Creamy Parmesan Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is a Tuscan-inspired skillet dinner that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce and sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes. This easy family dinner feels special enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight, making it a recipe you'll reach for again and again.
In our home, this recipe will probably always be called Marry Me Chicken. Whenever I make it, my husband wanders into the kitchen and asks, "Are you married?" I answer, "Yes, I am," and he grins, "Well, he's a lucky man." Rich, creamy dinners have a way of inspiring comments like that.
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I remember hearing this dish called Marry Me Chicken when I moved to Utah in the 1980s, although versions of this creamy Tuscan-style chicken had already been circulating through kitchens long before then. Whether the nickname came from local culture, family traditions, or simply the idea that a meal this good could inspire a proposal, I have never known for certain. What I do know is that recipes like this deserve to be shared, enjoyed, and passed forward.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS CREAMY PARMESAN SUN-DRIED TOMATO CHICKEN
This versatile dinner pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread, each perfect for capturing every spoonful of the creamy Parmesan sauce. The Creamy Parmesan Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple pantry ingredients, ALL IN ONE SKILLET!
The combination of garlic, cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce that feels comforting, memorable, and deeply satisfying.
Jump to:
- WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS CREAMY PARMESAN SUN-DRIED TOMATO CHICKEN
- INGREDIENTS FOR THIS CREAMY PARMESAN SUN-DRIED TOMATO CHICKEN
- HOW TO MAKE CREAMY PARMESAN SUN-DRIED TOMATO CHICKEN
- MORE COZY DINNERS TO SHARE AROUND THE TABLE
- EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- WHEN THIS RECIPE SHINES!
- CREAMY PARMESAN SUNDRIED TOMATO CHICKEN (Marry Me Chicken)
- DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS
INGREDIENTS FOR THIS CREAMY PARMESAN SUN-DRIED TOMATO CHICKEN
Some recipes earn a permanent place in the family recipe box, and this is one of them. Every ingredient works together to create a rich, balanced sauce that turns a simple chicken dinner into something special.
- Chicken Breasts (Thighs or Tenders): The star of the dish, providing lean protein and a tender base for soaking up the creamy sauce. Chicken thighs and tenders work equally as well. Be sure to shorten the cook time is using tender. Chicken thighs and chicken tenders are excellent substitutes for chicken breasts. If using tenders, reduce the cooking time and begin checking for doneness early to prevent overcooking.
- Olive Oil: Helps create a beautiful golden sear while adding subtle richness and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient in the skillet.
- Garlic: Adds bold savory flavor and creates the aromatic foundation of the sauce.
- Fresh Thyme: Contributes earthy, herbaceous notes that pair beautifully with cream and Parmesan.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Bring a gentle warmth that balances the richness without overwhelming the dish.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth while helping create a silky, flavorful sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious texture that makes this recipe so comforting and satisfying.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty richness while naturally thickening the sauce. Parmigiano Reggiano is my favorite choice for this recipe. Its rich, nutty flavor and superior melting quality add remarkable depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Deliver concentrated tomato flavor with a sweet-tangy finish that defines this dish.
- Fresh Basil: Adds freshness and a bright herbal finish that balances the richness.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY PARMESAN SUN-DRIED TOMATO CHICKEN
I love recipes that look impressive but come together without complicated techniques. This one rewards you with a silky Parmesan sauce and tender chicken in less than an hour.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry, lightly dredge them in flour, and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear Until Golden: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
- Build the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the thyme, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the Parmesan: Whisk in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
- Bake Until Tender: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some sauce over the top. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for soaking up every drop of the sauce.
MORE COZY DINNERS TO SHARE AROUND THE TABLE
If this Creamy Parmesan Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken finds a place in your dinner rotation, there are a few other favorites I think you'll love too. On nights when I'm craving something rich and comforting, I often turn to Chicken Spinach Gruyère Pasta, or a bowl of Creamy Zuppa Toscana when the weather turns chilly. If warm, spice-kissed flavors are calling your name, Chicken Korma or Dal Makhani both deliver a velvety sauce and gentle warmth that feels equally satisfying. Baked Feta Pasta is my go-to when I need something truly simple and dependable on a busy evening. And when autumn arrives, Roasted Poblano Pumpkin Soup is one of those recipes that fills both the kitchen and the table with pure comfort.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Box grater for Parmesan cheese
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Tongs
- Instant-read thermometer
- Oven mitts
FEATURED FARMER: Meet the Bowler Family of Utah Natural Meat
Long before a chicken breast ever reaches a skillet, there is a farmer caring for the land and the animals that feed our families. That's why I love sharing stories like the one behind the Bowler family of Utah Natural Meat.
The Bowlers are fifth-generation farmers whose roots in Utah agriculture stretch back generations. Shayn Bowler grew up hauling hay, working cattle, and learning firsthand that good food begins with hard work, stewardship, and respect for animals. What started as raising meat for their own family eventually grew into a small farm business when friends and neighbors began asking to purchase the same quality meat they were producing for themselves.
Today, Shayn, Kristen, and their children continue that tradition on their farm in West Jordan, Utah. Their poultry is raised outdoors with plenty of space to roam, forage, and exhibit natural behaviors. The family believes food should be raised the old-fashioned way, with patience, transparency, and care for both the animals and the land.
What I admire most is that the Bowler family is preserving a way of life that is becoming increasingly rare. In a world where many people never meet the people who raise their food, they invite customers onto the farm to reconnect with agriculture and understand where their meals come from. Every time we choose to support farmers like the Bowlers, we help preserve family farms, strengthen local food systems, and honor the generations of knowledge that make meals like this Creamy Parmesan Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken possible.
WHEN THIS RECIPE SHINES!
This recipe is a year-round favorite, but it feels especially comforting during cooler weather when rich, creamy meals are most appreciated.
Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, Early Spring
Best Months: September through April
When Are Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Season?
Sun-dried tomatoes begin as ripe summer tomatoes, which are typically harvested from July through September. Because they are preserved through drying, sun-dried tomatoes can be enjoyed year-round while delivering concentrated tomato flavor long after fresh tomato season has ended.
When Is Basil in Season?
Fresh basil is at its peak from late spring through early fall, typically May through September. Its bright flavor provides a fresh contrast to the rich Parmesan cream sauce.
When Is Garlic in Season?
Fresh garlic is generally harvested in midsummer, from June through August. Properly cured garlic stores exceptionally well, making it available and flavorful throughout the year.
When Is Thyme in Season?
Thyme is a hardy perennial herb that can be harvested throughout much of the year. Its earthy flavor makes it a staple ingredient for both warm-weather and cold-weather cooking.
CREAMY PARMESAN SUNDRIED TOMATO CHICKEN (Marry Me Chicken)
Ingredients
The Chicken
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil (15 ml)
- 4 large Chicken Breasts (about 2 lb / 900 g total)
- ¼ cup flour
- Salt + Pepper
The Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic (18 g) minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (2 g) 9 g or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- ¾ teaspoon red pepper flakes (3 g)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (360 ml)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml) Darigold 40 percent
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (90 g) freshly grated
- ¾ cup sun dried tomatoes (170 g) chopped
Garnish
- Fresh Basil (5–10 g) to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry, lightly dredge them in flour, and season generously with salt and pepper.4 large Chicken Breasts, ¼ cup flour, Salt + Pepper
- Sear Until Golden: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- Build the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the thyme, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.6 cloves garlic, 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, ¾ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 ½ cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream
- Add the Parmesan: Whisk in the Parmesan cheese and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.1 cup Parmesan cheese
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld together.¾ cup sun dried tomatoes
- Bake Until Tender: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and more Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for soaking up the creamy sauce.Fresh Basil
Notes
- Chicken Options: Don't feel limited to chicken breasts. Chicken thighs and tenders work beautifully here as well. If using tenders, shorten the cooking time since they cook much faster than larger cuts.
- Cheese Recommendation: If given the choice, I reach for Parmigiano Reggiano every time. It brings a deeper, nuttier flavor to the sauce and elevates the entire dish with very little extra effort.
- For Gluten Free: *Gluten Free only if the chicken is dredged with gluten-free flour or the dredging step is omitted.
Nutrition
DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS
The dietary categories listed below are offered as a helpful guide, not as nutritional advice. While I’m not a dietitian, I am a professional baker with a deep appreciation for seasonal ingredients and thoughtful home cooking. Bite Me Industries is a field-to-table food blog dedicated to honoring farmers, millers, and ranchers by transforming their harvests into comforting, flavor-driven recipes inspired by favorite bakeries, cafés, cozy bistros, and world-traveling experiences.
Here is a quick reference if you are trying to meet a dietary consideration.
- EF (Egg Free): Yes, no eggs are included in the recipe.
- GF (Gluten Free): No, the chicken is dredged in flour unless you substitute gluten-free flour or omit the dredging step.
- *Gluten Free only if the chicken is dredged with gluten-free flour or the dredging step is omitted.
- NF (Nut Free): Yes, no nuts or nut-based ingredients are included.
- SF (Sugar Free): Yes, no sugar is added to the recipe.
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