Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Marry Me Chicken is a rich, creamy dish that brings together tender, pan-seared chicken thighs with a luxurious sun-dried tomato sauce. This flavorful meal is perfect for impressing someone special or enjoying a comforting dinner at home. The combination of savory chicken, a decadent cream sauce, and aromatic herbs will leave you and your guests swooning.

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🍴 Servings: 4

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

🕖 Cooking Time: 40 minutes

🕖 Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs: Bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs work best for a tender, juicy dish.
• Seasonings to taste: Use a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs to infuse the chicken with deep flavor.
• Olive oil: For pan-searing the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic: Aromatic and flavorful.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce.
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream: For a luscious, creamy texture.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a sweet-tart punch to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon white cooking wine: Enhances the flavor of the sauce.
• 1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmesan or Italian cheese: Melts into the sauce for added richness.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season as needed.
• Additional Italian herbs: To flavor the sauce.

Instructions:

1️⃣ Season the Chicken:

• Generously season 6 chicken thighs with onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs to create a flavorful crust.

2️⃣ Pan-Sear the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and pan-sear them on both sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish, leaving the flavorful drippings in the skillet.

3️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

4️⃣ Add Seasonings and Cheese:

• Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and additional Italian herbs. Gradually stir in 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan or Italian cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

5️⃣ Bake the Chicken:

• Pour the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the seared chicken thighs in the baking dish. Ensure each piece of chicken is generously coated with the sauce.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

6️⃣ Serve:

• Serve the Marry Me Chicken over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. Enjoy your romantic and comforting meal!

Serving and Storage Tips:

• Serving Suggestions: Marry Me Chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make for excellent side dishes.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Notes 💡:

• Milder Version: For a milder dish, reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning. The sauce will still be rich and flavorful.
• Lighter Option: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce, though the sauce will be thinner.
• Customization: Feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor. 🌿

This Marry Me Chicken is sure to impress, whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a comforting, flavorful meal at home.