USAI always use thighs instead of breasts — they're juicier and more forgiving with temperature. If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, substitute 1 tbsp tomato paste plus a pinch of sugar.
Don't skip scraping the pan bottom after adding the broth — that caramelised fond is the entire foundation of the sauce's depth.
Marry Me Chicken
Chicken breasts seared to a golden crust and finished in the oven in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan. A staple of American home cooking that went viral worldwide for its simplicity and depth of flavour.
Key Ingredients
What you'll need
Ingredients
- 4See recipes with chicken breasts
chicken breasts
i - 150 gSee recipes with sun-dried tomatoes in oil
sun-dried tomatoes in oil
i - 240 mlSee recipes with heavy cream
heavy cream
i - 120 mlSee recipes with chicken broth
chicken broth
i - 60 gSee recipes with parmesan
parmesan, grated
i - 4See recipes with garlic cloves
garlic cloves
i - 1 tspSee recipes with dried oregano
dried oregano
i - 1/2 tspSee recipes with chili flakes
chili flakes
i - 2 tbspSee recipes with olive oil
olive oil
i - to tasteSee recipes with salt and black pepper
salt and black pepper
i - 1 handfulSee recipes with fresh basil
fresh basil
i
How to make it
Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over high heat and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until deeply golden. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage — the crust is what matters. Transfer to a plate.
- 2
In the same skillet, fry the minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add the sun-dried tomatoes with a spoonful of their oil and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the broth and scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula to lift all the browned bits — this is the foundation of the sauce's flavour. Add the cream, oregano, and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- 3
Stir in the grated Parmesan until fully melted. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each breast. Transfer to an oven preheated to 190°C and bake for 15–18 minutes until cooked through.
- 4
Remove from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes — thighs are actually better here. They stay juicier and are more forgiving if you leave them in the oven a few extra minutes.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
Use 1 tablespoon of tomato paste plus a pinch of sugar. The flavour will be milder but the sauce still works. Cherry tomatoes roasted in the oven are another good option.
What to serve with Marry Me Chicken?
Pasta (especially tagliatelle or pappardelle), creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to scoop up the sauce. A simple green salad balances the richness.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Replace the cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the Parmesan. The sauce will be slightly sweeter but still creamy and delicious.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce — microwave works too but the texture of the chicken suffers.
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