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• I Dream About This Marry Me Chicken
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Marry Me Chicken
• My Recipe Tips
• Marry Me Chicken Recipe card
• Serving Ideas
• Recipe Reviews

I Dream About This Marry Me Chicken

When you want something that feels fancy but doesn’t take much effort, this is the recipe. I’ve made a lot of skillet chicken over the years, but this marry me chicken recipe is one of those dishes that just hits different — rich, flavorful, and somehow both comforting and a little romantic. I actually based it on my sun-dried tomato chicken , but swapped the thickener for parmesan… and wow. Here’s why I think you’ll love it too:

• That luscious sauce – The creamy combo of sun-dried tomatoes , parmesan, garlic, and Italian spices is savory, a little sweet, and loaded with flavor in every bite.
• Quick, easy, and no oven required – It’s all made in one skillet, no baking needed, and the sauce thickens on its own without any flour. Plus, you can have it on the table in just 30 minutes!
• Perfect for date night – When you don’t want to make fancy filet mignon or lobster tails for your date, try this chicken instead. I think you’ll both fall in love with this recipe! It’s even great for meal prep if you’re planning ahead.

And yes, my husband did say it might be his favorite chicken dish yet… guess he’d marry me all over again? 😉 Make it with me for that someone in your life! (And then, don’t miss my marry me chicken soup with similar flavors.)

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my easy marry me chicken recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Chicken – I used boneless skinless chicken breasts, but thighs work too if that’s what you’ve got. Just know the cook time might be a little different.
• Seasonings – I kept it simple with sea salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning , and fresh basil. Sometimes I throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Olive Oil – This is what I used to sauté the chicken, but avocado oil or any neutral one works just as well.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if I’m in a rush, I’ll grab the jarred kind (about a teaspoon does the trick).
• Chicken Broth – I usually use my homemade broth , but store-bought works too — just go for a low-sodium one so the sauce doesn’t get too salty. Bone broth is a great option if you want a richer flavor.
• Heavy Cream – This makes the sauce super creamy. If you need a dairy-free swap, try coconut cream or full-fat canned coconut milk — just know the flavor will be a little different.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – I made mine, but store-bought is totally fine. Look for the kind packed in oil, then drain and slice ’em up.
• Parmesan Cheese – I used the shaker-can stuff for convenience, but if you have time, fresh grated parmesan tastes even better.

How To Make Marry Me Chicken

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Season the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this helps it brown better!), then season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear it on both sides until it’s golden and cooked through. Once it’s done, take it out of the pan, cover it with foil, and set it aside to stay warm.

1. Saute garlic. Toss the garlic into the skillet (add a little oil if needed) and cook for a minute until it smells amazing.
2. Make the sauce. Add the broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Scrape up the browned bits, then bring to a gentle boil. Simmer until it reduces, then lower the heat, stir in the parmesan, and let it melt into a creamy sauce. Season to taste.
3. Bring it all together. Add the chicken back in and spoon the sauce over the top. Warm it through for a couple minutes. I like to finish this marry me chicken recipe with some fresh basil before serving.

My Recipe Tips

• I like to butterfly the chicken first. Just slice the breasts in half to make cutlets. They cook faster and more evenly that way! You’ll need to brown them in batches, but it’s totally worth it.
• Scrape up the brown bits. After searing the chicken, use a wooden spoon to get all those golden bits off the bottom — they melt into the sauce and add major flavor.
• Add parmesan off the heat. If the pan’s too hot, the cheese can clump. I like to turn the heat down first so it melts in smoothly.
• Make sure your chicken is done . It should hit 165 degrees F in the thickest part. I always use this meat thermometer because it’s fast, foolproof, and way better than playing the guessing game.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts ▢
• 3/4 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth (reduced sodium) ▢
• 1 cup Heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free) ▢
• 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and julienned) ▢
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning ▢
• 1/4 cup Grated parmesan cheese ▢
• 1/4 cup Fresh basil (cut into ribbons) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them on both sides with sea salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C)). Time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken and whether it’s whole or cut into strips.
3. Remove the chicken from the pan, cover with foil to keep warm, and set aside.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet (add a little more oil if it’s dry). Cook for about 1 minute , until fragrant.
5. Add the broth, cream, sun dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Increase heat to bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 7-8 minutes , until the volume is reduced by about half and a thin sauce forms.
6. Reduce heat to low. Stir the grated parmesan cheese, until thickened. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.
7. Add the chicken back to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. If needed, cook for 1-2 minutes to warm up the chicken.
8. Top “marry me chicken” with basil ribbons before serving.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chicken breast with sauce

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you help you cook the chicken evenly, build more flavor into the sauce, and get that perfectly creamy finish without any clumps.
• Serving ideas: You definitely want a side to soak up all that luxurious sauce. See my serving ideas above!
• Store: Keep leftover marry me chicken in an airtight container in the fridge — they’ll keep for 1–2 days.
• Reheat: Warm it in a 350 degree F oven for about 10 minutes, or use the microwave in short bursts until heated through.
• Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Marry Me Chicken

Serving Ideas

Not sure what to serve with this marry me chicken recipe? I’ve got you — here are some of my favorite easy sides to round out the meal:

• Veggies – I usually go for roasted asparagus or cauliflower , but broccoli or any mix of oven- roasted veggies would work great too.
• Potatoes – Mashed potatoes are a classic, but I usually go for lighter picks like cauliflower mash , roasted rutabaga , or even fried radishes — they all soak up that creamy sauce perfectly.
• Noodles or rice – Zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles are my go-tos, but regular pasta, spaghetti squash or rice (I like cauliflower rice ) totally work if that’s more your style.

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Marry Me Chicken

You’ll fall in love with this marry me chicken recipe — tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and full of flavor.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/marry-me-chicken/

Ingredients

• 4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3/4 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth (reduced sodium)
• 1 cup Heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and julienned)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup Grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup Fresh basil (cut into ribbons)

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them on both sides with sea salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C)). Time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken and whether it’s whole or cut into strips.
3. Remove the chicken from the pan, cover with foil to keep warm, and set aside.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet (add a little more oil if it’s dry). Cook for about 1 minute , until fragrant.
5. Add the broth, cream, sun dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Increase heat to bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 7-8 minutes , until the volume is reduced by about half and a thin sauce forms.
6. Reduce heat to low. Stir the grated parmesan cheese, until thickened. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.
7. Add the chicken back to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. If needed, cook for 1-2 minutes to warm up the chicken.
8. Top “marry me chicken” with basil ribbons before serving.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chicken breast with sauce

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you help you cook the chicken evenly, build more flavor into the sauce, and get that perfectly creamy finish without any clumps.
• Serving ideas: You definitely want a side to soak up all that luxurious sauce. See my serving ideas above!
• Store: Keep leftover marry me chicken in an airtight container in the fridge — they’ll keep for 1–2 days.
• Reheat: Warm it in a 350 degree F oven for about 10 minutes, or use the microwave in short bursts until heated through.
• Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)