Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Marry Me Chicken (Creamy, Savory & Totally Irresistible!)

Sarah Smith
Dec 11, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Golden chicken breasts in a creamy sauce with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes in a beige pan, creating a warm, appetizing scene.

This Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful skillet dinner that’s perfect for busy nights but still feels special enough for guests. Juicy chicken simmers in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs, creating a cozy meal that pairs effortlessly with simple sides like Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Classic Caesar Salad, or Broccoli Bacon Salad.

If you enjoy easy, comforting meals like Honey Garlic Chicken, Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, or Chicken Pot Pie Casserole, this recipe fits right into your weeknight rotation. The sauce alone is irresistible — spoon it over pasta, rice, or roasted veggies for the ultimate comforting dinner. Quick, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser, this dish earns its name with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This

Tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce
Bold, savory flavor with just the right touch of indulgence
One-pan dinner that feels elegant but is easy to make
Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you want something extra special

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienned)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½–1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Season & Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 20–30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, scraping brown bits off the bottom. Simmer 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
Combine & Finish: Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over top. Simmer 5–8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.

FAQ

Why is it called "Marry Me Chicken"?

Because it’s so good, the joke is that someone might propose after tasting it! It’s rich, flavorful, and universally loved.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs are even more flavorful and stay juicy.

Can I lighten the sauce?

You can swap half the heavy cream for half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! Reheat gently over low heat and add a splash of broth or cream if needed.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken is the perfect blend of creamy, comforting, and easy — a one-skillet dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. With juicy chicken, a rich Parmesan sauce, and the savory pop of sun-dried tomatoes, it’s the type of recipe that wins everyone over instantly. Serve it with your favorite cozy sides, double the sauce if your family loves extras, and enjoy a dish that feels special any night of the week. This is one of those recipes you’ll make again and again — and it truly gets better every time.