How to Make the Best Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that has taken the internet by storm! Well…maybe it’s not that dramatic, but it sure is good!! With a rich and savory sun-dried tomato cream sauce, tender chicken, and a perfect blend of herbs and spices, this dish is so delicious it might just earn you a proposal! Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner, a cozy family meal, or just to treat yourself, this recipe is easy to follow and packed with flavor.
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Why is it Called Marry Me Chicken?
The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that the dish is so irresistibly good, anyone who eats it might just pop the question! It’s creamy, garlicky, and has the perfect balance of tangy sun-dried tomatoes and rich Parmesan cheese. If you’re looking for a meal that wows, this is it.
Ingredients:
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half to make thin cutlets)
- Flour (All purpose works great!)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Minced garlic
- Sun dried tomatoes
- Spinach or kale
- Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, (smoked) paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Coat the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic & onion powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne and the smoked paprika. Blend it well and then dredge each piece of chicken so it’s well coated.
2. Fry the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and lightly fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Flavorful Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add tons of flavor to the sauce!
Next, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, . Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
4. Add the Veggies
Now, add the spinach/kale and sun dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring them into the sauce. If you prefer, you can chop the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces. These add a tangy sweetness that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
5. Return the Chicken to the Pan
Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). (If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can make a cornstarch slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water. Add and let it cook for another minute or two.)
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve your Marry Me Chicken hot, spooning plenty of the creamy sauce over each piece.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as:
- Pasta – Serve it over fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti to soak up all that creamy goodness.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect companion for the sauce.
- Rice – A simple white or garlic butter rice works well. We also like cauliflower rice (In the above pic). It’s a great option if you’re doing low carb/keto.
- Steamed Vegetables – Balance out the richness with some sautéed or roasted vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli.
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken
- Use Fresh Garlic (if possible) – Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor of the sauce, but minced garlic in a jar also works great!
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken
- Adjust the Spice Level – If you like extra heat, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer mild flavors, you can reduce or omit them.
- Make it a One-Pan Meal – In addition to the spinach/kale, you can also add mushrooms for extra veggies right in the sauce.
- For a Healthier Version – Instead of dredging in flour, you can season your cutlets with the same seasonings in the recipe, just leave the flour out and pan sear them in the olive oil and butter. Cook them until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees.
Can You Make Marry Me Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! Marry Me Chicken reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. Whether you’re trying to impress a special someone or just want a comforting, delicious meal, this creamy chicken dish is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and see why so many people swear by its irresistible flavors—who knows, it might just lead to a marriage proposal!
Have you tried making Marry Me Chicken? Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you!
Other recipes you may be interested:
Quick And Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe For Crockpot
How To Make A Healthy, Delicious Eggplant Parmesan
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Marry Me Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Electric skillet or frying pan
Ingredients
- 2-3 boneless/skinless chicken breast Slice in half to make thin cutlets
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes chopped
- 1-2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for color and flavor
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter divided
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust for spice level
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic & onion powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne and the smoked paprika. Blend it well and then dredge each piece of chicken so it's well coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. The chicken should reach an internal temp of 165. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add tons of flavor to the sauce! Make sure to keep stirring so everything is well incorporated.
- Next, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Give the sauce a taste to ensure it's seasoned to your liking.
- Add the kale or spinach and the sun dried tomatoes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spinach/kale to cook down.
- Place the chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10 more minutes.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and extra freshness (totally optional). Serve your Marry Me Chicken hot, spooning plenty of the creamy sauce over each piece!Marry Me Chicken can be served over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes or veggies (cauliflower rice is great!).
