For a dish that’s as romantic as it is effortless, Easy Marry Me Chicken delivers every time. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce with hints of garlic and herbs. The rich, velvety texture pairs perfectly with the savory-sweet tang of the tomatoes, creating a flavor combo that’s downright irresistible. Ready in just 38 minutes, it’s a weeknight lifesaver that feels like a special occasion.
Every bite is a comforting blend of decadent creaminess and bright, zesty notes, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet simple—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a little culinary magic.
Ingredients for Easy Marry Me Chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or substitute with avocado oil)
- 3-4 chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs., boneless and skinless)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 teaspoon fresh oregano)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth as a substitute)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed or rehydrated dry ones)
- ¼ cup fresh-grated parmesan cheese (or pre-grated for convenience)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large cast iron skillet (or oven-safe skillet), heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.
- Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add the thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes and parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to coat it evenly.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve warm with your favorite sides, such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Easy Marry Me Chicken is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal. Serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, try it with steamed asparagus or a fresh arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that flavorful sauce!
Make It Ahead: Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish stores beautifully for busy weeknights. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce. Alternatively, microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Switch It Up: Recipe Variations
Want to customize this recipe? Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra juiciness, or use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly. For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine when cooking the sauce. If you’re not a fan of spice, skip the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or mozzarella for a gooey twist!
Kitchen Essentials: Equipment Guidance
A large cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe since it transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven. If you don’t have one, any oven-safe skillet will work. For grating the parmesan cheese, a microplane grater ensures a fine, even texture. And don’t forget a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for perfect doneness.
Quick Tips: Time-Saving Hacks
To save time, prep your ingredients ahead of time—chop the sundried tomatoes, mince the garlic, and grate the parmesan cheese the night before. If you’re short on oven space, skip the baking step and simply simmer the chicken in the sauce on the stovetop until fully cooked. For even faster cooking, use thinly sliced chicken breasts or pound them to an even thickness before searing.
Easy Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3-4 chicken breasts about 1 ½ lbs.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh-grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375F degrees.
- In a large cast iron skillet (or oven-safe skillet) heat oil over medium heat.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sear both sides of the chicken, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate; set aside.
- Add the minced garlic to the hot skillet and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in the sundried tomatoes and parmesan cheese.
- Return the cooked chicken to skillet and spoon the sauce over the chicken.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides.