Marry Me Chicken Recipe | Best Comfort Food You’ll Ever Try

Hello, I’m Bella Franklin, and today I’m thrilled to share a dish that’s become a weeknight hero in my kitchen, the Marry Me Chicken Recipe. You may have seen it trending across social media, featured on recipe blogs, or even mentioned on TV.

But beyond the hype, this creamy, rich, and utterly flavourful dish is a proper comfort food gem. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or hosting a small dinner party, this is the dish that never fails to impress.

What makes it special isn’t just the flavour, though that’s undeniably divine, it’s the balance of simplicity and elegance.

With tender chicken breast simmered in a luscious parmesan cream sauce, complemented by sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, the name “Marry Me Chicken” begins to make sense. One bite and you’re hooked.

What is Marry Me Chicken?

Marry Me Chicken is a creamy chicken dish that has gained cult status for its irresistible flavours and straightforward preparation.

The story behind its romantic name is that it’s so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. While that may be a touch exaggerated, one can’t deny its appeal.

At its heart, it’s a one-pan chicken recipe with roots in Italian-American cuisine. It features pan-seared chicken breasts in a creamy sauce infused with garlic, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. The result is rich, tangy, and comforting, a flavour profile that feels both indulgent and heartwarming.

• It’s made with pantry staples, yet tastes gourmet.
• The sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely depth and tanginess.
• Parmesan provides a nutty, salty contrast to the creamy base.
• Garlic brings warmth and savoury complexity.
• It takes under 30 minutes to prepare.

While it’s not an official Italian recipe, its ingredients and flavours are heavily influenced by Mediterranean traditions, and it carries the soul of a proper home-cooked meal.

Marry Me Chicken has been adapted countless times by chefs, home cooks, and bloggers alike. It’s that rare combination of easy and extraordinary — no wonder it went viral.

What Ingredients Do You Need for Marry Me Chicken?

Creating this dish is straightforward, and the ingredients are available in most supermarkets. That said, quality matters, fresh chicken and real parmesan make all the difference.

These ingredients combine to create a velvety, savoury sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go, that’s the real secret to making it your own.

How to Make the Perfect Marry Me Chicken?

Cooking Marry Me Chicken is delightfully simple. Here’s how I make it, step by step, for consistent results every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. If they’re thick, slice them in half lengthwise or pound them slightly for even cooking.

Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chicken and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Make the base: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Add the cream and cheese: Reduce heat and stir in the double cream and parmesan. Let it melt and simmer until thickened slightly.

Add flavour: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and oregano. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to infuse the flavours.

Return the chicken: Place the chicken back into the sauce. Simmer gently until cooked through (internal temp of 75°C). Add cornflour if you prefer a thicker consistency.

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve hot.

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights yet luxurious enough for guests.

Why is Marry Me Chicken So Popular?

There’s more to this dish than just a quirky name. It resonates with people because it hits every note of what we crave in comfort food.

• Creaminess: That luscious cream and parmesan sauce satisfies deeply.
• Ease: Minimal ingredients and a single pan.
• Visual appeal: Golden chicken in a creamy, tomato-speckled sauce looks stunning.
• Versatility: It works for family dinners, date nights, or meal prep.

The name certainly helped it go viral; it’s catchy and makes for great social content. But once people actually try it, the flavour does all the talking.

Bloggers like Taming Twins and The Modern Proper have helped fuel its popularity by sharing approachable versions with professional-quality results. It’s not often you find a recipe that checks so many boxes: quick, easy, delicious, and photogenic.

Tips for Cooking Chicken to Tender Perfection

Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked, so handling them properly is key. Here’s how I keep them juicy:

• Even thickness: Pound the chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Room temperature: Let chicken sit at room temp for 10 minutes before cooking.
• Use a thermometer: Aim for 75°C internally, no guesswork.
• Don’t skip resting: Rest chicken for 3–5 minutes before slicing.

And remember, searing isn’t about cooking the chicken fully, it’s about locking in juices and building flavour. The sauce will do the rest.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Marry Me Chicken

To turn Marry Me Chicken into a full meal, pair it with side dishes that soak up that delicious sauce.

• Mashed potatoes: Rich and smooth, perfect for spooning sauce over.
• Pasta: Tagliatelle or linguine complements the creaminess.
• Rice: Basmati or wild rice offers a lighter, neutral base.
• Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, and courgettes add colour and nutrition.
• Garlic bread: The perfect tool to mop up the last of the sauce.

Serve it with a glass of white wine, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy dinner at home.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Can You Make Marry Me Chicken Ahead of Time?

Yes, and it may taste even better the next day.

• Store: Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days
• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet or microwave on low
• Freeze: Freeze before adding cream, and stir it in fresh upon reheating

It’s a fantastic meal prep option and reheats without losing its texture.

Variations of the Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Recipe Mary Berry

While Mary Berry hasn’t published a version of this dish, her cooking style can inspire a more British twist:

• Replace double cream with crème fraîche
• Add mushrooms or leeks for depth
• Finish with a touch of mustard for sharpness

Jon Watts Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Although this is more of an internet rumour than a confirmed source, some versions under this name include:

• Slow-cooked cherry tomatoes instead of sun-dried
• Balsamic glaze for sweetness
• Polenta or crusty bread instead of pasta

Marry Me Chicken Recipe Taming Twins

Taming Twins offers a reliable, family-friendly approach:

• Chicken thighs used for juiciness
• Oven-finished for hands-off ease
• Slightly more herbs and paprika added

Marry Me Chicken Recipe Thermomix

Thermomix fans, rejoice, this recipe adapts beautifully:

• Sear chicken outside the Thermomix
• Use the mixing bowl to make the sauce
• Cook at Varoma temp for even results

Marry Me Chicken Recipe Pioneer Woman

Ree Drummond’s take is classic and bold:

• Garlic-heavy and packed with parmesan
• Uses red pepper flakes for heat
• Often served with angel hair pasta

Conclusion

Absolutely. Marry Me Chicken combines everything I love in a dish, flavour, texture, simplicity, and elegance.

It brings people together around the table and makes everyday dinners feel special. Once you try it, you’ll understand why so many cooks, including myself, have fallen in love with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of chicken works best for Marry Me Chicken?

Boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs offer more flavour and remain moist.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut cream and vegan parmesan alternatives.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, but freeze before adding cream. Add fresh cream when reheating.

Can I make it in advance?

Absolutely. It keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days.

Does Marry Me Chicken work with pasta?

It’s ideal with pasta! Tagliatelle or linguine work best.

Can I add mushrooms or spinach?

Yes, they both pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.

What’s a good wine pairing?

Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy richness.

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Freya

It brings people together around the table and makes everyday dinners feel special. Once you try it, you’ll understand why so many cooks, including myself, have fallen in love with it.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine british

Servings 1 people

Calories 580 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 large Chicken breasts skinless, Boneless
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic minced Freshly minced for best flavour
• ½ cup Chicken stock Can substitute with vegetable stock
• ¾ cup Double cream Richer and creamier than single cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated Use freshly grated parmesan
• ½ cup Sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• ½ tsp Dried oregano Adds Mediterranean herb flavour
• Fresh basil A few leaves chopped For garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper To taste Season to preference
• 1 tsp Cornflour optional for thickening the sauce

Instructions

 

• Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. If they’re thick, slice them in half lengthwise or pound them slightly for even cooking.
  2 large Chicken breasts
• Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chicken and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  2 tbsp Olive oil
• Make the base: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  3 cloves Garlic, ½ cup Chicken stock
• Add the cream and cheese: Reduce heat and stir in the double cream and parmesan. Let it melt and simmer until thickened slightly.
  ¾ cup Double cream, ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• Add flavour: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and oregano. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to infuse the flavours.
  ½ cup Sun-dried tomatoes, ½ tsp Dried oregano
• Return the chicken: Place the chicken back into the sauce. Simmer gently until cooked through (internal temp of 75°C). Add cornflour if you prefer a thicker consistency.
  1 tsp Cornflour
• Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve hot.
  Fresh basil, Salt and pepper

Keyword Marry Me Chicken Recipe