Are you stuck in a dinner rut? You want something easy yet impressive, flavourful yet fuss‑free. This marry me chicken recipe is the answer.
It delivers creamy sauce, sun‑dried tomatoes, tender chicken and that restaurant‑style wow factor. And when you use high‑quality meat like our Gingin grass‑fed free-range chicken, your dish becomes both indulgent and responsible.
Read on to learn exactly how to make it, what ingredients to use, how to serve it and why this dish stands out.
What Exactly Is the Marry Me Chicken Recipe?
This marry me chicken recipe refers to a skillet dish featuring chicken breasts (or thighs), sun‑dried tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan and herbs. It’s called “Marry Me” because it’s so delicious someone might propose after tasting it.
The hallmark of the recipe: a luscious tomato‑cream sauce that coats the chicken in richness and flavour. It’s both comforting and elevated, perfect for date night or an everyday indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Creamy & Delicious Marry Me Chicken
Here’s what you’ll want to gather to make the Marry Me Chicken recipe shine:
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup plain flour (to lightly dredge the chicken)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or clarified butter
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun‑dried tomatoes (drained if in oil), chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh thyme)
- 1 tsp paprika (optional for colour)
- 1 cup chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or full‑fat cream)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make the Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Follow these steps to create your creamy & delicious dish.
1. Season & Dredge the Chicken
Pat your chicken dry, season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off the excess.
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium‑high heat. Add chicken and cook for about 4‑5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage because it will finish in the sauce.
3. Create the Sauce Base
Lower the heat to medium. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, add garlic, sun‑dried tomatoes, oregano (and paprika if using). Sauté for about 1‑2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add Stock & Cream
Pour in chicken stock and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Then add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth and glossy.
5. Return Chicken & Finish Cooking
Return the chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Simmer for another 5‑7 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches about 74 °C (165 °F). Finish with fresh basil or parsley and a splash of lemon juice if desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your marry me chicken over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes or alongside roasted vegetables. The sauce will coat everything beautifully and deliver that creamy, indulgent finish.
Tips for Making It Even Better
To elevate your marry me chicken recipe further, here are some insider tips:
- Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness so they cook uniformly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while browning. Do it in batches if needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan, not pre‑shredded, for a smoother melt.
- Keep the cream from boiling vigorously to prevent it from splitting.
- For a lighter version: swap heavy cream with half‑and‑half (though texture will differ slightly).
What to Serve with the Creamy & Delicious Marry Me Chicken
Choosing the right sides will complete the meal in style. Consider:
- Al dente pasta (spaghetti, rigatoni or penne) to catch the cream sauce.
- Garlic mash or smooth mashed potato for comfort.
- Zucchini ribbons or steamed green beans for freshness and colour.
- Crusty bread to soak up the sauce, never neglect the dipping opportunity!
Variations to Try With This Recipe
Want to adapt the marry me chicken recipe to different tastes or dietary needs? Here are ideas:
One‑Pan Rice Version
After browning the chicken and building the sauce, stir in cooked rice and let it absorb the flavours for a complete one‑dish meal.
Creamier/Extra Veggies
Add chopped mushrooms or wilted spinach into the sauce just before returning the chicken. It boosts nutrition and texture.
Lighter Version
Use chicken thighs for juicier meat and swap out heavy cream for a lighter cream alternative. Just note that flavour and texture will slightly differ.
Gluten‑Free Option
Skip the flour dredge or use gluten‑free flour. Use gluten‑free pasta or serve over roasted veggies instead.
Final Word from Gingin Beef: Creamy & Delicious Dinner Awaiting
We believe that special meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. They just require great ingredients and a smart recipe. This Marry Me Chicken recipe delivers creamy, delicious flavour that wins praise and turns dinner into something memorable.
By choosing our grass‑fed free range chicken, you’re giving yourself the flavour boost, ethical sourcing and quality every dish deserves. Explore our full range of chicken cuts for your next dinner inspiration.
Ready to cook? Contact us on (08) 6186 5450 to order the best chicken and make tonight’s meal one to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Marry Me chicken recipe?
Yes. Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavour, though they may require a minute or two extra cooking time to reach a safe internal temperature.
2. Why is the sauce so creamy and rich in this recipe?
The sauce gets its richness from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, combined with the flavour base of garlic, sun‑dried tomatoes and stock. That gives it a luxurious texture and deep taste.
3. Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can pre‑trim and season the chicken and measure out your sauce ingredients in advance. When ready to cook, you just have to brown the chicken and combine everything.
4. What sides work best with the Marry Me Chicken recipe?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables or crusty bread are all excellent. Choose based on how light or hearty you want the meal to be.
5. Is the name “Marry Me Chicken” serious?
It’s playful. The name comes from the idea that the dish is so good someone might propose after tasting it. The recipe went viral around that narrative.