me Chicken?
It’s a creamy, one-pan chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and a rich cream sauce. The name comes from a videographer who said “I’d marry you for that chicken!”
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
A Delish videographer coined the name during the original recipe shoot in 2016.
Is Marry Me Chicken the same as Tuscan Chicken?
They are similar creamy chicken dishes, but recipes vary. Marry Me Chicken is commonly associated with a creamy Parmesan sauce and sun-dried tomatoes, while many Tuscan-style chicken recipes also include spinach, garlic, and Italian herbs.
How long does Marry Me Chicken take to make?
About 30 minutes total.
What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay even juicier.
You Might Also Like These Chicken Recipes
Marry Me Chicken Pasta – The same creamy sauce with pasta!
One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken – Perfect for a complete meal!
Cowboy Butter Chicken – Another savory comfort food classic!
Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Creamy garlic sauce!
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