Creamy, tangy, savory and delicious, this easy marry me chicken recipe is the best 30 minute, one pan meal out there, hands down!
Plus the creamy sauce is perfect on anything: pasta, rice, potatoes, cauliflower rice.....you name it.
If you would like to try another easy creamy chicken dish, our Tuscan Chicken recipe is perfect for you.
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Why you'll love this recipe
This easy marry me chicken recipe, also sometimes called Man Pleasing Chicken (which is comical in my opinion), has been around for quite a while.
I've made it many times for my family and tested it with different types of chicken. It turns out great every single time.
Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, grated parmesan cheese, and a ½ cup heavy cream all come together to create this decadent chicken dish in a cream sauce that everyone will love.
Marry me chicken is made in one pan - a large cast iron skillet is recommended - and has a cook time of under 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights.
If you love easy chicken dinner recipes try this Oven Baked Chicken Legs recipe next. Looking for more than just chicken, look through our curated list of 21 easy dinner recipes that all take less than 30 minutes to prepare.
Reader Testimonial
So delicious!! One of our favorite meals. Chicken is tender and juicy. The sauce is heavenly. I serve with spiraled zucchini and sometimes bow tie pasta. Thank you for this amazing recipe!! Lindsey S.
Key ingredients
Garlic - Minced fresh garlic, and a good amount of it, is part of what makes this delicious chicken recipe so amazingly flavorful.
Thyme & Oregano - Dried Oregano works with the thyme to amp up the savory flavors of the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes - We use ½ of a teaspoon to add just a little bit of heat. Add more or less to your liking.
Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock - We suggest using a low sodium broth so you can control the amount of salt in the dish.
Heavy Cream - This is what gives the sauce for the chicken its smooth creamy texture.
Sun-dried Tomatoes - This is probably the star ingredient in this dish. Sun-dried tomatoes have a sour tang to them that elevates the flavors perfectly.
Parmesan Cheese - Parmesan adds umami flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
If you have any questions about the ingredients in this easy chicken recipe, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you.
How to make marry me chicken
Step 1: Season both sides of the skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a preheated large skillet over medium, sear the chicken in olive oil for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Set chicken aside.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the hot skillet and cook until fragrant. Add the thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
Step 4: While stirring often with a wooden spoon, scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to skillet and spoon the sauce over the chicken.
Step 6: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. You can check for 165F with a meat thermometer.
For the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please see the printable recipe card below.
For a dessert option, you might like this No Bake Biscoff Cheesecake or our Italian hangover cake. If you are living the low carb life, try our Low Carb Lemon Cake.
Expert tips
- We like to leave the chicken breast whole in our recipe, but to shorten the cook time you can cut them into chicken cutlets or pound them with a meat mallet.
- Definitely try to use freshly grated parmesan cheese. It's simply fresher and has so much better flavor. Use a box grater or handheld cheese grater.
- Sun-dried tomatoes usually come packaged in oil. Add a little bit to the pan with the olive oil and sear the chicken. It's a simple way to up the flavor profile of the chicken.
- Speaking of searing. Please let your skillet heat up before you add the chicken. Simple way to test is with a drop of water. It should immediately fizz when it hits the pan.
FAQs
The beauty of this recipe is that you can use any cut of chicken you have on hand.
We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this recipe, but I have made this recipe using 8 to 12 chicken tenderloins, and it turns out great.
I have also made it using 6 to 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Again, turned out great.
I have not used any bone in cuts of chicken. If you do, the cook time will be longer. Use an instant read thermometer to ensure the temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees or higher.
It's said that if you cook this for your partner, a marriage proposal may be on its way. Definitely the best chicken recipe for a date night or special occasion.
Yes, it really is that good. So be careful who you cook it for.
Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. Once it has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply place it in a pan on the stove to reheat.
Yes, you can definitely make this recipe without tomatoes. Not everyone is a fan of tomatoes. There is no need to replace them with anything, but feel free to explore.
Marry Me Chicken is definitely low on carbs, with each serving only having about 5 grams of net carbs.
For a full and filling keto meal, serve this easy chicken breast recipe with your favorite vegetables or cauliflower rice to soak up all of the delicious creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
For another keto delicious sauce mopping option, I recommend trying our Keto Rolls or using the sauce in this recipe on our Zucchini Noodles or Low Carb Stuffing.
What to serve with marry me chicken?
This delicious creamy chicken dish pairs so well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
Pasta - The perfect complement to our super easy marry me chicken. For the best result, after you remove the pan from the oven, take the juicy chicken breasts out and spoon some sauce on top of it.
Place the cooked pasta in the pan with the remaining creamy parmesan sauce. Gently toss it over medium heat for a minute or two. This way the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.
On a low carb diet, try our Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles instead.
Potatoes - Use the sauce as a gravy on our creamy whipped potatoes or pour it over roasted potatoes.
Rice - a great side dish that will soak up this delicious sauce. If on a keto diet, use cauliflower rice.
Vegetables - This parmesan cream sauce will make any vegetable taste good. Pour it over Lemon Asparagus or an Parmesan crusted Brussels sprouts.
Bread - Created just for you to soak up the sundried tomato cream sauce. You can make a nice garlic bread or some Keto Rolls.
Creamy Polenta - make your own or purchase some premade polenta from your local grocery store.
Storage & Reheating instructions
Fridge - Before storing any meal, you should always let it cool to room temperature first. Place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer - We don't love freezing creamy recipes as they don't always thaw to the same consistency as when freshly made. If you want to freeze any leftovers, place them in an airtight container or freezer zip lock bag. Store up to 3 months.
Reheat - Whether from the fridge or frozen, it is best to reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Adding a little bit of chicken broth to the pan will ensure the chicken stays nice and moist.
More chicken recipes
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Did you make this quick and easy marry me chicken recipe? Please leave a comment below letting me know what you thought.
📖 Recipe
Marry Me Chicken (Gluten-Free, No Flour, Keto)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3-4 chicken breasts about 1 ½ lbs.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes chopped. (Leave them out if you do not like tomatoes)
- ¼ cup fresh-grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375F degrees.
- In a large cast iron skillet (or oven-safe skillet) heat oil over medium heat.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sear both sides of the chicken, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate; set aside.
- Add the minced garlic to the hot skillet and cook for 1 minute. Add the thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in the sundried tomatoes and parmesan cheese.
- Return the cooked chicken to skillet and spoon the sauce over the chicken.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet or other oven-safe skillet to make this recipe so that you can finish it in the oven. Please let your skillet heat up before you add the chicken. Simple way to test is with a drop of water. It should immediately fizz when it hits the pan.
- It's helpful to have all of your ingredients measured and ready before you start making the sauce. This helps to keep the kitchen neat and the cooking quick.
- We like to leave the chicken breast whole in our recipe, but to shorten the cook time you can cut them into chicken cutlets or pound them with a meat mallet.
- Definitely try to use freshly grated parmesan cheese. It's simply fresher and has so much better flavor. Use a box grater or handheld cheese grater.
- Sun-dried tomatoes usually come packaged in oil. Add a little bit to the pan with the olive oil and sear the chicken. It's a simple way to up the flavor profile of the chicken.
Alicia
What can you use instead of sun dried tomatoes?
Four Score Living
You can use roasted red peppers, if you like. You can leave them out, but that would change the flavor.
The Four Score Living Team
Dee
I added sauted fresh mushrooms. And it was delish! The sauce is scrumptious!
Four Score Living
We're so glad you liked it, Dee! Thank you for taking the time to stop back by and let us know. We love the idea of adding mushrooms.
The Four Score Living Team
Stacie
I have made this I can not count since I first came across it. It is definitely in my top 5. Everyone loves it. That sauce is *perfection*. Ofc we like a lot of sauce so I add more broth, cream and cheese lol. Still amazing.
Four Score Living
Hi Stacie,
So nice to hear that everyone loves it. "That sauce is perfection" could not have said it better myself. Thanks for taking the time to let us know.
The Four Score Living Team
Nancy
Great recipe! I increased the garlic and, for my taste, used too much red pepper flakes. I also put it over penne pasta! Yum! My husband of 42 years said he'd marry me all over again!!!
Four Score Living
So glad you both loved it. Thank you for taking the time to stop back by and let us know.
The Four Score Living Team
Teresa Sandel
I made this Marry me Chicken and my husband and I just love it I’ve made this twice and I serve it on top of Angel hair pasta with Cesar salad and garlic bread. It’s amazing!! My son came over the next day to visit me and I warmed him up some leftovers he loved it also, he said it taste like it came from a restaurant from Italy
Four Score Living
I am so glad everyone loved it. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and let us know!
The Four Score Living Team
Dawn Centers
This is the 1st time I'm making this dish. My granddaughters love the name of the meal. All three girl said when they find that right person they will give it the old college try. Laughing. Very tasty. Love the sauce. My oldest granddaughter is a type diabetic. We tried the coconut milk and left out the cheese. Still a grate meal, Thanks.
Four Score Living
We're so glad you're granddaughters liked it. Thank you for taking the time to stop back by and let us know.
The Four Score Living Team
Donna
1st time making this. It came out so good. So much flavor. The only different thing I did, was I used 1 cup of broth and 1 cup of cream. We like our gravy a little thicker, so I thickened it with cornstarch and water. I would definitely make this again!
Four Score Living
Hi Donna,
We're so glad you loved it. Thank you for taking the time to stop back by and let us know, and for sharing what you used to thicken the sauce further.
The Four Score Living Team
Amanda Stensrud
Can I use mozzarella cheese instead of Parmesan cheese?
Four Score Living
Hi Amanda,
Mozzarella doesn't work the same way in this recipe, but you can certainly add some to the top before serving if you like.
The Four Score Living Team
Jamie
If I butterfly the chicken breasts (now six smaller pieces) does the baking time reduce by half?
Four Score Living
No necessarily, depending on how thick they are at the thickest part. You can reduce the time, and check for doneness.
The Four Score Living Team
Jessica
When transferring the chicken into the over to bake for 18-20 min do you transfer the entire remains of the sauce from the skillet as well?
Four Score Living
Yes, you transfer the skillet with all the chicken and sauce.
The Four Score Living Team
Melissa
Awesome, will keep this in rotation. I doubled the Thyme, Oregano, Garlic, Parmesan and Sun dried tomatoes. Served along side Spaghetti Squash and Spinach.
Four Score Living
So glad you liked it! Thanks for stopping back by to let us know.
The Four Score Living Team
Sharon Buck
I don’t have an iron skillet, so will it work just as well to brown and make sauce in a regular skillet and then cook in a baking dish in the oven??
Four Score Living
Hi Sharon,
Yes, that will work.
Lindsey S.
So delicious!! One of our favorite meals. Chicken is tender and juicy. The sauce is heavenly. I serve with spiraled zucchini and sometimes bow tie pasta. Thank you for this amazing recipe!!
Four Score Living
You are very welcome. I am so glad you like it.
Sally
Can I brown chicken and cook in crockpot. Also what sides do you make with thiss
Four Score Living
Hi Sally,
You can brown it and cook it in a crockpot, but I wouldn't add the heavy cream until closer to the end. I haven't personally cooked this in a crockpot, so I'm not sure how long to cook it in a crockpot. You also may need to double the broth so it doesn't dry out.
For sides, if you eat rice, you could serve it with rice and steamed veggies, or cornbread, rolls etc. If you eat a low carb diet, I like serving it over cauliflower rice with a keto roll, or broccoli salad.
Kelly
Hi! I am going to be making this tonight and wanted to know if I could add in some baby spinach, and if yes, when would be the best time?
Four Score Living
Hi Kelly,
Absolutely! If you are using fresh baby spinach we recommend you add it with the garlic during step 5, as it will not take long to cook down. If you are using frozen spinach the process of defrosting will add additional liquid, so we recommend adding it at the end of step 4 after the chicken is removed (before you add the garlic to the pan) and allow time for any extra liquid to cook off before beginning step 5.
Stop back by and let us know how it turns out!
The Four Score Living Team
Kelly
Hi, I ended up using fresh spinach, adding it during step 5 and it was delicious! Thank you so much!
Ella
I have everything on hand except the cream. Can milk be used instead or do I have to make a run to the store?
Four Score Living
I haven't tried this with milk, but it should still work. The sauce may not be as thick.
Joanne Kneller Spence
I need to avoid dairy, this sounds delicious - any suggestions for me?
Four Score Living
You can use full fat coconut milk instead of the heavy cream and leave the parmesan off.
Best,
Chrystal
Sharon Puett
I love this recipe.
I've made it as written. Ive also made it using boneless chicken thighs, and once with boneless pork. All equally good.
This sauce is absolute GOLD!
It is really rare for me to follow a recipe more than once without tinkering with it; this one that I don't mess with. I make it as written every time..
Tonight I'm going to use jumbo shrimp. I'm going to cook a couple of strips of bacon, set it aside, add some avocado oil to the bacon fat, sear the shrimp and follow the rest of the recipe as written. Serving over keto noodles (Kibun Foods Healthy Noodles from Costco) with the reserved bacon crumbled on top
Four Score Living
I am so glad you like it. Thank you for taking time to stop back by and let me know.