Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken is the kind of dish that earns its name every time I serve it. Creamy, rich, and deeply flavorful, this recipe brings together seared chicken cutlets and a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce with a kick from chili flakes and the tang of sundried tomatoes. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or just a craving for something decadent, this one-pan wonder delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly this recipe comes together—under 30 minutes from prep to plate—yet it feels like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. It’s got layers of flavor: juicy chicken, the sharp edge of parmesan, the warm hug of cream, and the irresistible tang of sundried tomatoes. It’s also adaptable—add spinach, swap the cream, or serve it with your favorite side. One bite and I always find myself going back for more.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets

• Salt

• Black pepper

• All-purpose flour

• Olive oil

• Unsalted butter

• Garlic, minced

• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• Heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)

• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

• Chili flakes

• Oregano

• Thyme

• Sundried tomatoes, chopped, oil-packed

• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Optional upgrades I like to add:

• A splash of white wine during deglazing

• A handful of fresh spinach before the final simmer

Directions

1. I start by seasoning my chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off the excess.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and butter over medium heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden. I remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, I sauté garlic until it’s fragrant, about a minute. Then I pour in the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

4. I reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

5. I mix in the chili flakes, oregano, thyme, and sundried tomatoes.

6. I return the chicken to the skillet and let everything simmer together until the sauce thickens—about 5 to 7 minutes.

7. Finally, I top it off with fresh chopped basil and serve it hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I try using boneless chicken thighs for a juicier bite. For a dairy-free version, I swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and skip the parmesan—or use a dairy-free alternative. Adding baby spinach before the final simmer brings in some greens, and deglazing with white wine gives the sauce a bit more depth.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. I never freeze this dish—the creamy sauce doesn’t hold up well in the freezer and tends to turn grainy.

FAQs

What is Marry Me Chicken?

It’s a creamy skillet chicken dish made with garlic, parmesan, sundried tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of chili flakes. The name comes from how delicious it is—supposedly good enough to inspire a marriage proposal.

Can I make it ahead of time?

I can cook the chicken and make the sauce separately, storing them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When I’m ready to serve, I reheat and combine them, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken?

I usually serve it over buttered noodles or mashed potatoes. It’s also amazing with polenta, crusty bread, or even cauliflower mash if I want a low-carb option.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. I substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the parmesan. The result is still creamy and flavorful.

Is it spicy?

It has a mild kick from the chili flakes, but nothing overpowering. I can always adjust the amount of chili flakes to make it milder or spicier to suit my taste.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken really lives up to the buzz. It’s simple, elegant, and ridiculously tasty. Whether I’m looking to impress guests or just treat myself to something indulgent on a weeknight, this recipe delivers every time. One bite and I get why it’s gone viral—this isn’t just dinner, it’s a love story on a plate.