Description
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich Parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce. This comforting recipe combines a savory blend of Cajun spices, garlic, and Italian herbs, finished with a luscious creamy sauce baked to perfection. Perfect for an impressive yet easy dinner, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or your favorite side.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
- Additional salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried Italian herbs to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, freshly ground black pepper, sweet paprika, and dried Italian herbs, ensuring even coating and flavor development.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and nicely caramelized. Transfer the seared chicken to a separate baking dish to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Using the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for about 3 minutes or until fragrant and golden, which enriches the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream, stirring to combine well. Add the dry white cooking wine and season further with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes while stirring steadily to meld flavors.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan or Italian hard cheese into the sauce while whisking constantly. This ensures the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and cohesive without clumping.
- Bake the Chicken: Pour the finished creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the baking dish. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through, tender, and the sauce is bubbling and slightly thickened.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately, spooning plenty of the luscious pan sauce over the chicken. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or your choice of sides for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For best results, use an oven-safe skillet to sear and make the sauce, then transfer chicken to a baking dish if needed.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the Cajun seasoning for preferred spice level.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add tang and depth; use oil-packed for richer flavor or dry-packed rehydrated in warm water.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version, though sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for food safety.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
