If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that feels like a warm hug without any fuss, this Baked Marry Me Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts nestled in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce brightened with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary weeknight into something a little more special, all while keeping things beautifully simple. No frying drama, just pop it in the oven and let the flavors do their magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two smaller photos side by side on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a white rectangular dish with four raw chicken pieces laid flat in a single layer, each sprinkled evenly with a mixture of herbs and spices giving a light brown and green speckled look on the pale pink surface of the chicken. On the right side, there is a stainless steel mixing bowl filled with a creamy white mixture that has some black specks throughout, with an orange spatula resting inside, partially lifted with some of the mixture on it, showing a smooth texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect balance between richness, tanginess, and freshness starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and a delightful texture you’ll savor from first bite to last.

Chicken breasts: 2 pounds boneless, skinless for juicy, tender meat that bakes evenly.
Garlic powder: Adds savory warmth without overpowering the dish.
Italian seasoning: Brings that classic herbaceous aroma to the chicken.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor note.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a salty, nutty finish that melts beautifully.
Fresh basil: Thinly sliced, it adds a bright, herby contrast that wakes up the palate.
Heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously smooth, velvety sauce base.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the cream’s richness.
Tomato paste: Provides concentrated tomato flavor and a gorgeous, rich color.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Dried oregano: Offers a subtle, earthy herbal touch.
Minced garlic: Sharpens the sauce’s flavor with fresh intensity.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who like a little heat.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Drained if packed in oil, these provide bursts of tangy sweetness.

How to Make Baked Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and positioning the rack in the top third. This ensures even cooking and a nicely browned finish. Then, arrange the chicken breasts side by side in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Season them generously with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper — this simple seasoning lays the foundation for all the deliciousness to come.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, tomato paste, cornstarch, dried oregano, minced garlic, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until everything is perfectly blended and smooth. This sauce is where the magic builds, balancing creaminess with tang and a slight herbal edge.

Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Gently fold in the sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring each bite will have those delightful, chewy pops of tomato flavor. Pour this luscious sauce evenly around the chicken breasts, avoiding pouring it directly on top so the chicken gets a chance to brown beautifully.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your baking dish into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The goal is juicy chicken cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), while that sauce thickens and bubbles around it. Since ovens vary, peek in at 25 minutes to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Basil

Once out of the oven, give the sauce a gentle stir, spooning it over the chicken to coat each breast. Then sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan and sliced basil over the top, adding fresh fragrance and a beautiful, savory finish. Let the chicken rest for five minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the juices to redistribute.

How to Serve Baked Marry Me Chicken Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds three main layers: bright green slender green beans piled on the left, smooth creamy mashed potatoes with a light pale yellow color and small pieces of sun-dried tomatoes on the bottom center, and a piece of chicken covered in a light tan creamy sauce with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes on the right, all sitting in a pool of light brown creamy sauce covering part of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil isn’t just for baking – add extra right before serving for a fresh, herbal punch. A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can elevate the presentation and flavor, making each plate look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This Baked Marry Me Chicken Recipe pairs incredibly well with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even a delicate pasta to soak up that dreamy sauce. For a lighter contrast, roasted vegetables or a crisp garden salad bring refreshing balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner with a wow factor, serve the chicken nestled on a bed of garlic butter sautéed spinach or spread across a platter surrounded by colorful roasted cherry tomatoes. Individual ramekins can hold the sauce on the side for guests who want to control how much they add, making this recipe as elegant as it is homey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful when reheated.

Freezing

This baked chicken freezes well—just transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal with virtually no prep.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat or in the oven to preserve the sauce’s texture and keep the chicken tender. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can toughen the meat and separate the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring a bit more juiciness and flavor, and you may want to adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a dairy-free version of the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a creamy plant-based milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free twist.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, diced roasted red peppers or chopped cherry tomatoes can add a similar pop of color and sweetness.

How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes add just a subtle warmth, not overpowering heat. You can leave them out or add more depending on your spice preference.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

You can mix the sauce ingredients ahead of time and store it in the fridge, but it’s best to add the sun-dried tomatoes and bake the dish fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish that delivers incredible flavor with so little hassle, and this Baked Marry Me Chicken Recipe fits that bill perfectly. I can’t wait for you to try it and witness how this simple combination of ingredients creates a meal worthy of more than just a weeknight. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a plateful of creamy, savory goodness—you just might find yourself making this again and again!