If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet comforting and simple to make, the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Marry Me Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This heavenly chicken meal features juicy, tender breasts nestled in a rich and velvety sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs—each bite feels like a warm hug. It’s perfect for anything from a casual weeknight dinner to impressing guests without fuss. Once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain old chicken breasts before!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a wooden spoon holding a round meatball covered in a rich, creamy golden sauce with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top and throughout the sauce. The sauce has a smooth but slightly textured look with hints of red peppers and shredded herbs, filling a white bowl mostly full of the same sauce and meatballs. The white marbled surface is barely visible around the edges of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this dish just right depends on a few key ingredients that bring harmony between creamy, tangy, and savory elements. Each one plays an essential role, from the luscious cream that softens the tomato’s tang to the fresh herbs that brighten everything up. Ready to gather your grocery list? Here’s what you’ll need:

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps sear the chicken to a golden perfection.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, providing tender, juicy protein.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors naturally.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
Garlic cloves, finely chopped: Gives a fragrant punch and depth.
Fresh thyme leaves: Offers an herby brightness that complements the creaminess.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Brings a subtle kick to keep things exciting.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the savory base for the sauce, keeping it light yet flavorful.
Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Injects concentrated tomato sweetness and tang.
Heavy cream: Creates the signature silky, dreamy sauce.
Finely grated Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty depth that makes the sauce irresistible.
Torn fresh basil: Sprinkled on top for a fresh, herbaceous finish and color pop.

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

This step lays the foundation for all the flavors to come. Start by preheating your oven to 375° and heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Generously season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper. Then, sear them in the hot oil until they develop a beautiful golden crust, about 5 minutes per side. This caramelization locks in juiciness and adds irresistible flavor. Once golden, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside for now.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce

With the skillet still warm, add the remaining olive oil and toss in the chopped garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir these aromatics for about a minute until your kitchen smells heavenly and the garlic softens slightly. Then pour in the chicken broth, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Give everything a good stir, season lightly with salt, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the creamy sauce with bold tomato notes starts to shine.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Carefully return the seared chicken and any juices collected back into the skillet, nestling the breasts into the luscious sauce. Transfer the skillet straight into your preheated oven and bake uncovered until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°, which usually takes 10 to 12 minutes. This oven finish allows the flavors to marry perfectly while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.

Step 4: Plate and Garnish

Once cooked, arrange the chicken breasts on a serving platter and generously spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the top. Finish with torn fresh basil leaves, which add a fresh, aromatic touch and beautiful color contrast that makes the dish irresistible to the eyes and the palate.

How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Marry Me Chicken Recipe

A white round pan with two red handles is filled with about twenty evenly spaced meatballs, all covered in a thick, creamy, light brown sauce with a smooth texture. The meatballs are garnished with small pieces of fresh green herbs scattered on top. The pan sits on a green and white checkered cloth, and next to it, a bunch of fresh green parsley and a skillet holding two bright red tomatoes are visible, all placed on a white marbled surface. The lighting is warm, making the dish look rich and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like torn basil are a must for this recipe—their bright, garden-fresh notes perfectly balance the decadence of the creamy sauce. A little extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper right before serving also adds texture and depth.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the creamy sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic bread, or even a light pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans add a crisp contrast to the richness on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or risotto for an elegant twist. You can also plate it with a colorful quinoa salad for a lighter but still satisfying meal. Drizzle some extra sauce around the edges for a restaurant-worthy presentation that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (although they rarely last long!), allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep flavors fresh and chicken tender.

Freezing

The creamy sauce can separate a bit when frozen, so freeze leftover chicken and sauce separately if possible. The chicken breasts freeze well for up to 2 months wrapped tightly, while the sauce can be frozen in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid breaking the sauce’s creamy texture. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating helps restore that fresh-from-the-oven smoothness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would add extra moisture and flavor, making the dish even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?

You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese as a substitute, but keep in mind this might slightly alter the silky texture of the sauce. Full-fat dairy blends work best for that luscious finish.

Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?

Yes! They’re the key ingredient that gives this dish its signature tangy sweetness and chewiness. Using fresh tomatoes won’t quite replicate the concentrated flavor and texture you get with sun-dried tomatoes.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap out heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer, and use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy depth.

How spicy is the dish from the red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering it. You can always reduce or omit them based on your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Marry Me Chicken Recipe—it’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull together, making it a standout on any dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe invites you to savor every bite. Give it a try soon and watch how it quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your recipe rotation!