I Made the Famous "Marry Me Chicken" and Here’s What Happened

 "Marry Me Chicken" has taken the internet by storm, promising a dish so delicious it might just inspire a marriage proposal. But behind the viral name lies a classic Italian-American flavor profile: creamy, sundried tomato-infused sauce paired with tender, golden chicken.



I finally put this internet sensation to the test in my own kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress a partner or just want a high-end dinner on a weeknight budget, here is the honest truth and the step-by-step guide to making it yourself.


Why Is It Called "Marry Me Chicken"?

The legend goes that a group of editors at Delish tried this dish, and one person exclaimed, "I'd marry you for that chicken!" Since then, it has become the go-to recipe for date nights and special occasions.

The Ingredients: What You’ll Need

  • 1.5 lbs Chicken Cutlets (Thinly sliced chicken breasts work best for quick, even cooking)

  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (For dredging)

  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil

  • 2 tbsp Butter

  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced

  • 1 cup Heavy Cream

  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth

  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated

  • 1/2 cup Sundried Tomatoes, chopped (the kind packed in oil)

  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano

  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust based on your spice tolerance)

  • Fresh Basil for garnish

  • Salt and Pepper to taste


Step-by-Step Instructions: The Road to "I Do"

1. Prep and Dredge

Season your chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge each piece of chicken, shaking off the excess. This thin coating is the secret to getting a golden crust and thickening the sauce later.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Sear for 3–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet (don't wash it—those brown bits are flavor gold!), add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the dried oregano and red pepper flakes.

4. Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan (deglazing). Stir in the heavy cream and the chopped sundried tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.

5. Add the Cheese

Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.

6. The Final Simmer

Add the golden chicken cutlets back into the pan, spooning that rich, creamy sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and infused with flavor.


The Verdict: Here’s What Happened

When I finally sat down to eat, the results were clear: The hype is real. The acidity of the sundried tomatoes perfectly cuts through the richness of the heavy cream, while the red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that keeps you coming back for another bite. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Does it lead to a proposal? I can’t guarantee that, but I can guarantee there won't be any leftovers.


Serving Suggestions

  • Over Pasta: Serve it over a bed of angel hair or linguine to soak up every drop of sauce.

  • With Crusty Bread: A warm baguette is essential for dipping.

  • Low Carb: Serve over sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus for a keto-friendly version.

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