Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Irresistible “Marry Me Chicken” Recipe for Love-Struck Flavor

Chicken breasts bathed in a creamy marry me chicken sauce promise an irresistible dinner experience that sparks romantic culinary magic.

Weeknight meal preparation becomes effortless with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes create layers of rich, tangy flavor that dance across your palate.

Fresh herbs add bright, aromatic notes to complement the robust cream sauce.

Basil and thyme elevate each tender bite into something extraordinary.

Restaurants might charge premium prices for such an elegant plate, but you can craft this restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.

Dive into this delectable recipe that just might make someone fall head over heels for your cooking skills.

Flavorful Variations of Marry Me Chicken

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, sliced and seasoned similarly. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese to maintain creamy texture and flavor.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free Italian seasoning and verify bacon does not contain gluten additives.

FAQs

  • What makes this chicken recipe different from other chicken dishes?

This Marry Me Chicken combines crispy seared chicken with a rich, creamy sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, bacon, and parmesan cheese, creating a restaurant-quality meal with bold, complex flavors.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly. They’re often more tender and juicy, and will absorb the sauce beautifully while maintaining a similar cooking method to chicken breasts.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe isn’t spicy. It has a savory, creamy profile with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and a rich parmesan cheese sauce that offers depth of flavor without heat.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this dish?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly. If you can sear chicken and stir a sauce, you’ll successfully create this delicious meal with minimal cooking experience.

Why Marry Me Chicken Lives Up to Its Name

  • Impress your loved ones with a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes sophisticated, yet requires minimal culinary skills.
  • Combine crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes for a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes that'll make everyone ask for seconds.
  • Suitable for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, this recipe adapts to any occasion with its irresistible appeal.

Ingredients for Creamy and Tender Marry Me Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender meat as the star of the dish.
  • Bacon: Crispy, flavorful protein that adds richness.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Base for cooking and adding flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic seasoning blend for chicken.
  • Minced Garlic: Aromatic base for the sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy and intense flavor booster.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid base for creating depth in sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creamy component that thickens the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty and sharp cheese that enhances sauce texture.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb for final touch and color.

How to Make Restaurant-Style Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Flavor Base

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning generously over chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the aromatic blend.

Step 2: Sear Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken breasts and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior, about 5-7 minutes on each side.

Transfer the seared chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Crisp Bacon Delight

Cook chopped bacon in the same skillet until it reaches a delightful crispy texture.

Remove the bacon pieces and set aside, leaving behind the flavorful drippings.

Step 4: Aromatic Vegetable Infusion

Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet.

Sauté for 1-2 minutes, allowing the ingredients to release their rich, tantalizing aromas.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce Magic

Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet.

Stir in parmesan cheese and let the mixture simmer, watching as it transforms into a luxurious, velvety sauce.

Step 6: Reunite and Simmer

Return the seared chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet.

Gently coat everything with the creamy sauce and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked and infused with incredible flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh herb essence.

Serve hot and watch your loved ones fall in love with this irresistible meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken

  • Ensure your skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
  • Cook bacon until just crispy to prevent burning, which can create bitter undertones in the final sauce.
  • Stir continuously while simmering to prevent sauce from separating and maintain a smooth, velvety texture.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that keeps the dish's rich essence.
  • Chop parsley right before garnishing to maximize its vibrant flavor and bright green color, enhancing both visual appeal and taste.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Marry Me Chicken

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
  • Carefully transfer chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining the dish's delicious taste.
  • Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently, heating for 5-7 minutes until thoroughly warmed and sauce is bubbling.

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken

  • Savor Creamy Elegance: Wine Pairing that Elevates the Dish
  • Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay to complement the rich, creamy sauce and cut through the heaviness of the dish.
  • Harmonize Flavor Profiles: Bacon and Sun-Dried Tomato Companions
  • Select a light, fruity red like Pinot Noir that matches the smoky bacon notes and balances the tangy sun-dried tomatoes without overpowering the chicken.
  • Craft a Refreshing Side Salad: Citrus Contrast
  • Prepare a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, acidic counterpoint to the heavy, creamy main course, cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Enhance Texture Contrast: Crispy Garlic Bread
  • Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the luxurious sauce and add a crunchy texture that complements the tender chicken and smooth sauce.
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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