This Marry Me Chicken recipe is rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavors. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a silky Parmesan and garlic sauce that smells heavenly and coats each bite with a smooth, savory finish. It comes together quickly and looks lovely on the plate — golden chicken topped with glossy sauce and bright green parsley. If you want a lighter or plant-based take, check this vegan pasta version for inspiration.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 520 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fat: 36 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Why Make This Marry Me Chicken
This dish delivers big flavor with simple steps. The sauce is creamy and garlicky with a nutty Parmesan depth. The aroma of garlic and melted cheese draws everyone to the table. It feels special enough for a date night but is quick enough for a weeknight. The texture contrasts nicely — a light golden crust on the chicken and a silky, clingy sauce underneath. It’s versatile, pairs with many sides, and is a reliable crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
This recipe cooks fast and focuses on building flavor in the skillet. Sear the chicken to get a golden crust, then use the same pan to make the sauce so you capture all the browned bits. Finish by simmering the chicken in the sauce so it stays juicy and absorbs the creamy taste.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
Step 3: Cooking
Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to finish cooking through. Keep the heat gentle so the cream does not boil.
Step 4: Finishing
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Spoon sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken
Serve this chicken over mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Add a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for contrast. For a dinner party, plate a single breast over creamy polenta and drizzle extra sauce over the top. The sauce’s richness pairs well with bright, acidic side dishes like lemony arugula.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Keep the chicken covered in sauce to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between, if needed.
Expert Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken
- Pound chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — give each breast room to brown.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a creamier, fresher flavor.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth and scrape up browned bits for deeper flavor.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer — heavy cream can separate if boiled vigorously.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end; Parmesan is salty, so add salt sparingly.
Delicious Variations
- Sun-dried Tomato: Stir in 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness and tang.
- Spinach & Mushroom: Add 2 cups fresh spinach and 1 cup sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
- Lighter Sauce: Use half-and-half plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch to thicken for a lighter version.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute canned coconut milk and nutritional yeast; simmer gently and season to taste.
- Thighs Instead of Breasts: Use boneless skinless thighs for richer flavor and more forgiving cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Bone-in or boneless thighs work and stay moist. Adjust cooking time: thighs may need a little longer to reach safe internal temperature. -
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Simmer uncovered on low for a few minutes to reduce it. Or mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the sauce, simmering until thickened. -
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare up to the end of Step 3, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently and add fresh parsley just before serving. Flavor may deepen after sitting. -
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half with a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken. For a lower-fat option, use Greek yogurt tempered with a little hot sauce (stirred in at the end on very low heat). -
How can I prevent the cream from separating?
Keep heat low and avoid boiling the sauce. Stir gently and finish with the chicken off direct high heat. Fresh cream and gradual temperature changes help. -
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Cut into the thickest piece to ensure juices run clear. -
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Yes. Quick-cooking vegetables like spinach or peas can be stirred in at the end. For firmer vegetables (mushrooms, bell peppers), sauté them with the garlic before adding broth.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken is creamy, comforting, and simple to make — a great pick for weeknights or a special dinner. The sauce is velvety, garlicky, and perfectly coats each bite of chicken, while parsley brightens the plate. If you want to compare versions or try the original inspiration, see this helpful recipe from Marry Me Chicken – Little Sunny Kitchen. Enjoy cooking, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!
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Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A creamy and comforting chicken dish simmered in a Parmesan garlic sauce, perfect for weeknights or special dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to finish cooking through. Keep the heat gentle so the cream does not boil.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Spoon sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.
Notes
Pound chicken to an even thickness for even cooking. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a creamier flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
