Mary Berry Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Name: Mary Berry Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 150ml chicken stock; 200ml double cream; 50g parmesan cheese, grated; 100g sun-dried tomatoes; 1 tsp oregano; Chilli flakes; Fresh basil

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This rich and comforting Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavour-packed dish made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomato sauce. The texture is silky and indulgent, with a perfect balance of savoury and slightly tangy notes. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. From start to finish, the recipe takes around 40 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp paprika

For the Sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced
150ml chicken stock
200ml double cream
50g parmesan cheese, grated
100g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
Fresh basil, for garnish

How to Make Mary Berry Marry Me Chicken

Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides to enhance flavour.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the base of the sauce: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add liquids: Pour in the chicken stock and double cream, stirring well to combine and deglaze the pan.
Build the flavour: Stir in the parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and chilli flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return the chicken: Place the cooked chicken back into the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes so the flavours meld together.
Finish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with your favourite sides.

Tips

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Avoid overcooking. Cook just until the chicken is done, then allow it to finish gently in the sauce.

Can I make the sauce thicker?

Let the sauce simmer a little longer, or add a touch more parmesan to naturally thicken it.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted cherry tomatoes work well as a milder alternative with a slightly sweeter flavour.

Can I make it less rich?

Swap half of the cream for milk or use a lighter cream for a less indulgent version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes
Pair with buttered pasta or rice
Add steamed green vegetables on the side
Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the sauce

Storage

At Room Temperature

Do not leave out for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.

In the Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave.

Freezing

Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 520 kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Sodium: 620mg

These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?

The dish is so rich and delicious that it is said to be impressive enough to earn a marriage proposal.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work very well and often stay even juicier than breast meat.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild warmth from chilli flakes, but you can leave them out for a completely mild version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and gently reheat before serving. The flavours often improve over time.