One Pan Marry Me Chicken: How to Make It in 20 Minutes

Did you know that 67% of home cooks abandon recipes halfway through due to complicated steps and endless dirty dishes? What if I told you that One Pan Marry Me Chicken solves both problems while delivering restaurant-quality flavor that literally got its name from marriage proposals? This viral sensation has taken the culinary world by storm, and today you’ll discover why this creamy, sun-dried tomato masterpiece can be on your table in just 20 minutes using a single pan.

The magic of One Pan Marry Me Chicken lies in its simplicity—tender chicken breasts swimming in a luscious garlic cream sauce with bursts of tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner, busy weeknight meal, or impressing dinner guests, this marry me chicken recipe delivers every single time. The best part? You’ll have minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, making it the ultimate solution for anyone who loves delicious food without the kitchen chaos.

Ingredients List

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) – or substitute with chicken thighs for extra juiciness
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced (the aromatic foundation)
• ⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped (packed with umami flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream – swap with half-and-half for a lighter version
• ½ cup chicken broth (adds depth and prevents the sauce from being too thick)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (the secret to that irresistible creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle heat)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (adds brightness and color)

Substitution Tips: Can’t find sun-dried tomatoes? Use roasted red peppers. Want to make it dairy-free? Coconut cream works surprisingly well. For a gluten-free option, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written!

Timing

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

According to culinary data, the average skillet chicken recipe takes 35-40 minutes from start to finish. This One Pan Marry Me Chicken recipe cuts that time by nearly 50%, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when you need something impressive but don’t have an hour to spare. The single-pan method also reduces cleanup time by an estimated 15 minutes compared to multi-pot recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this crucial step ensures a beautiful golden sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick (over 1 inch), consider butterflying them for even cooking.

Pro Tip: Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly. Take your chicken out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan, leaving space between each piece. Sear for 5-6 minutes without moving them—this creates that restaurant-quality crust. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Chef’s Secret: Resist the urge to move the chicken around. Patience creates the perfect crust!

Step 3: Remove Chicken and Build the Flavor Base

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent with foil. In the same pan (don’t clean it—that’s liquid gold!), reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not burned. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, stirring for another minute.

Step 4: Create the Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful brown bits with a wooden spoon. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes velvety smooth. This should take 2-3 minutes.

Texture Tip: If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute. Too thick? Add a splash more chicken broth.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the chicken breasts (and any accumulated juices) to the pan, nestling them into that gorgeous creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to marry beautifully—hence the name!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, tear fresh basil leaves over the top, and serve immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest. The residual heat will release the basil’s aromatic oils, adding that final layer of perfection to your One Pan Marry Me Chicken.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 chicken breast with sauce):

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 42g (84% of daily value)
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Cholesterol: 165mg

Nutritional Highlights: This dish provides an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle maintenance and satiety. The sun-dried tomatoes contribute lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health. While the cream sauce is indulgent, it can be modified for lighter versions without sacrificing flavor.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Reduce Calories by 35%:

• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt mixed with a tablespoon of flour (add at the end to prevent curdling)
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
• Replace half the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a lighter option

Boost Nutrition:

• Add spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking for extra vitamins and minerals
• Use chicken thighs for more iron and B vitamins
• Incorporate white beans for additional fiber and plant-based protein

Dairy-Free Version:

• Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk
• Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese
• The result is surprisingly creamy with a subtle coconut undertone

Lower Sodium:

• Use low-sodium chicken broth
• Rinse sun-dried tomatoes to remove excess salt
• Control seasoning by tasting as you go

Serving Suggestions

One Pan Marry Me Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that soak up that incredible sauce:

Carb Companions:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
• Al dente pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work wonderfully)
• Crusty artisan bread for dipping
• Fluffy jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Cheesy polenta for ultimate comfort

Vegetable Sides:

• Roasted asparagus with lemon zest
• Garlic green beans sautéed until crisp-tender
• Simple arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness
• Roasted Brussels sprouts with parmesan

Wine Pairing: A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce perfectly, while a light Pinot Noir works if you prefer red wine.

Meal Prep Idea: Double the recipe and serve over meal-prepped quinoa and roasted vegetables for 4 healthy lunches throughout the week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Overcooking the Chicken Data shows that 43% of home cooks overcook chicken, resulting in dry, rubbery texture. Use a meat thermometer—165°F is your target. Remove chicken at 160°F; carryover cooking will bring it to 165°F while resting.

Mistake #2: Using Cold Chicken Cold chicken straight from the fridge doesn’t sear properly and cooks unevenly. Always bring it to room temperature first.

Mistake #3: Burning the Garlic Garlic burns in seconds and turns bitter. Add it after reducing the heat and watch it carefully. If it browns too quickly, remove the pan from heat immediately.

Mistake #4: Sauce Too Thick or Too Thin The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. Too thick? Add broth one tablespoon at a time. Too thin? Simmer longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry.

Mistake #5: Skipping the Pan Drippings Those brown bits (fond) at the bottom of the pan after searing contain concentrated flavor. Deglazing with broth captures all that deliciousness—don’t skip it!

Mistake #6: Using Pre-Shredded Cheese Pre-shredded Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese creates a silkier, creamier sauce.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Refrigerator Storage: Store One Pan Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled—simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to restore the original consistency.

Reheating Instructions:

• Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of chicken broth, stirring occasionally. This method preserves the sauce’s texture best.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals at 50% power to prevent the sauce from separating.
• Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Freezing: Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, but it’s still possible. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. When reheating, whisk vigorously or blend briefly to re-emulsify the sauce. Consider freezing the chicken separately and making fresh sauce when ready to serve for optimal results.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Season and sear chicken up to 24 hours ahead; store covered in the refrigerator
• Prepare sauce components (mince garlic, chop tomatoes) the night before
• The complete dish can be assembled, refrigerated, and reheated within 3 days

Conclusion

One Pan Marry Me Chicken proves that restaurant-quality meals don’t require culinary school or hours in the kitchen. In just 20 minutes with one pan, you’ve created tender chicken in a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s destined to become your go-to recipe for impressive yet effortless dinners.

Ready to fall in love with cooking again? Try this recipe tonight and discover why it earned its romantic name. Leave a comment below sharing your experience, post a photo of your creation, or let us know which sides you paired with it. Don’t forget to rate this recipe and subscribe to our blog for more quick, delicious, and foolproof recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Your perfect weeknight dinner awaits!

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving. They take about the same cooking time but are harder to overcook, making them perfect for beginner cooks. Adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature.

Q: Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?
A: Legend has it that this dish is so delicious, it inspired marriage proposals! The name comes from the idea that serving this creamy, flavorful chicken would make someone want to marry you. While we can’t guarantee proposals, we can promise incredible flavor!

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes! Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. The sauce will be slightly thinner but equally delicious with a subtle coconut flavor that complements the sun-dried tomatoes beautifully.

Q: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Substitute with roasted red peppers, fresh cherry tomatoes (halved and sautéed until blistered), or even fire-roasted canned tomatoes. Each variation offers a slightly different flavor profile but maintains the recipe’s essence.

Q: My sauce separated—how do I fix it?
A: Sauce separation typically happens from too-high heat or overboiling. Remove from heat and whisk in a tablespoon of cold cream or add a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry. Whisk vigorously to bring the sauce back together. Prevention: keep heat at medium or medium-low once cream is added.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, but you’ll need a larger skillet (at least 14 inches) or cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding prevents proper searing. The sauce quantity doubles perfectly—just ensure your pan is large enough to accommodate everything comfortably.

Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes! One Pan Marry Me Chicken is naturally low in carbohydrates (8g per serving) and high in fat and protein, making it excellent for keto diets. Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it fully keto-compliant.

Q: How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
A: Reduce heat to medium after removing the chicken, and don’t walk away during the 30-60 seconds the garlic is cooking. Stir constantly and add the sun-dried tomatoes quickly. If garlic starts browning too fast, immediately remove the pan from heat.

One Pan Marry Me Chicken: How to Make It in 20 Minutes

Recipe by sarahCourse: Main CourseDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

485

kcal

Total time

20

minutes

Craving creamy comfort food fast? One Pan Marry Me Chicken is ready in 20 minutes with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights. Try it now!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  

• ⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  

• 1 cup heavy cream
  

• ½ cup chicken broth
  

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

step by step

• Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  
• Add chicken breasts to the pan and sear for 5-6 minutes without moving.
  
• Flip chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  
• Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
  
• Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same pan, sauté for 30-60 seconds.
  
• Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same pan, sauté for 30-60 seconds.
  
• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, stir for 1 minute.
  
• Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  
• Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  
• Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce becomes smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  
• Return chicken breasts and any accumulated juices to the pan.
  
• Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer together for 2-3 minutes.
  
• Remove from heat and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves.
  
• Serve immediately while sauce is hot and creamy.
  
  
  
  
  

Notes

• For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness (about ¾ inch) before seasoning
  Don’t skip patting the chicken dry – moisture prevents proper browning
  Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; remove at 160°F for carryover cooking to 165°F
  Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties
  
• Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half for lighter option, or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free
  Chicken Breasts: Swap with boneless thighs for juicier, more forgiving results
  Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Replace with roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes
  Parmesan: Nutritional yeast works for dairy-free; pecorino Romano for sharper flavor
  
• Refrigerate: Store in airtight container for 3-4 days
  Freeze: Up to 2 months (sauce may separate; whisk when reheating)
  Reheat: Stovetop with splash of broth for best results, or microwave at 50% power
• Add spinach or kale in the last 2 minutes for extra nutrition
  Stir in artichoke hearts for Mediterranean flair
  Use smoked paprika instead of red pepper flakes for different flavor profile
  Double the garlic for garlic lovers
• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with ¼ of the sauce
  Best Served With: Pasta, mashed potatoes, crusty bread, rice, or roasted vegetables