If you’re after a showstopping chicken dinner with all the creamy, savory romance your dinner table deserves, Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) is the recipe for you! This one-skillet wonder features gloriously tender chicken nestled in a sun-kissed cream sauce, bringing together pungent garlic, sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, and nutty parmesan for a decadent experience that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to whip up at home. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight in or you’re cooking for someone special, this dish hits just the right note between impressive and approachable—rich flavors, beautiful colors, and major crowd-appeal, all in under an hour.

Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for a handful of key ingredients that make Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) utterly irresistible. Each one brings something special—creamy depth, tangy brightness, or irresistible savoriness—to make this meal a winner every time.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Pick evenly sized pieces for even cooking, and give them a little tenderizing for ultra-juicy results.
Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly inside and out.
Olive Oil: A neutral base for searing, plus lovely extra flavor if you use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic wakes up the whole dish with its punchy aroma.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Balances out the creamy sauce and provides savory depth without being overly salty.
Heavy Cream: This is what transforms the sauce into luscious, silky heaven—use it at room temperature to avoid curdling.
Fresh Parmesan Cheese (grated): Nutty, salty, and melty—using freshly grated is a must for the best flavor and texture.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (preferably in oil): Their sweet-tangy richness is the undisputed star of Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce).
Dried Oregano: Herbal warmth that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and cream.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add as much or little as you’d like for a pop of gentle heat.
Fresh Basil (chiffonaded): Optional but heavenly for color and freshness on top.
Additional Fresh Parmesan (for garnish): Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)

Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken

Begin by trimming your chicken breasts, then place them on a cutting board and pound each piece to an even thickness. This quick trick ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays wonderfully juicy, especially important for a dish like Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) where you want each bite perfectly tender.

Step 2: Season and Sear

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels (dry skin = gorgeous caramelization!), then liberally season all sides with salt and pepper. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high with your oil until shimmering, then add the chicken. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side, developing a golden crust. Transfer them to a plate—don’t worry, they’ll finish cooking in the sauce!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and sauté your garlic until fragrant, infusing the leftover chicken bits in the pan with even more depth. Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping any brown bits for flavor. After letting the skillet cool a bit, gently whisk in the room-temperature cream and parmesan, transforming the pan into a creamy, savory base. Patience here rewards you with the perfect, silky sauce.

Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Seasonings

Once your cream and cheese are blissfully united, stir in those gorgeous sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This is where the Mediterranean magic happens—the tomatoes bring a burst of sweet, tangy flavor and beautiful color to your Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce). Adjust seasonings to suit your taste.

Step 5: Return Chicken & Simmer

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and return the chicken to the skillet, flipping each piece so it gets thoroughly coated in all that sauce. The skillet now looks—and smells—like a restaurant masterpiece. You’re almost there!

Step 6: Bake Until Perfect

Slide the entire skillet into your preheated oven. In about 13 minutes, check the thickest part of the chicken with a meat thermometer—you’re aiming for 160°F before resting. Remove the skillet, spoon even more sauce over the chicken, then let it rest to finish cooking to 165°F. This final rest is essential for juicy, safe, and succulent chicken.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the chicken to serving plates, pour over the cream sauce, and finish with a shower of chiffonaded basil and extra parmesan if you love a flourish. Now, you’re ready to wow everyone with your Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) creation!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)

Garnishes

The finishing touches matter! Sprinkle on plenty of fresh basil ribbons and a good grating of parmesan right before serving. That hit of herbal, cheesy brightness makes the rich, creamy sauce sing, offering contrast in both flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Pair your Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) with the perfect sides for an unforgettable meal. Creamy mashed potatoes, garlic butter pasta, roasted asparagus, or crispy green beans—each soaks up extra sauce and adds wonderful texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish is always a crowd-pleaser straight from the skillet, but for extra impact, serve it family-style on a platter with sauce spooned over. Or, slice the chicken and fan it out over a bed of risotto for a special occasion. Individual ramekins with a drizzle of extra cream sauce are perfect for elegant dinner parties, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (rare with this crowd favorite!), cool the chicken and sauce to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days—making Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) a dream for easy lunches or second-day dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze this dish. Portion out the chicken and sauce together and freeze in airtight containers for up to two months. The cream sauce may separate a little upon reheating but a gentle stir usually brings it back together.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce is thick—the flavor will still shine!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will be just as flavorful and extra juicy. Cooking times may vary slightly, so check doneness with a thermometer.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’d like a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. Full-fat coconut milk adds a different flavor twist and keeps it creamy.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simply whisk in a touch more grated parmesan, or add a tablespoon of softened cream cheese. For an even thicker texture, dissolve a teaspoon of cornstarch in a splash of cold broth and stir it in before returning the chicken to the sauce.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream for an unsweetened, thick plant-based alternative, and swap the parmesan for a vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast. The result won’t be quite as decadent but is still delicious and satisfying.

How spicy is Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)?

The heat here is mild and very adjustable, thanks to the red pepper flakes. Add more or less depending on your spice preference, or leave it out entirely for a gentle, creamy flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Marry Me Chicken (In a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) at home, you’re in for a treat that tastes as good as it sounds. Every bite is loaded with savory, creamy, tangy goodness, and it’s honestly hard to believe something so special could be so easy. Gather your ingredients, pour a glass of something nice, and give this classic a place at your table—you might just end up falling in love all over again.