Rich Creamy Skillet Chicken Dish

Season and sear chicken thighs, make a creamy sauce with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, bake together until perfect. Ready in about an hour.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 05:53:34 GMT
Plate of Marry Me Chicken with mashed potatoes
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Plate of Marry Me Chicken with mashed potatoes | myhomemaderecipe.com

Tender chicken thighs bathed in a rich, creamy sauce that's studded with sun-dried tomatoes and kissed with garlic - this Marry Me Chicken might just inspire a proposal! The name comes from its reputation for being so delicious that serving it could lead to marriage, and after one bite, you'll understand why.

The first time I made this dish, the aroma of garlic and herbs filled my kitchen, and my family couldn't wait to dive in.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Chicken thighs: More flavorful than breasts
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Oil-packed adds extra flavor
  • Fresh garlic: Pre-minced won't give same punch
  • Heavy cream: Creates silkiest sauce
  • Real Parmesan: Fresh-grated melts best

Detailed Cooking Method

Step 1: Perfect the seasoning
Season chicken generously. Use fresh-ground pepper. Let spices sit while pan heats.
Step 2: Master the sear
Get pan properly hot. Don't move chicken too soon. Watch for golden crust.
Step 3: Build the sauce
Deglaze all brown bits. Add cream gradually. Let reduce slightly.
Step 4: Finish with care
Bake until bubbly. Check temperature. Let rest before serving.

Make it Your Own: Feel free to adjust garlic and herbs to your taste.

My Italian grandmother always said, "The key to a great sauce is patience - let it tell you when it's ready."

This dish has become my go-to for special occasions. There's something magical about watching people take their first bite - the way their eyes close in delight tells me dinner is a success.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but reduce cooking time slightly as breasts cook faster than thighs.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half works, but sauce will be thinner. Avoid milk as it may separate.
→ Is this very spicy?
No, but you can adjust the Cajun seasoning to control heat level.
→ What sides go well with this?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower rice all work great with the sauce.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Best served fresh, but reheats well within 2 days. Warm gently to prevent sauce separation.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken

Tender chicken thighs in a rich cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. A dish so good it might inspire a proposal!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main

01 6 chicken thighs

→ Seasonings

02 Onion powder to taste
03 Garlic powder to taste
04 Cajun seasoning to taste
05 Black pepper to taste
06 Paprika to taste
07 Italian herbs to taste
08 Salt to taste

→ Sauce Ingredients

09 Olive oil for cooking
10 2 tablespoons butter
11 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
12 ½ cup chicken broth
13 ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
14 Sun-dried tomatoes to taste
15 1 tablespoon white cooking wine
16 ½ cup fresh shredded Parmesan or Italian cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Season those chicken thighs generously with all your seasonings.

Step 02

Get your skillet hot with olive oil and brown those chicken thighs on both sides. Move them to a baking dish.

Step 03

In the same pan, melt your butter and cook that garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 04

Pour in broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and cream. Let it all simmer together, then season and stir in the cheese until smooth.

Step 05

Pour your sauce over the chicken and bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Notes

  1. This rich and creamy 'Marry Me Chicken' gets its name because it's so delicious, it might just inspire a proposal!

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 41 g