I love recipes that combine bold flavors with creamy textures, and Marry Me Chicken is one of my absolute favorites. The name alone hints at how irresistible this dish is—tender, juicy chicken thighs smothered in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner at home, a special occasion, or even when you just want to impress someone with an unforgettable meal.
What Makes Marry Me Chicken So Delicious?
This dish has everything: well-seasoned, golden-brown chicken that’s pan-seared to perfection, then baked in a luxurious sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a savory, slightly tangy balance that enhances the creamy richness of the sauce. With just the right touch of Italian herbs and Cajun seasoning, every bite is packed with bold yet comforting flavors.
The Perfect Comfort Dish
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, Marry Me Chicken is a winner. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even a simple side of roasted vegetables. The best part? It’s all made in one skillet and then baked, making cleanup a breeze.
Whether you’re making it for a date night, a family dinner, or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. The flavors are rich, the texture is creamy, and the overall experience? Absolutely mouthwatering.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken
To make this rich and flavorful dish, you’ll need a combination of well-seasoned chicken, a creamy sauce, and a blend of savory, herby, and slightly tangy ingredients. Here’s everything you need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs – Bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor and juiciness.
- Onion powder (to taste) – Adds a subtle sweetness to the seasoning.
- Garlic powder (to taste) – Enhances the depth of flavor.
- Cajun seasoning (to taste) – Gives a slight kick of spice and smokiness.
- Pepper (to taste) – Balances the seasoning mix.
- Paprika (to taste) – Adds a mild, smoky touch.
- Italian herbs (to taste) – A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme for a classic Italian profile.
- Olive oil – Used for searing the chicken to a golden-brown perfection.
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter – Adds a rich, silky base to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp fresh minced garlic – Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – Enhances the sauce with a light, savory flavor.
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream – Creates a creamy and velvety consistency.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (to taste) – Adds a tangy, slightly sweet contrast to the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmesan or Italian cheese – Gives the sauce a rich, salty, and nutty taste.
- Salt (to taste) – Helps balance and enhance the flavors.
- Pepper (to taste) – Adds a touch of warmth.
- Italian herbs (to taste) – Complements the overall dish with earthy, aromatic notes.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
This dish is easy to prepare, yet the final result is full of restaurant-quality flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making it:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, season them generously with onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, paprika, pepper, and Italian herbs. Ensure the chicken is well-coated with spices for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear them on both sides until golden brown—this should take 3-4 minutes per side. The goal is to create a crispy exterior while locking in the juices. Once done, transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its aroma.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the sun-dried tomatoes. Stir well, letting the flavors combine. Slowly add the heavy whipping cream, continuously stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Once the sauce is simmering, gradually stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more Italian herbs if needed.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the baking dish, ensuring each piece is coated with the creamy mixture.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or with roasted vegetables. Spoon extra sauce over the top for the best experience!
How Long to Cook Marry Me Chicken
The cooking time for Marry Me Chicken depends on the method used and the size of the chicken thighs. Here’s a general guide:
- Searing on the Stove – 3-4 minutes per side to achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Baking in the Oven – 30-35 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Total Cook Time – 40-45 minutes, including searing and baking.
To ensure the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked. If the chicken needs more time, bake in 5-minute increments while checking the temperature.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you’ll be happy to know that Marry Me Chicken stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator – Place the cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop – Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture.
- Oven – Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying.
- Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until warm.
Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken
Want to make sure your dish turns out amazing every time? Follow these tips:
- Use Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs – They stay juicier than boneless cuts. If using boneless, reduce baking time by 5-7 minutes.
- Let the Chicken Rest – After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to keep it tender and juicy.
- Customize the Spice Level – Add red pepper flakes for extra heat or more Cajun seasoning for a deeper, smoky kick.
- Pair with the Right Side Dishes – Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables to soak up the rich sauce.
- Double the Sauce – If you love extra sauce, increase the amounts of cream, broth, and cheese slightly. This makes it perfect for drizzling over pasta or bread!
Marry Me Chicken – A Creamy, Flavorful Delight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Marry Me Chicken features juicy, well-seasoned chicken thighs seared to perfection and baked in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a delicious, comforting meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs
- Onion powder (to taste)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Cajun seasoning (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Paprika (to taste)
- Italian herbs (to taste)
- Olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp fresh minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- Sun-dried tomatoes (to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmesan or Italian cheese
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Italian herbs (to taste)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, paprika, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and add sun-dried tomatoes. Stir, then mix in the heavy whipping cream. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Bake the Chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables!
Notes
- Boneless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs; adjust baking time to 20-25 minutes.
- To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken
1. Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes! While chicken thighs provide extra juiciness and tenderness, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well too. If using chicken breasts:
- Pound them slightly to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Reduce the baking time to 20-25 minutes to prevent drying out.
- Consider adding an extra splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce rich and creamy.
2. How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
To make Marry Me Chicken dairy-free:
- Substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute instead of heavy whipping cream.
- Swap Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a slightly cheesy flavor.
3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Marry Me Chicken is a great make-ahead meal.
- Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in the refrigerator before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
- If reheating leftovers, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
4. What Can I Serve With Marry Me Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with many sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes – The creamy sauce is perfect for spooning over fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Pasta or Rice – A great way to soak up all the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a well-balanced meal.
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – To mop up every last bit of the delicious sauce.