Creamy Garlic Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Garlic Marry Me Chicken is a comforting skillet dinner that’s surprisingly simple to make. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and bathed in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. This dish feels special enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the chicken dry and slice thick breasts into thinner cutlets if needed. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden, then transfer it to a plate.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer on medium-low for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm with pasta, rice, potatoes, or vegetables.
Tips & Variations
- For extra tenderness, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
- Swap fresh basil for chopped parsley if preferred for a different herbal note.
- Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for more vegetables.
- If you like spice, increase red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use grated Pecorino Romano instead of parmesan for a sharper flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warm, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and can add extra flavor and moisture. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and seasonings do not contain gluten additives.
Print
Creamy Garlic Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Marry Me Chicken is a comforting skillet dinner featuring tender, golden-seared chicken breasts nestled in a rich and silky garlic parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a hint of spice. This effortless recipe creates a special meal perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests, served alongside pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. If the breasts are thick, slice them into thinner cutlets for even cooking. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown. Transfer the cooked chicken onto a plate and set aside.
- Cook Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken, then simmer on medium-low heat for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and the sauce is rich and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve warm with your choice of pasta, rice, potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor; choose oil-packed for softer texture or dry-packed soaked in water if preferred.
- If you prefer less heat, omit or reduce the red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Leftover chicken and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complement the richness of the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Creamy garlic chicken, parmesan chicken, sun-dried tomato chicken, skillet chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken sauce

