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Marry Me Chicken Creamy Parmesan

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Chicken thighs, seasoned with Italian herbs and Cajun spices, are pan-seared for flavor and baked in a decadent sauce. The sauce melds butter, fresh garlic, chicken broth, sun dried tomatoes, and heavy cream, balanced by white wine and parmesan. After the chicken finishes in the oven, it’s smothered in this velvety sauce. Serve over mashed potatoes for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal with bold, savory notes and creamy texture in every bite.

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Updated on Sun, 24 Aug 2025 16:34:40 GMT
A plate of Marry Me Chicken with a sauce on top. Pin it
A plate of Marry Me Chicken with a sauce on top. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Some dishes just have a magic way of bringing people together and Marry Me Chicken is definitely one of those meals Every time I make it for friends or family someone asks for the recipe and we end up laughing around the table until the last drop of sauce is gone With tender chicken creamy parmesan sauce and sun dried tomatoes it is comfort food with a touch of wow

After baking this for a birthday dinner my best friend said it was the best chicken she had eaten in her life and I have to agree the sauce is always the showstopper and everyone comes back for seconds

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: create juicy texture and rich flavor Use bone in for even more taste and ask your butcher for the plumpest ones
  • Onion powder and garlic powder: both build savoriness without chopping
  • Cajun seasoning: gives a little heat for balance Try a fresher blend from a spice shop if available
  • Pepper: brings sharpness and keeps things from getting too rich
  • Paprika: adds warm color and depth Smoked or sweet both work
  • Italian herbs: bring that classic comfort blend Look for a mix with basil oregano and thyme
  • Olive oil: helps get that golden sear on the chicken Use extra virgin for best flavor
  • Butter: gives the sauce creaminess and silkiness Use real unsalted for control
  • Fresh minced garlic: is the backbone of the sauce Use firm heavy bulbs
  • Chicken broth: loosens the sauce and brings savory depth Opt for low sodium
  • Heavy whipping cream: creates the luscious base for the sauce Do not substitute here
  • Sun dried tomatoes: add tangy bursts of flavor Try oil packed for softness
  • White cooking wine: brightens and lifts the sauce Use one you would also enjoy drinking
  • Fresh shredded parmesan or Italian cheese: melts smoothly for savory richness Shred your own for best texture
  • Salt: seasons all the ingredients evenly Flake salt is easiest to control
  • Pepper: grounds everything with a hint of spice
  • Extra Italian herbs for finishing: bring even more aroma

Instructions

Prepare and Season the Chicken:
Lay the chicken thighs out and pat dry so you get a good sear Generously sprinkle both sides with onion powder garlic powder Cajun seasoning pepper paprika and Italian herbs Press them in and drizzle with olive oil so the seasonings stick
Sear the Chicken:
Heat a big skillet over medium high and add olive oil Place the thighs in and brown both sides until golden and crusty about six minutes per side This step locks in juices and adds tons of flavor Remove the chicken and set aside in a separate pan
Make the Base of the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet Stir in the fresh minced garlic Cook for three minutes until fragrant and softened scraping up any browned bits from the bottom If garlic starts to brown lower the heat
Build the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to release the flavor Then add sun dried tomatoes and heavy cream Stir well and cook for about three minutes so everything is warmed through Sprinkle with salt and pepper and a big pinch of Italian herbs Simmer for another minute
Finish the Sauce with Cheese and Wine:
Slowly add the shredded parmesan or Italian cheese while stirring non stop The cheese needs to melt smoothly with no lumps Add the white wine and let the sauce bubble for a minute so the alcohol cooks off and flavors meld
Bake the Chicken:
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the pan Make sure the thighs are surrounded by sauce not just sitting on top Transfer the pan to a 400 degree oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until chicken is tender and the sauce is thick and bubbly
Serve:
Let the chicken rest for five minutes then spoon extra sauce from the pan over each serving Serve over hot mashed potatoes egg noodles or rice for best results
A plate of chicken with red peppers and herbs, served with a side of mashed potatoes. Pin it
A plate of chicken with red peppers and herbs, served with a side of mashed potatoes. | myhomemaderecipe.com

My favorite part is always the sun dried tomatoes which add a sweet tang that balances all the richness Once when I had very little time I brought this bubbling hot to a family potluck and every generation from kids to grandparents came back for seconds and thirds

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The sauce thickens overnight so warm it gently on the stove or with a splash of chicken broth You can also freeze portions for a make ahead dinner just avoid reheating at too high a heat to prevent the sauce from separating

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have chicken thighs boneless skinless breasts work too but watch closely so they do not dry out For a lighter version swap half and half for the cream but the sauce will be less rich Swap sun dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers in a pinch Shredded mozzarella can replace some parmesan but it will be a bit stretchier and milder

Serving Suggestions

Marry Me Chicken shines with mashed potatoes to catch the sauce but is also great over buttered pasta rice or warm crusty bread For a fresh side pair with garlicky green beans steamed asparagus or a crisp salad with lemony dressing

Cultural and Historical Context

This recipe gets its fun name because home cooks swear it is so good it could prompt a marriage proposal But in truth it is a variation of creamy Tuscan chicken found in Italian American kitchens for decades With its blend of pantry seasonings and legendary sauce it is truly a dish meant to bring people together

A plate of chicken covered in a creamy sauce, served with mashed potatoes and peppers. Pin it
A plate of chicken covered in a creamy sauce, served with mashed potatoes and peppers. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This is a dish that truly brings people together with every bite Try it for your next gathering and watch everyone ask for the recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use boneless chicken instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken works well. Adjust baking time to avoid overcooking.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables complement the creamy sauce.

→ Can I substitute sun dried tomatoes?

Yes, roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes provide a similar tangy flavor.

→ Is it necessary to use white cooking wine?

No, you can substitute with chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Marry Me Chicken Creamy Parmesan

Chicken thighs baked in creamy parmesan, sun dried tomatoes, and Italian herb sauce. Rich, savory flavors.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (Serves 4 with sauce)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

→ Seasonings

02 Onion powder, to taste
03 Garlic powder, to taste
04 Cajun seasoning, to taste
05 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
06 Sweet paprika, to taste
07 Dried Italian herbs, to taste

→ Cooking oil

08 Olive oil, for sautéing

→ Sauce

09 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, finely minced
11 120 millilitres chicken broth
12 80 millilitres heavy whipping cream
13 50 grams sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
14 1 tablespoon dry white cooking wine
15 50 grams freshly grated Parmesan or Italian hard cheese
16 Salt, to taste
17 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
18 Dried Italian herbs, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer chicken to a separate baking dish.

Step 03

Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for approximately 3 minutes or until fragrant.

Step 04

Pour in the chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream. Stir to combine, then add dry white wine. Season with additional salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring steadily.

Step 05

Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan or Italian cheese, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth, cohesive sauce.

Step 06

Pour the finished sauce evenly over the seared chicken thighs in the baking dish. Place in a preheated oven at 200°C and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.

Step 07

Remove chicken from oven and serve with the pan sauce over a base of mashed potatoes or side of choice.

Notes

  1. Allow the sauce to simmer gently to avoid splitting and to ensure a creamy consistency.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven-safe skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Wooden spoon or whisk

Allergy Information

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

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 440
  • Total Fat: 29 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
  • Protein: 35 g