Marry me chicken recipe
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s all about tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of cheese. The sauce…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s all about tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of cheese. The sauce clings to the chicken perfectly, making every bite smooth and satisfying. It’s one of those meals that feels special without needing a fancy ingredient list.
I love making Marry Me Chicken when I want something impressive but simple. What I find especially great is how the sauce comes together quickly and tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The sun-dried tomatoes add just the right tang, and the creamy sauce makes leftover bread perfect for sopping up every last drop. It’s a dish that gets compliments every time.
My favorite way to serve this recipe is alongside some buttery mashed potatoes or over pasta, which helps balance the richness. Sometimes I add a side of steamed green veggies to keep it fresh. Honestly, this is one of those meals that feels like a little celebration, great for a weeknight that deserves a treat or a cozy dinner with someone you love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken thighs: Using bone-in, skin-on thighs gives great flavor and keeps the meat juicy. If you prefer leaner chicken, boneless skinless breasts work too, but watch the cooking time so they don’t dry out.
Sun-dried tomatoes: They add a tangy, slightly sweet pop. If you don’t have these, roasted red peppers can add a nice flavor, or you can use fresh tomatoes for a milder taste.
Heavy cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or coconut milk. Just note it won’t be as thick or rich.
Parmesan cheese: It boosts flavor and helps thicken the sauce. You can swap for Pecorino Romano or Asiago if you like, or leave it out if dairy is an issue.
How Do You Get Crispy, Golden Chicken Skin Every Time?
Getting that crispy skin is key to this dish’s texture and flavor. Here’s how I do it:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture prevents browning.
- Heat the olive oil until shimmering but not smoking before adding the chicken. This stops sticking and starts browning immediately.
- Place chicken skin-side down first and don’t move it until the skin is golden and crisp (about 5-7 minutes).
- Flip carefully and cook just a bit on the other side before removing. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven, so you only need a quick sear here.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large oven-safe skillet – perfect for searing chicken and baking it in the sauce without extra dishes.
- Tongs – make flipping the chicken easy and safe without tearing the skin.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring the sauce and scraping up browned bits.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your liquid and seasoning amounts just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for boneless breasts if you want quicker cooking and less fat.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy twist and extra texture.
- Use fresh cherry tomatoes in place of sun-dried for a lighter, juicier flavor.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little heat and depth.
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish and flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and searing, plus 20-25 minutes for baking in the oven. So, plan for around 40 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes. Then, remove chicken and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds to 1 minute). Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and thyme. Let simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Bake and Garnish:
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some sauce over the top and add rosemary sprigs around the chicken. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven, garnish with chopped basil or parsley, and serve with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for boneless breasts for quicker cooking and leaner meat.
- Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor and extra texture.
- Use fresh cherry tomatoes instead of sun-dried for a lighter taste.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for subtle heat.
Can I Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Instead?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well, but reduce cooking time since they cook faster. Keep an eye to avoid drying them out.
How Can I Store Leftover Marry Me Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What Should I Serve with Marry Me Chicken?
This dish is fantastic over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice to soak up the sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies make a fresh, colorful side.