I’ve been tinkering in the kitchen for years, and every now and then, a recipe comes along that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Marry Me Chicken Casserole is one of those dishes.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, with tender chicken breasts nestled in a rich, garlicky sauce that’s studded with sun-dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of herbs.
I first made this for a cozy family dinner, and let me tell you, the table went quiet—everyone was too busy savoring every bite!
It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for a weeknight but feels special enough for a weekend gathering with friends. Plus, it’s a casserole, so it’s easy to prep and even easier to clean up.
Let’s dive into why this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines comfort food vibes with a touch of elegance.
The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, wraps around juicy chicken and gets topped with melty cheese, making every bite irresistible.
It’s versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides and simple enough for beginner cooks to nail.
- Rich and Flavorful: The sauce is a dreamy blend of cream, Parmesan, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you’re not stuck in the kitchen for hours.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, date nights, or potlucks.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients or adjust spices to suit your taste.
- One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Read Also: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients For Marry Me Chicken Casserole
You’ll need a handful of pantry staples and a few special ingredients to bring this casserole to life. Here’s what to gather:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (120ml)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100g)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Read Also:Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Kitchen Equipment Needed
This recipe comes together easily with basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Oven mitts
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Step-by-Step Instructions
This casserole is straightforward but packed with flavor. Follow these detailed steps to get it right, even if you’re new to cooking.
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives it time to reach the right temperature while you prep everything else.
If your oven runs hot or cool, adjust slightly and keep an eye on the cooking time later.
2. Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear. Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
You’re not cooking them through—just getting a nice crust. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic.
Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using) until the cheese melts into the sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Place the seared chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, covering the chicken and sauce.
5. Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
If you want a more golden top, you can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch closely to avoid burning.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven using oven mitts. Sprinkle fresh basil over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce settle.
Read Also: Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Tips for Success
Getting this casserole just right is easy with a few pointers. I’ve learned these from making it a bunch of times, and they’ll help you avoid any hiccups.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Drain the sun-dried tomatoes well to avoid an oily sauce.
- Don’t skip the sear—it locks in the chicken’s juices.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth.
- Taste the sauce before baking and adjust seasoning as needed.
Read Also: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a star on its own, but pairing it with the right sides takes it to the next level. It’s rich and creamy, so I like to balance it with something light or starchy to soak up that delicious sauce.
- Serve with pasta like fettuccine or penne to mop up the sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Roast some asparagus or broccoli for a veggie side.
- Offer crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
- Try it with mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort.
Read Also: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe
Variations to Try
This recipe is super flexible, so you can tweak it to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to mix things up:
- Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for more veggies.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Mix in cooked bacon for a smoky twist.
- Try cheddar instead of mozzarella for a bolder flavor.
Read Also: 10 Delicious Mexican Chicken Thigh Recipes
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers are just as tasty the next day if stored properly. Here’s how to keep your casserole fresh:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
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Nutritional Facts
This casserole is indulgent but offers some nutritional perks, especially from the protein-packed chicken and nutrient-rich sun-dried tomatoes. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
Read Also: Healthy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s got ingredients that bring some health benefits to the table. From protein to antioxidants, here’s why this casserole is a win for your taste buds and your body.
- Chicken Breasts: Lean protein supports muscle growth and keeps you full.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with antioxidants like lycopene, which may support heart health.
- Garlic: Boosts immunity and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats that support heart health.
- Basil: Rich in antioxidants and adds a fresh, anti-inflammatory boost.
Read Also: Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Jar Sauce
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
2. Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream to lighten it up. The sauce may be slightly thinner, but it’ll still taste great.
3. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Casserole?
Definitely! Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
4. What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, try roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes for a different but tasty twist.
5. How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.
Read Also: Healthy Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Casserole is one of those recipes that just works—whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing a date, or bringing a dish to a potluck.
It’s got that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and wholesome ingredients that make you feel good about serving it.
I love how easy it is to throw together, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Try it once, and I bet it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation.
Let me know how it turns out for you, and don’t be afraid to play with the recipe to make it your own!
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