If you have been searching for a dish that’s downright irresistible and guaranteed to impress, then the Marry Me Chicken Creamy Parmesan Recipe is your new secret weapon. This creamy, flavorful chicken dish combines tender, perfectly seasoned thighs with a luscious Parmesan sauce that feels indulgent but is surprisingly straightforward to make. Every bite is layered with garlicky richness, a hint of tang from sun dried tomatoes, and a gentle spice that dances on your tongue. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe has a way of making people fall head over heels in love with your cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this Marry Me Chicken Creamy Parmesan Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role — from the seasoning that builds the foundation of flavor, to the creamy Parmesan sauce that ties it all together with that stunning, velvety texture.
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they soak up all the seasoning and sauce beautifully.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Enhances savory notes, complementing the fresh garlic later in the sauce.
- Cajun seasoning: Brings a flavorful kick and warmth to each bite, balancing the creamy sauce.
- Freshly ground black pepper: For that essential hint of spice and fragrant aroma.
- Sweet paprika: Adds smoky sweetness and a lovely color to the chicken’s crust.
- Dried Italian herbs: A fragrant blend that infuses every mouthful with Mediterranean charm.
- Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the chicken to a golden, crispy edge.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides richness to mellow out the sauce and enrich the garlic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, finely minced: Bursts of fresh, aromatic flavor in the creamy sauce.
- 120 millilitres chicken broth: Builds up a flavorful, slightly savory base for the sauce.
- 80 millilitres heavy whipping cream: The secret to the silky, luscious sauce that coats the chicken.
- 50 grams sun dried tomatoes, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon dry white cooking wine: Adds subtle acidity and depth to the sauce’s flavor profile.
- 50 grams freshly grated Parmesan or Italian hard cheese: The star ingredient that gives the sauce its unmistakable creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, seasoning to taste.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Creamy Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning both sides of the chicken thighs with onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, paprika, and dried Italian herbs. This spice blend forms a flavorful crust that will make each bite unforgettable. Don’t be shy—this bold seasoning is the foundation of the dish’s incredible depth.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, lay the chicken thighs down and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown color. This beautiful searing locks in the juices and adds a satisfying crunch. After searing, transfer the chicken to a separate baking dish to prepare for baking.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet, melt butter on medium heat. Add the finely minced fresh garlic and sauté it for about 3 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant. This step builds a warm, inviting base for your creamy sauce and infuses the butter with that irresistible garlic aroma.
Step 4: Create the Sauce Base
Pour chicken broth, chopped sun dried tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream into the skillet. Stir everything together, then add the dry white cooking wine. Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried Italian herbs to tie all the flavors together. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring steadily so it thickens slightly and flavors meld perfectly.
Step 5: Add the Parmesan
Slowly sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan or Italian hard cheese while whisking constantly. This process ensures the cheese melts seamlessly into the sauce, creating the signature creamy and cohesive texture that makes this Marry Me Chicken Creamy Parmesan Recipe so memorable.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the finished Parmesan sauce evenly over the seared chicken thighs in the baking dish. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 200°C and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and wonderfully tender. This oven time lets the flavors marry and the sauce thicken even more, giving you that full-bodied, rich experience.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to plates, spooning the luscious pan sauce generously over the top. This final touch ensures every mouthful is packed with that creamy Parmesan goodness that defines this recipe.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Creamy Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your dish beautifully. Consider fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of bright green color and a hint of herbaceous freshness. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan can also add texture and a mild salty crunch that complements the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, as their smooth, buttery nature soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. Alternatively, serve with crusty garlic bread or over a bed of sautéed spinach or creamy risotto to keep the meal indulgent yet balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party wow factor, serve the chicken atop a bed of creamy polenta or nestle it alongside roasted vegetables arranged in vibrant rainbow colors. You can even drizzle a little extra sauce artistically around the plate for an elegant, restaurant-quality presentation that truly showcases your effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Creamy Parmesan Recipe tastes just as delightful the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the sauce with the chicken to maintain that creamy magic!
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Transfer cooled cooked chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This slow reheating will keep the sauce smooth and prevent the chicken from drying out. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring between, but stovetop reheating is preferred for texture and flavor preservation.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs are juicier and more forgiving during cooking, chicken breasts can work too. Just be mindful not to overcook them as they dry out faster. Reduce baking time slightly and check for doneness early.
Is sun dried tomato paste a good substitute?
If you don’t have chopped sun dried tomatoes, a spoonful of sun dried tomato paste can be used for a similar tangy depth, but use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated. Adjust salt levels accordingly since paste can be saltier.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a neutral oil and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to add cheesy flavor, though the texture may vary.
What wine works best for the cooking wine?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works beautifully here, lending acidity and brightness to the sauce. Avoid sweet or very oaky wines as they might overpower the delicate balance of flavors.
How spicy is the dish?
The Cajun seasoning adds a gentle kick but it’s easily customizable. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the Cajun seasoning or omit it altogether—you’ll still have a delicious creamy Parmesan sauce to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Marry Me Chicken Creamy Parmesan Recipe that makes it a standout in any kitchen. It’s the perfect combination of rich, creamy sauce paired with well-seasoned chicken that feels like a warm hug on a plate. If you’re ready to wow your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share your table, give this recipe a try—you just might find your next favorite go-to comfort dish.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Creamy Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a rich and creamy Parmesan chicken dish featuring juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs simmered in a luscious sauce made with garlic, sun dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting and flavorful recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or your favorite side.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Onion powder, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Cajun seasoning, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sweet paprika, to taste
- Dried Italian herbs, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Sauce
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, finely minced
- 120 millilitres chicken broth
- 80 millilitres heavy whipping cream
- 50 grams sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dry white cooking wine
- 50 grams freshly grated Parmesan or Italian hard cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Dried Italian herbs, to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the boneless skinless chicken thighs with onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, freshly ground black pepper, sweet paprika, and dried Italian herbs. Ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spices for maximum flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and sear each side for 3-4 minutes or until they develop a golden brown crust. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a separate baking dish and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for searing, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely minced fresh garlic and sauté for about 3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, to release its aromatic flavor into the butter.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the garlic, then add the chopped sun dried tomatoes and heavy whipping cream. Stir the mixture to combine thoroughly. Next, add the dry white cooking wine and season with additional salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan or Italian hard cheese into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly. This helps the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy, cohesive texture without lumps.
- Bake the Chicken: Pour the completed creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the seared chicken thighs in the baking dish. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) and bake for 30-35 minutes. Bake until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately, spooning the rich pan sauce over the chicken. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or any preferred side to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder in the sauce to enhance flavor.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless skinless chicken breasts, though thighs will be more tender and juicy.
- Make sure to preheat the oven to ensure even cooking of the chicken.
- The dry white cooking wine can be substituted with additional chicken broth if preferred.
- Use a heavy oven-safe skillet to allow easy transition from stovetop to oven.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and Cajun seasoning for desired spice level.
