Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is a juicy, tender chicken dish smothered in a rich and velvety sauce that bursts with the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes and a touch of garlic. The sauce’s creamy texture and bold flavors make this dish feel special enough for a celebration, but it’s really easy to pull together for a weeknight dinner.
I love making this dish when I want to impress, but without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of herbs gives it such a delicious depth, and it’s one of those meals that’s hard to forget. Every time I serve it, someone asks for the recipe, and I always tell them it’s my secret to making dinner feel fancy.
My favorite way to enjoy Marry Me Chicken is with a side of warm crusty bread to soak up all the creamy sauce or over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes. It also pairs beautifully with steamed veggies or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. This dish often sparks happy conversations around the table, and I love that kind of cozy feeling it brings to any meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Pounding the chicken to even thickness helps it cook evenly and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, boneless thighs work well too and stay tender.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes have the best flavor and softer texture. If you only find dry ones, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to rehydrate before chopping.
Heavy Cream: This creates the rich and velvety sauce. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or coconut cream, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and adds a nutty flavor. Pre-grated cheese can work but might not blend as well.
Italian Seasoning and Fresh Herbs: The dried Italian seasoning adds a nice herby base, but fresh basil brightens the sauce beautifully, so don’t skip adding some at the end for freshness.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Juicy?
Cooking chicken breasts without drying them out can be tricky. Here’s how to get tender and juicy breast every time:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help it brown nicely.
- Season well with salt and pepper.
- Heat the pan and oil before adding the chicken to get a good sear.
- Cook over medium-high heat about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Avoid moving them too much to let a crust form.
- Use a meat thermometer if you have one — chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken after cooking for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping meat moist.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for searing chicken and making the creamy sauce all in one pan.
- Tongs – help you turn the chicken easily without piercing it and losing juices.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring the sauce without scratching your pan.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin – to pound chicken breasts evenly for even cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for getting the sauce ingredients just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless pork chops for a different but equally tasty option.
- Add fresh spinach or kale into the sauce right before serving for extra greens and color.
- Stir in sliced mushrooms when sautéing the garlic for an earthy flavor boost.
- Use Italian sausage instead of chicken for a heartier, spicier dish.
Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably oil-packed), chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, so you can have a delicious, creamy, flavorful chicken dinner ready in just about 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts well with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
2. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Cook this mix for 1 to 2 minutes to release the flavors.
3. Finish the Sauce and Combine:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Add the chopped fresh basil, then return the chicken breasts to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors. Garnish with more fresh basil and thyme before serving.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents extra moisture from affecting the sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter version, try using half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to help thicken the sauce. Keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead, then reheat together just before serving to keep the flavors fresh and the chicken tender.
