The Most Heavenly “Marry Me Chicken” Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Chicken breasts meet their match in this irresistible marry me chicken recipe that promises to spark culinary romance.

Creamy and bold flavors dance across every tender bite, creating magic on your plate.

Fragrant herbs and sun-dried tomatoes complement the perfectly seasoned protein.

Restaurants might charge premium prices for such a delectable dish, but you can craft this masterpiece right in your kitchen.

Mediterranean influences shine through each mouthwatering element of this simple yet sophisticated meal.

Skeptical about its reputation?

One forkful will convince you why this recipe has earned its cheeky name.

Prepare to fall in love with every single delicious detail.

Marry Me Chicken to Impress Your Loved Ones

• Flavor-Packed Adventure: Dive into a culinary journey with bold Cajun seasoning and Italian herbs that transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
• One-Pan Simplicity: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that moves seamlessly from stovetop to oven, making cooking and washing up a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or impressing guests with its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken that guarantees clean plates and happy smiles.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy incredible flexibility by pairing this delectable dish with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty bread to suit every taste preference and mood.

Ingredients to Make Marry Me Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: A tender and flavorful cut of meat that becomes the star of this delicious dish.

• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Cajun Seasoning, Black Pepper, Paprika, Italian Herbs: A robust blend of spices that adds depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential for creating a golden-brown sear and building a rich, creamy sauce.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Whipping Cream: A combination that creates a luxurious and smooth sauce foundation.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provides a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor that adds brightness to the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Brings a sharp, aromatic element that elevates the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Shredded Parmesan or Italian Cheese: Adds a creamy, salty finish and helps thicken the sauce with its melting properties.

How to Cook the Perfect Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Season Chicken Like a Pro

• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Cajun seasoning
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Italian herbs

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sizzle those chicken thighs until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on both sides.

Move the beauties to a separate pan.

Step 2: Craft a Dreamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and dance some minced garlic around for about 3 minutes until your kitchen smells incredible.

Pour in chicken broth, sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes, and splash heavy whipping cream. Let everything simmer and get friendly.

Step 3: Cheese It Up

Shower the sauce with fresh shredded Parmesan or Italian cheese. Stir constantly while the sauce transforms into a luscious, creamy masterpiece.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour that gorgeous sauce over the seared chicken thighs. Pop into the oven at 400F (200C) and bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and singing with flavor.

Step 5: Plate and Impress

Serve your culinary creation over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Watch as your dinner guests fall head over heels in love with this dish.

Tips to Keep Chicken Tender and Juicy

• Toast herbs and spices briefly in the skillet before adding chicken to intensify their aromatic profile and create a more complex taste.
• Simmer sauce slowly and stir frequently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety texture without burning.
• Choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for richer flavor and softer texture compared to dried versions.
• Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally without overcooking, maintaining juicy and tender meat.
• Grate Parmesan cheese fresh and add gradually while stirring to help it melt evenly and create a more harmonious sauce.

Variations to Customize Your Chicken Dish

• Lighter Herb Chicken: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt and use grilled chicken breasts for a healthier version. Reduce butter and add fresh herbs like basil and thyme.
• Spicy Mediterranean Chicken: Replace Cajun seasoning with harissa paste, add kalamata olives to the sauce, and sprinkle feta cheese on top. Serve with couscous instead of traditional sides.
• Coconut Curry Fusion: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk, add red curry paste, and include diced bell peppers. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve over jasmine rice.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Option: Replace chicken with portobello mushroom steaks, use vegetable broth, and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Maintain the sun-dried tomato sauce and baking technique.

Pairing Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

• Enhance Flavor Pairing: Crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
• Create Herbal Harmony: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a vibrant, aromatic touch that elevates the dish's Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Match Starchy Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes or al dente linguine provide an ideal base, soaking up the luxurious sauce and creating a complete, satisfying meal.
• Balance Texture Contrast: Serve with a light, crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to add a fresh, peppery crunch that cuts through the dish's richness.

Storage Advice for Leftover Marry Me Chicken

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains covered to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce moisture.

FAQs

• What makes the chicken so flavorful?

The combination of onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs creates a complex and bold taste profile that infuses the chicken with rich, aromatic flavors.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking time to prevent drying out, as chicken breasts cook faster and can become tough if overcooked.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy and tender.

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy marry me chicken brings Italian-inspired romance to dinner tables with succulent chicken breasts bathed in a luxurious sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce. Rich flavors and simple ingredients guarantee love at first bite, making it an irresistible meal you’ll want to share with someone special.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 6 Chicken Thighs

Seasonings and Spices:

• To taste Onion powder
• To taste Garlic powder
• To taste Cajun seasoning
• To taste Pepper
• To taste Paprika
• To taste Italian herbs
• To taste Salt

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• As needed Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) Fresh minced Garlic
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Chicken broth
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) Heavy whipping cream
• To taste Sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) White cooking wine
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) Fresh shredded Parmesan or Italian cheese

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken thighs with a robust blend of savory seasonings, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully searing chicken thighs until a golden-brown crust develops on both surfaces, then transfer to a separate baking dish.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for approximately 2-3 minutes, releasing its aromatic essence.
4. Incorporate chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce base.
5. Sprinkle fresh shredded Parmesan or Italian cheese into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.
6. Lavishly pour the enriched sauce over the seared chicken thighs, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, guaranteeing thorough cooking and optimal flavor infusion.
8. Once done, present the Marry Me Chicken atop a bed of mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for a delectable dining experience.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality chicken thighs with even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and juicy results.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more robust and authentic flavor profile compared to pre-packaged options.
• Adjust seasoning levels to personal taste, reducing Cajun spices for milder palates or adding extra for bolder flavor intensity.
• Choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for richer, more concentrated tomato essence that enhances the overall sauce complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 278 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg