Marry Me Chicken

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Chicken Skillet – or as it’s fondly called, Marry Me Chicken – is the perfect dish to warm your soul and fill your kitchen with delicious aromas. The reason behind the name? This dish is so irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and full of flavour that after just one bite, you might just want to “marry” it!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try:

The holidays are over, and as we head back into our routine, the last thing we want is to spend hours in the kitchen figuring out what’s for dinner. That’s why this recipe is a game-changer! It’s incredibly easy to throw together, taking less than 30 minutes to cook, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. It’s also a meal the whole family will love, thanks to its rich, creamy sauce and tender, juicy chicken.

Meal prep bonus: This dish makes amazing leftovers, so you can enjoy it again later in the week without any extra effort.

What Makes It So Good:

This skillet meal features chicken simmered in a creamy, cheesy Parmesan sauce with the bold, tangy flavour of sun-dried tomatoes. The balance of rich creaminess and sharp Parmesan brings the dish to life. You’ll love how the sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavour, perfectly complementing the cheesy sauce.

But that’s not all! To make this dish even more nourishing, I’ve added spinach and mushrooms, boosting its veggie content without compromising on taste. The spinach wilts into the sauce, adding texture and nutrients, while the mushrooms bring an earthy richness.

Customize It Your Way:

• Love it spicy? Add extra red pepper flakes for a fiery kick. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it as mild or as hot as you like.
• Extra veggies? Feel free to toss in other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or kale for a heartier, more nutrient-packed meal.

Serve It With:

This creamy chicken skillet pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Mashed potatoes or buttery garlic bread to soak up all that glorious sauce.
• Rice or pasta if you want something more substantial.
• Keep it light with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for balance.

Why You’ll Love Cooking This:

It’s a one-pan wonder! Minimal cleanup, maximum flavour. Everything cooks in the same skillet, so you’ll spend less time doing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Recipe Rundown:

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs (use boneless for quicker cooking)
• Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for extra flavour)
• Parmesan cheese (for that savoury, cheesy goodness)
• Heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer)
• Fresh spinach & mushrooms (extra veggies for nutrition)
• Garlic (because, of course)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon (to bring it all together)

Directions:

1. Sear the Chicken: Sear the chicken breasts or thighs in a hot skillet until golden brown. This step locks in the juices and creates a delicious base layer of flavour.
2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and mushrooms. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
3. Add the Veggies: Toss in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.
4. Simmer Together: Return the chicken to the skillet, and let it simmer in the sauce until cooked through. The chicken will soak up the rich flavours of the sauce, making every bite juicy and flavourful.

Serve the chicken topped with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of sauce. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that you’ll want to make again and again.

Marry Me Chicken

Rachelle Newbigging

Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Parmesan Chicken Skillet. This is also known as Marry Me Chicken, because once you try this you will want to marry it.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 cup cremini mushrooms sliced
• 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup cream or milk alternative
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
• 1 cup fresh spinach

Instructions

 

• Season Chicken: Generously season chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper.
• Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked at this point. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
• Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in sliced mushrooms, followed by chicken stock, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and fresh spinach.
• Simmer: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Cook Through: Reduce heat to low and let the chicken cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Garnish and Serve: Top the dish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added spice. Serve with your favourite side—pasta, mashed potatoes, or a crusty bread work beautifully!
• Eat and enjoy this creamy, flavour-packed meal!

Keyword 30 minute meals, chicken, healthy dinner, one pan meals

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply treating yourself to something delicious after a long day, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Chicken Skillet is a guaranteed hit. It’s comforting, full of flavour, and comes together effortlessly. Give it a try, and you might find yourself making it on repeat!

Let me know how you like it, and feel free to leave your favourite variations in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also like my Perfect Whole Roast Chicken, or my Chicken Pot Pie or my Frenched Rack of Lamb.