Creamy, tangy, savory and delicious, this easy Marry Me Chicken recipe is super simple to make and quite scrumptious.
If you would like to try another creamy chicken dish, our Tuscan Chicken recipe is perfect for you.
EASY MARRY ME CHICKEN RECIPE
This Marry Me Chicken recipe, also sometimes called Man Pleasing Chicken (which is comical in my opinion), has been around for quite a while.
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 nobody can get enough of.
Marry Me Chicken is made in one pan - a large cast iron skillet is recommended - and ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights.
If you love easy chicken dinner recipes try this Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe next.
INGREDIENTS IN EASY MARRY ME CHICKEN
Olive Oil - Sear your chicken in olive oil before making the delicious creamy sauce.
Chicken Breasts - Boneless skinless chicken breasts work really well for this recipe as they cook evenly and are already perfectly portioned.
Salt - Proper seasoning is key to making marry me chicken.
Black Pepper - Another needed seasoning for your chicken breasts.
Garlic - Minced fresh garlic, and a good amount of it, is part of what makes this delicious chicken recipe so amazingly flavorful.
Thyme - Dried or fresh thyme adds an herbal warmth to the sauce.
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 this easy chicken recipe, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you.
HOW TO MAKE EASY MARRY ME CHICKEN
- Season both sides of the skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a preheated large skillet over medium, sear the chicken in olive oil for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Set chicken aside.
- Add the minced garlic to the hot skillet and cook until fragrant. Add the thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. 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.
- 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. You can check for 165F with a meat thermometer.
These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please see the printable recipe card below.
For a dessert option, you might like these cherry pineapple popsicles or our Italian hangover cake. If you are living the low carb life, try our Low Carb Lemon Cake.
HOW MANY CARBS ARE IN MARRY ME CHICKEN?
This Keto 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 KIND OF CHICKEN SHOULD I USE FOR MARRY ME CHICKEN?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used to make this version of Keto Marry Me Chicken, and this recipe is designed for that.
If you want to, you can use other boneless cuts of chicken such as boneless, skinless chicken thighs or tenderloins. The cook time for those should be about the same, but always check for doneness of 165F with chicken.
Using any bone in cuts of chicken will make the cook time longer, but we would love to hear if you've tried it.
If you would like another easy chicken recipe you'll also want to try this Caprese Stuffed Balsamic Chicken. For a savory beef recipe, you'll want to make this Instant Pot Pot Roast or our Sirloin Tip Roast.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH MARRY ME CHICKEN
Marry me chicken is a delicious creamy chicken dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
Pasta - The perfect complement to our delicious 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 creamy sauce as a gravy on mashed 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 Keto 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.
HOW TO STORE MARRY ME CHICKEN
HOW TO STORE MARRY ME CHICKEN IN THE 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.
CAN MARRY ME CHICKEN BE FROZEN?
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.
HOW TO REHEAT MARRY ME CHICKEN
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.
WHY IS IT CALLED MARRY ME CHICKEN?
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.
CAN MARRY ME CHICKEN BE MADE AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes, you can make Marry Me Chicken 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.
CAN YOU MAKE MARRY ME CHICKEN WITHOUT TOMATOES?
Yes, you can definitely make this easy marry me chicken recipe without tomatoes. Not everyone is a fan of tomatoes. There is no need to replace them with anything, but feel free to explore.
BEST TIPS FOR MAKING THIS EASY MARRY ME CHICKEN RECIPE
- 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.
MORE KETO CHICKEN RECIPES
Chicken and Brussel Sprouts - A super simple sheet pan dinner that is quick to make and requires minimal ingredients.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole - You'll love Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. It's the ultimate cheesy, rich, comfort food that your whole family will enjoy. If it’s too cheesy for you, might we suggest making a keto chicken bacon ranch burrito with our low carb tortillas?
Keto Chicken Fried Steak - Coated in a crispy Parmesan and pork rind crust and smothered in sausage gravy, you won't believe how filling and delectable this chicken fried steak is. We like to enjoy this chicken fried steak with a big helping of keto broccoli salad.
Keto Chicken Fajitas - Keto Fajitas are a simple and easy way to create a flavorful, high protein, low carb dinner. This chicken is marinated in a delicious blend of spices, lime and seasonings. Prefer taco seasoning flavors? No problem, use a low carb taco seasoning recipe.
Keto Chicken Enchiladas - Keto Enchiladas with chicken, melty cheese, and a mildly spicy, savory sauce will quickly become a family favorite meal. We like to make ours in these Keto Tortillas. Finish your chicken enchiladas with your favorite toppings – we like this keto queso and keto salsa.
Low Carb Chicken Taco Soup – Super simple to make and uses minimal ingredients! Top this delightful keto chicken taco soup with your favorite toppings. We like to top it with sour cream, cheese, and sliced jalapenos for a comforting meal. Add some keto cheese chips or keto tortilla chips on the side.
Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip – This keto buffalo dip is insanely delicious. It’s loaded with lots of healthy fats and protein and it’s great as a meal or an appetizer. This recipe only uses a handful of ingredients and it’s easy to make.
Keto Chicken Wings – Keto recipes don’t get any easier than this keto chicken wings recipe. These little tasty chicken wings are super flavorful and filling. Just a note, they can get messy. Dip them in different sauces or some keto BBQ sauce, and enjoy!
Creamy Stuffed Chicken Florentine - This recipe is super creamy and dreamy and it's full of healthy fats and protein. We'd serve it over cauli-rice or hearts of palm pasta.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Please help us out by leaving a quick review and star ★ rating below.
LET'S GET SOCIAL, you can follow Four Score Living on Pinterest. You can also leave a comment below if you have any questions.
Did you make this Easy Marry Me Chicken? Please leave a comment below letting me know what you thought.
Easy Marry Me Chicken
Creamy, tangy, savory and delicious, this easy Marry Me Chicken recipe might just make anyone you serve it to fall in love.
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
- 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.
- 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.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 387Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 760mgCarbohydrates: 6gNet Carbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 42g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Maureen
Will this recipe freeze?
Four Score Living
Hi Maureen, yes you can freeze this dish. After it has cooled, place it in an airtight container or freezer ziplock bag. It will stay good for 2 to 3 months.
The Four Score Living Team
Pam Piscitelli
Thank you for sharing this recipe. My family and I loved it. Even my husband (who is not a sauce lover) really liked this recipe.
Four Score Living
Hi Pam,
So happy your whole family loved our recipe. Thank you for taking the time to stop back by and let us know.
The Four Score Living Team
Priscilla
Can you double the sauce in this recipe?
Four Score Living
Hi Priscilla,
Yes, you can definitely double the sauce by using 1 1/2 cups of broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. You may want to add in a little extra seasoning, but that is easy to do after you remove the dish from the oven. Hope that helps and thanks for taking the time to stop back by. Let us know how it turns out.
The Four Score Living Team
Darlene Stanley
I made this last night for the first time; it was delicious. Very easy to make. Follow the tip and have all things measured out as this makes the process much easier. This will definitely be a dish I will make frequently. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Four Score Living
Hi Darlene,
So happy to hear you enjoyed this dish. Thanks for taking the time to let us know.
The Four Score Living Team