How to Thicken Marry Me Chicken Sauce: 7 Foolproof Methods That Never Fail

Hey there, foodies! Today I’m gonna share some game-changing tips about one of my absolute favorite dishes – Marry Me Chicken! If you’ve ever made this delicious meal and ended up with sauce that’s too thin or runny you’re definitely not alone. We’ve all been there staring disappointedly at that watery sauce pooling around our otherwise perfect chicken.

I’ve made this recipe a bazillion times (and messed it up a lot!) and I’ve found a few foolproof ways to make that creamy sun-dried tomato sauce thicker. With these tips, your Marry Me Chicken will go from “meh” to “MARRY ME NOW!”

What is Marry Me Chicken Anyway?

For those who might be new to this heavenly dish, Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, garlicky chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes that supposedly got its name because it’s so delicious it’ll make your partner propose! The star of the show is definitely that rich, creamy sauce – which is exactly why getting the consistency right is super important.

Why Is My Marry Me Chicken Sauce Not Thickening?

Before diving into solutions let’s understand why your sauce might be too thin

• Too much liquid – Using too much chicken broth or cream
• Not enough cooking time – The sauce needs time to reduce
• Heat too low – Simmering at too low a temperature
• Missing thickening agents – Not using ingredients that help thicken
• Improper technique – Not allowing ingredients to work their magic

Now let’s get to the good stuff – how to fix that runny sauce!

7 Methods to Thicken Your Marry Me Chicken Sauce

1. Reduction (Simmer It Longer)

The simplest way to thicken any sauce is through reduction – which is just a fancy way of saying “let the water evaporate”

How to do it:

1. Increase heat to medium-high
2. Leave the pan uncovered
3. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally
4. Watch as the sauce gradually thickens

This method is great because it concentrates the flavors while thickening. But be careful not to reduce too much or you’ll end up with too little sauce!

2. Add a Flour Slurry

Flour is a classic thickening agent that works wonders for Marry Me Chicken sauce.

How to do it:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl
2. Whisk until completely smooth (no lumps!)
3. Slowly pour the slurry into your simmering sauce while stirring
4. Continue cooking for at least 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste

I love this method because the flour makes the sauce smooth and silky, which goes well with the chicken.

3. Cornstarch Slurry (My Personal Favorite)

Cornstarch thickens more effectively than flour and creates a glossy finish that looks amazing on your Marry Me Chicken.

How to do it:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water
2. Stir until completely dissolved
3. Slowly drizzle into simmering sauce while stirring constantly
4. Allow to cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened

Pro tip: Unlike flour, cornstarch doesn’t need to cook as long to remove any raw taste, so your sauce thickens faster!

4. Add More Cheese

This is probably the yummiest solution! The parmesan cheese in Marry Me Chicken doesn’t just add flavor – it’s also a great thickener.

How to do it:

1. Grate extra parmesan cheese (fresh, not the pre-grated stuff)
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons to your sauce
3. Stir until completely melted and incorporated
4. Marvel at your thicker, cheesier sauce!

I always have extra parmesan on hand just in case. More cheese is never a bad thing, amiright?.

5. Cream Cheese Magic

This is my secret weapon when I want an extra luxurious sauce.

How to do it:

1. Cut 2-3 ounces of cream cheese into small cubes
2. Add to the sauce while it’s simmering
3. Stir until completely melted and incorporated
4. Enjoy the incredibly rich and thick sauce that results!

Another great thing about this dish is that the tanginess of the cream cheese makes it taste even better.

6. Heavy Cream Reduction

If your recipe calls for heavy cream but your sauce is still thin, try adding a bit more and reducing it.

How to do it:

1. Add an additional 1/4 cup of heavy cream to your sauce
2. Increase heat to medium
3. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally
4. Watch as it thickens naturally

Heavy cream has a higher fat content than half-and-half or milk, which helps it thicken better when reduced.

7. Butter and Flour Roux

For a truly restaurant-quality sauce, consider starting with a roux.

How to do it:

1. In a separate small pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter
2. Add 2 tablespoons flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes
3. Slowly incorporate this mixture into your sauce
4. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened

This method is a bit more work but creates an incredibly stable thick sauce that won’t separate.

Comparison of Thickening Methods

Tips for Preventing Thin Sauce in the First Place

After making this dish approximately one million times, I’ve learned some tricks to get the sauce right from the start:

• Pat chicken dry before cooking to reduce excess moisture
• Use room temperature cream so it incorporates better
• Properly reduce your chicken broth before adding cream
• Don’t rush the cooking process – some things just take time
• Use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-packaged
• Measure liquids carefully rather than eyeballing

My Favorite Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Perfect Sauce

I thought I’d share my go-to recipe with all the sauce-thickening wisdom built right in!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (no more!)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
3. Sear chicken until golden brown on each side (about 4-5 minutes per side)
4. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside
5. In the same pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds
6. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits
7. Bring to a simmer and reduce by half (this is crucial for thickening!)
8. Lower heat to medium and add heavy cream, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings
9. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened
10. If sauce is still too thin, add the cornstarch slurry while stirring
11. Return chicken to the pan and simmer for another 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through
12. Garnish with fresh basil and additional parmesan

When All Else Fails…

If you’ve already served the chicken and realize the sauce is too thin, here’s my emergency fix: Serve extra sauce in a small gravy boat on the side, and no one will ever know it wasn’t supposed to be that way!

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken earned its name for a reason – it’s absolutely delicious when done right! The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and cling lovingly to the chicken, just like you’ll cling to this recipe once you’ve mastered it.

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and finding what works for you. Don’t be afraid to try different thickening methods until you find your perfect match. And if your partner actually proposes after eating this chicken… well, you’re welcome!

Have you tried any of these methods? Do you have your own secret technique for thickening Marry Me Chicken sauce? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Happy cooking, friends!