Marry Me Chicken is a deliciously rich and creamy dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of seasoned chicken thighs, a savory garlic-infused cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh Parmesan cheese creates a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for a romantic dinner or any special occasion. The name comes from the idea that this dish is so irresistible, it might just inspire a marriage proposal!
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 6 Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs work best for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Onion powder: To taste, adds a mild, sweet flavor to the chicken.
- Garlic powder: To taste, enhances the savory flavor.
- Cajun seasoning: To taste, adds a bit of spice and depth.
- Pepper: To taste, adds a subtle heat.
- Paprika: To taste, adds a mild, smoky flavor and a beautiful color.
- Italian herbs: To taste, a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for added flavor.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding richness.
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Butter: Adds richness and helps cook the garlic.
- 2 Tbsp fresh minced Garlic: Provides a strong, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth: Adds depth and a savory base to the sauce.
- 1/3 cup Heavy whipping cream: Creates a creamy, luxurious texture.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Adds a sweet, tangy flavor and texture to the sauce.
- 1 Tbsp White cooking wine: Enhances the sauce with a bit of acidity and depth.
- 1/2 cup Fresh Shredded Parmesan or Italian cheese: Adds a salty, umami-rich flavor that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Salt: To taste, for seasoning the sauce.
🍳 Instructions: How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
- Season the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken generously with onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs.
- Sear the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Cook the Garlic:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in the white cooking wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add Chicken Broth and Cream:
- Stir in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cheese:
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and shredded Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Season the sauce with salt to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken in the Sauce
- Return the Chicken to the Skillet:
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
Step 4: Serve
- Serve Hot:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the heat and serve immediately. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken when plating.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Cook’s Notes & Tips
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and texture for this dish, but you can use boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce and provides a richer flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Wine: The white cooking wine adds a nice acidity to balance the richness of the sauce, but you can omit it if you prefer or substitute it with a splash of lemon juice or extra chicken broth.
Variations of Marry Me Chicken
Here are some ways to customize your Marry Me Chicken:
- Spicy Marry Me Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Marry Me Chicken: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for added flavor and texture.
- Marry Me Chicken with Spinach: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach leaves into the sauce just before serving for added color and nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point where the chicken is simmering in the sauce. Let it cool, then refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
3. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
4. What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or a simple green salad. The creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling over these sides.
5. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Be sure to adjust the cooking time, as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs.
A Creamy and Irresistible Chicken Dish
Marry Me Chicken is a dish that’s sure to impress with its rich, creamy sauce and flavorful chicken. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this recipe is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. The combination of tender chicken, savory sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes is a match made in heaven.
So gather your ingredients and enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish that just might win hearts and inspire proposals!
