Skillet Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Your Easy Weeknight Dream Dinner!

I absolutely adore how this Skillet Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes makes a regular weeknight feel like a special occasion! The aroma of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes filling my kitchen with this creamy, savory dish is pure comfort. This one-pan wonder is your answer to those dinner dilemmas, a tried-and-true family favorite that consistently earns rave reviews. Get ready for tender chicken drenched in an irresistible sauce that comes together in a flash – perfect for those busy evenings when you crave restaurant quality without the fuss.

Ingredient List with Smart Choices

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Skillet Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. I always try to pick up quality ingredients for the best flavor, making it a healthy recipe for families.

Core Ingredients:

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (I often use thighs for extra juiciness, they’re so family-friendly).
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup (75g) oil-packed, drained and sliced (adds intense sweet-savory depth).
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) for a luscious, rich sauce (or half-and-half if that’s what’s in the fridge for a slightly lighter option).
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium (for building the sauce base).
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced (fresh garlic is always best for robust flavor).
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) grated (adds a salty, umami finish, Pecorino Romano is a good swap too).

Pantry Staples & Fresh Picks:

• Olive Oil: 1 Tbsp (15ml) (for searing).
• Butter: 1 Tbsp (14g) unsalted (enhances richness).
• Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp (2g) dried (a quick flavor boost).
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste (essential seasoning).
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: 2 Tbsp, chopped (optional garnish for freshness).

Special Diet Options:

Adapting this Skillet Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes for dietary needs is simple:

• Gluten-Free: Ensure chicken broth is certified GF; serve with gluten-free pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles.
• Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk (1:1 ratio) or a dairy-free cream alternative (sauce texture may vary slightly, but it’s still a hearty meal).
• Protein Boost: Add extra chicken, or serve alongside a side of quinoa for an even higher-protein meal prep recipe.

Seasonal & Affordable Swaps:

Make this Skillet Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes your own with these versatile ideas:

• Use 1 cup (90g) frozen spinach (thawed, squeezed dry) for added greens.
• Swap chicken thighs for breasts for a more budget-friendly and juicy option.
• Add 1 cup (150g) sliced mushrooms or 1/2 cup (75g) canned artichoke hearts (drained) for extra veggies and flavor.

Easy Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Making this Skillet Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is surprisingly straightforward, delivering big flavors with minimal effort. Here’s how to create this delicious meal:

1. Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This ensures a flavorful crust.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter in a large 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5-7 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through (internal 165°F / 74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: If needed, add a tiny bit more oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until wonderfully fragrant and lightly golden.
4. Build Sauce: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up all browned bits from the pan for flavor. Stir in sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Finish Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted and smooth, slightly thickened. If it looks dry, splash in 1-2 Tbsp broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste; I often add extra fresh pepper here.
6. Combine & Serve: Return seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm through and absorb flavors. The sauce should be coating a spoon. Serve this hearty Skillet Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes immediately, garnished with fresh herbs, for a truly quick meal.

Inline Shortcuts for Busy Cooks:

• Use pre-minced garlic from a jar (about 1.5 Tbsp) to save chopping time.
• Opt for pre-sliced sun-dried tomatoes; many oil-packed jars come this way, which is a great time-saver for this easy dinner idea.

Notes for Flavor Variations or Healthier Twists:

Customizing your Skillet Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is easy with these simple additions:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp) for a little heat and complexity.
• Stir in a handful of fresh spinach (2 cups / 60g) during the last 2 minutes of simmering — it wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding a healthy boost.
• Serve this family-friendly dish over whole wheat pasta or brown rice as a healthier serving option.

Ideal Uses and Serving Suggestions

Occasions

• Quick weeknight dinners when you crave something special without the fuss.
• An impressive, yet simple, dish for date night or small gatherings.
• A comforting meal for a cozy family dinner, always a hit with my crew.
• Great for meal prep, making healthy eating simple through the week.

Pairings

• Sides: Serve this creamy Skillet Marry Me Chicken over pasta like linguine or fettuccine, fluffy rice, or low-carb options such as zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Complementary Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple crisp green salad add freshness.
• Breads: Crusty bread or warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious sauce.
• Drinks: Sparkling water with lemon offers a refreshing counterpoint.

Leftovers & Storage

Store your leftover Skillet Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This makes it a perfect candidate for convenient meal prep.

When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Cream sauces generally aren’t ideal for freezing as they can sometimes separate.

Everyday Benefits of Cooking with Skillet Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Practical Wins

• Saves precious time with a truly one-pan recipe, significantly minimizing cleanup after dinner.
• Budget-friendly, relying on common pantry staples and affordable, high-protein chicken.
• Provides a nourishing, protein-packed meal for the whole family, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.

Tie to Balanced Lifestyle Goals

• Offers quick dinner ideas for busy weeknights, making healthy eating accessible.
• A healthy recipe for families that never compromises on rich, satisfying flavor.
• Perfect for budget meal prep to keep your week organized and stress-free.
• Provides a delicious and nutritious option for wholesome family eating, supporting a balanced lifestyle.

Tips, Variations, and Dietary Adjustments

Technique Upgrades

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken; this allows for a better, golden-brown crust.
• Deglaze the pan thoroughly with broth to capture all the flavorful browned bits—that’s where so much depth comes from.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it incredibly tender and juicy, especially when making this Skillet Marry Me Chicken.

Flavor & Spice Tweaks

• Add a tablespoon of white wine (or extra broth) when deglazing for an extra layer of depth.
• Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Incorporate a blend of dried herbs like oregano and thyme for a slightly different aromatic profile.

Adjustments for Common Diets

• Low-Carb: Serve this delicious chicken dish over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or with a generous side of steamed greens.
• Plant-Based: Replace chicken with cannellini beans or firm tofu. Use vegetable broth and a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Kid-Safe: Cut chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Reduce sun-dried tomatoes or chop them very finely if kids are particular about texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, this Skillet Marry Me Chicken is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or gluten-free pasta for a complete meal.

How can I meal prep this chicken for the week?

Cook the chicken as directed, then portion it into individual containers with your preferred side like cooked brown rice or steamed vegetables. It reheats beautifully for easy weekday lunches, keeping well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

What’s the best way to store homemade Skillet Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce needs loosening to its original creamy consistency.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice, often resulting in even juicier and more flavorful chicken due to their higher fat content. Adjust cooking time slightly as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes for this Marry Me Chicken recipe?

While they are a signature flavor, you could try a tablespoon of tomato paste for umami depth, or even finely diced roasted red peppers for a similar sweet and savory note in your creamy chicken dish.

How can I make the sauce extra creamy?

For an even richer sauce, use full-fat heavy cream and avoid over-reducing it too much. I sometimes add a small knob of cream cheese at the end for an incredibly decadent and smooth finish.

Is this a kid-friendly recipe?

Many kids adore the tender chicken and creamy sauce. If your children are sensitive to textures, you can finely mince the sun-dried tomatoes or even offer them on the side for picky eaters, making this a truly versatile family dinner.

This Skillet Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes offers an easy, hearty, and unbelievably delicious meal your family will adore.

Make this creamy, flavorful dish tonight, and save it to your Pinterest for quick, wholesome family dinners!

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