Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is a flavorful and easy dish that brings together tender chicken breasts coated in a rich, creamy sauce filled with the tangy goodness of sun-dried tomatoes. The sauce has just the right amount of creaminess and a little kick of flavor that makes this dish so special and unforgettable.
I love making this chicken on busy weeknights because it feels fancy but comes together quickly. The sun-dried tomatoes give the sauce a sweet and slightly tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the smooth cream and a hint of garlic. Whenever I make it, my kitchen fills with a warm, inviting aroma that always draws everyone to the table.
My favorite way to serve Marry Me Chicken is over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s also great alongside some roasted veggies or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. This dish always gets compliments, and I often joke that it’s so tasty, you might just want to propose after sharing it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work best for quick, even cooking. If you prefer dark meat, thighs can be used—it will add more moisture and flavor but may take a bit longer to cook.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These give the sauce its signature tangy, sweet flavor. I like the ones packed in oil for richness. If you only have dry ones, soak them in warm water before using.
Heavy cream: This makes the sauce silky and rich. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or a mix of cream and milk, but the sauce may be less thick and creamy.
Parmesan cheese: It adds a nice salty, nutty flavor to the sauce. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano if preferred.
Cherry tomatoes: These are optional but add freshness and a pop of sweetness. If not available, just omit or add a handful of halved grape tomatoes.
How Do I Get a Creamy, Flavorful Sauce Without It Separating?
Making the sauce creamy and smooth is key here, and avoiding separation means cooking it gently and in the right order.
- After searing chicken, lower the heat before adding garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. High heat can burn garlic, making it bitter.
- When you add cream and cheese, keep the heat on low to medium. High heat causes cream to curdle and cheese to clump.
- Stir gently and constantly while the sauce thickens for even melting and blending.
- If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it without losing flavor.
- Covering the pan while simmering the chicken helps keep moisture inside and allows the sauce flavors to meld.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for searing chicken and making the creamy sauce all in one pan.
- Tongs – help you flip chicken easily without tearing the meat.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring the sauce gently without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep the sauce balanced with the right amounts of cream, broth, and spices.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for chopping garlic and sun-dried tomatoes quickly and safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for more juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender during cooking.
- Add fresh spinach or kale at the end for a burst of color and extra nutrients.
- Mix in crumbled goat cheese or cream cheese for a tangier, richer sauce texture.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or thyme for a fresh herbal note that brightens the creamy sauce.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Cooked white rice or mashed potatoes, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes around 30-40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the chicken and ingredients, 10 minutes searing the chicken, and 10-20 minutes simmering the sauce and finishing the chicken until perfectly cooked.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Sear the Chicken:
Season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic smells fragrant. Then add sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes (if using). Stir and cook for 2 minutes so the tomatoes release their flavors.
3. Finish Cooking and Serve:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the pan to mix in all delicious bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and cover the pan. Let everything simmer for another 7-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is nice and creamy. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you want.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all the creamy, flavorful sauce. Enjoy your delightful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat the chicken dry to remove any excess moisture for better searing.
Can I Make Marry Me Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and sauce, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm slowly over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Serve with Marry Me Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. It’s also delicious with a simple green salad for a lighter meal.
