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This Marry Me Chicken recipe transforms simple chicken thighs into a restaurant-worthy dish with a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have everyone begging for seconds. I started making this when I wanted something special for date nights at home, but it's become our go-to whenever we want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
I first made this for my husband on our anniversary when we couldn't get a reservation at our favorite Italian restaurant. He proposed making it our new anniversary tradition, which is how it earned its "Marry Me" nickname in our home.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs boneless and skin-on for the best flavor and juicy texture
- Onion powder adds subtle sweetness without actual onion pieces
- Garlic powder provides background flavor that complements the fresh garlic
- Cajun seasoning brings a gentle heat that balances the cream sauce
- Paprika adds beautiful color and mild smoky notes
- Italian herbs dried blend creates depth and authentic Italian flavor
- Olive oil use a good quality one that can handle high heat
- Butter unsalted allows you to control the salt level
- Fresh minced garlic nothing compares to the aromatic punch of fresh garlic
- Chicken broth forms the savory base of the sauce
- Heavy whipping cream creates that luxurious richness
- Sun dried tomatoes packed in oil bring intense umami and sweet tanginess
- White cooking wine adds acidity and depth
- Fresh shredded Parmesan authentic aged cheese melts beautifully
- Salt kosher salt works best for seasoning chicken
- Black pepper freshly ground makes a noticeable difference
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken
- Generously sprinkle chicken thighs with onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs. Be liberal with your seasonings as this creates the foundation of flavor. Let the chicken sit with seasonings for at least 10 minutes if time allows.
- Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes. The goal is color, not cooking through. Transfer chicken to a separate pan or plate.
- Start the Sauce
- In the same skillet with all those flavorful chicken bits, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add fresh minced garlic and cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Build the Sauce Base
- Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add sun-dried tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Create the Creamy Element
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and white cooking wine. Add salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Finish
- Sprinkle in the fresh shredded Parmesan or Italian cheese blend while constantly stirring to ensure it melts evenly and doesn't clump. Continue stirring until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine and Bake
- Return the chicken to the skillet or pour the sauce over the chicken in a baking dish. Ensure chicken is nestled into the sauce but not completely submerged so the skin can stay crispy. Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through and sauce is bubbling.
- Rest and Serve
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors settle and the sauce thicken slightly. Serve over mashed potatoes to soak up all that incredible sauce.
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The sun-dried tomatoes are my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered their magic when I accidentally added twice the amount called for in the original recipe I was working from. That happy accident created the perfect tangy counterpoint to the rich cream sauce, and I've never looked back.
Make-Ahead Tips
This dish can be fully prepared up to the baking stage and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Simply allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and you might need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it's still cold from the refrigerator.
Perfect Pairings
The rich, creamy sauce in this Marry Me Chicken calls for sides that can complement without competing. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Roasted asparagus or broccoli also work wonderfully, especially when you drag them through the extra sauce on your plate. For a starch, the recommended mashed potatoes are perfect, but buttered egg noodles or crusty bread also make excellent vehicles for that incredible sauce.
Flavor Variations
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a more herbaceous profile, stir in fresh basil and parsley just before serving. You can also add artichoke hearts alongside the sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor. For those who avoid dairy, coconut cream can substitute for heavy cream, though the flavor profile will shift slightly toward the tropical.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but note that thighs have more flavor and stay juicier during cooking. If using breasts, keep a close eye on the baking time to avoid overcooking.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes are a classic choice, but this dish also pairs well with pasta, rice, or sautéed vegetables like green beans or asparagus.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then bake it just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
- → Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, other cheeses like Gruyère or Romano can be used, but freshly shredded parmesan or Italian cheese blends work best for the creamy sauce.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce from drying out.
- → What can I substitute for white cooking wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.