If you’ve been searching for a truly irresistible weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together effortlessly, you’ve just found it. The Baked Marry Me Chicken Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—creamy, flavorful, and boasting just the right balance of herbs, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Each bite melts in your mouth, while the savory sauce has you wondering why you haven’t made this recipe before. Trust me, this is one chicken dinner that’s so good, it might just inspire a proposal or two at your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple but each one plays a crucial role in creating the rich, comforting layers of flavor that make this recipe unforgettable. From the tangy sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy parmesan, every item brings texture, depth, and color to this baked delight.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Opt for even-sized breasts to ensure uniform cooking and juiciness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, fragrant flavor that complements the fresh garlic beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a herby, aromatic quality that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing and balancing every bite.
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness on top.
- 1 small handful fresh basil, sliced thin: For a fresh, vibrant finish packed with green color and aroma.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Provides the creamy, luscious base of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth without overpowering creaminess.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine: Brings acidity and complexity—feel free to substitute with more broth if preferred.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (double concentrated recommended): Delivers rich tomato flavor and bright color.
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce into a luscious coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: A warm, earthy herb that enhances the Mediterranean vibe.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic amps up the overall flavor and gives it a wonderful aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who like a little heat.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil): Tangy with a slight chewiness, these surprise your palate in the best way.
How to Make Baked Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F and placing the rack on the upper third. This simple step is crucial for getting a perfect bake—hot enough to seal in the juices while developing a lovely golden finish on the chicken breasts.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Arrange your chicken breasts side-by-side in a 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle each breast generously with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt & pepper. This layer of seasoning creates the foundational flavor that infuses every bite.
Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, dry white wine, tomato paste, cornstarch, oregano, minced garlic, and optional crushed red pepper flakes until perfectly smooth. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes last to add bursts of tangy sweetness and texture throughout the sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the luscious sauce all around the chicken breasts in the baking dish, making sure they’re nicely nestled within the creamy bath. This helps the chicken absorb all of the incredible flavors as it cooks.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Place the dish uncovered in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Keep an eye as ovens vary and chicken thickness differs—you want juicy, fully cooked breasts without drying them out.
Step 6: Finish and Rest
When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and give the creamy sauce a good stir. Spoon that heavenly sauce over each breast, then sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese and sliced basil on top. Let it rest for five minutes—this pause lets the juices redistribute and the flavors deepen. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
How to Serve Baked Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic garnish here, but consider adding a sprinkle of extra parmesan or some finely chopped parsley for vibrant color and an herbaceous lift. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the creamy sauce. Think garlic mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or even a bed of fluffy rice. For some greens, sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus add a perfect contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve each chicken breast sliced on a platter with the sauce drizzled artistically. Garnish with whole basil leaves and a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for extra color. This makes the Baked Marry Me Chicken Recipe feel like a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so it’s perfect for quick, delicious meals later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions into a freezer-safe container, making sure the chicken is covered with sauce to prevent drying out. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor, gently reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving directly to keep the sauce velvety smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well here and may even bring a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the baking time slightly since thighs might need a few extra minutes to cook through.
What can I substitute for the white wine?
If you prefer to skip alcohol, simply use extra chicken broth or water with a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar. These options maintain acidity and depth without altering the dish’s character.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative, and replace parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a savory punch.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes are optional, so you can control the heat. Without them, the dish has a gentle warmth from the garlic and herbs, perfect for all palates.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, assemble in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes weeknight cooking a breeze!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magic about the Baked Marry Me Chicken Recipe that makes every dinner feel like a celebration. It’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull off, making it a fantastic option for impressing family or guests without stress. Give it a try, and you might find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, sharing the love one delicious bite at a time.
Print
Baked Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Baked Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a rich sauce of cream, white wine, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and basil, this easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors for a comforting meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts, roughly 8 oz each)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (double concentrated)
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained if packed in oil
Toppings
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small handful fresh basil, sliced thin
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the oven rack in the top third to ensure optimal baking heat distribution.
- Prepare Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts side-by-side in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Season them evenly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, dry white wine, tomato paste, cornstarch, dried oregano, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes to add texture and tang.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly around the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring the sauce surrounds but does not cover the tops completely for even cooking.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the dish uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Check early as ovens and chicken thickness can vary to avoid overcooking.
- Finish and Rest: Remove the dish from the oven. Stir the sauce gently and spoon it over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sliced basil on top. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Notes
- Use double concentrated tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them well before adding to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
- Resting the chicken after baking helps keep it juicy and tender.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
