Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further than Marry Me Chicken. This creamy, flavorful chicken recipe is a perfect combination of tender chicken thighs, rich sauce, and savory seasonings. Married with a blend of sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese, this dish is guaranteed to make everyone’s taste buds dance with joy. It’s named ‘Marry Me Chicken’ for a reason—once you serve this delightful meal, it might just win over that special someone!
In this article, we’ll delve into the detailed ingredients, preparation times, cooking methods, and everything you need to know to create this delectable recipe right in your own kitchen. So roll up your sleeves and let’s get started!
Detailed Ingredients
Chicken Thighs
– 6 Chicken Thighs
Seasonings
– Onion powder
– Garlic powder
– Cajun seasoning
– Pepper
– Paprika
– Italian herbs
– Olive oil (for searing the chicken)
For the Sauce
– 2 tablespoons Butter
– 2 tablespoons fresh minced Garlic
– 1/2 cup Chicken broth
– 1/3 cup Heavy whipping cream
– Sun-dried Tomatoes (to taste)
– 1 tablespoon White cooking wine
– 1/2 cup Fresh Shredded Parmesan or Italian cheese
– Salt
– Pepper
– Italian herbs (to taste)
Prep Time
Preparation time for Marry Me Chicken typically takes about 15-20 minutes. This includes gathering all your ingredients, trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs, and prepping your aromatics for the sauce. This dish doesn’t require extensive preparation, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The total cooking time includes searing the chicken and preparing the sauce, followed by baking. The breakdown is as follows:
– Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
– Total Time: Approximately 50-55 minutes
– Yield: This recipe serves about 4 people, making it great for a small gathering or a nice family dinner.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Season the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs according to your taste preferences. Use a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs to give it a robust flavor. Make sure to coat evenly for the best aromatic impact.
Pan-Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This process locks in the juices and flavors, setting the foundation for the dish.
Transfer to a Separate Pan
Once the chicken thighs are beautifully seared, transfer them to a separate baking pan. Ensure there’s enough space between the pieces for even cooking. Set the pan aside as you prepare the sauce.
Start the Sauce in the Same Skillet
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. As the butter begins to foam, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes. The aroma of the garlic will fill your kitchen, signaling that it’s time for the next step.
Add the Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add depth and flavor to your sauce. Following that, incorporate the sun-dried tomatoes and heavy whipping cream. Stir the mixture to combine all the flavors.
Season the Sauce
Add salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to your sauce. This enhances the flavors further, making it rich and mouthwatering. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-5 minutes to let the ingredients meld together.
Add the Cheese
Gradually add the shredded parmesan or Italian cheese into the sauce while stirring constantly. This step ensures the cheese melts smoothly, creating a creamy texture. Let it simmer a bit longer until everything is well combined and luscious.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once your sauce is ready, pour it generously over the seared chicken thighs in the baking dish. Make sure each piece is coated well with the rich, creamy sauce.
Bake in the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and tender, soaking in all the delightful flavors from the sauce.
Serve Warm
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the Marry Me Chicken over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the sauce to mingle with the potatoes. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or parmesan if desired.
Notes
Choosing Chicken Thighs
While this recipe uses chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor, you can also opt for chicken breasts if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time as breasts may cook faster.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with roasted red peppers or omit them altogether. Each option gives a unique flavor profile to the dish.
Heavy Whipping Cream
For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or a non-dairy cream substitute. The sauce will still be flavorful, but the texture may differ slightly.
Cook Techniques
Pansearing
Searing the chicken thighs gives them a delicious crispy exterior, which is essential for holding up against the creamy sauce. Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve the best browning.
Simmering
Allowing the sauce to simmer helps meld the flavors together and creates a smoother texture. Keep an eye on the sauce so it doesn’t reduce too much; you want it thick but still creamy.
Oven Baking
Baking the chicken allows it to finish cooking while absorbing the sauce’s flavors. This step is crucial for ensuring the thighs are juicy and tender.
FAQ
Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in airtight containers. When ready to serve, bake the chicken with the sauce until heated through.
What sides pair well with Marry Me Chicken?
Aside from mashed potatoes, consider serving this dish with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Certainly! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat until warmed through.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that wraps you in comfort and satisfaction. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken thighs, and delightful blend of seasonings, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, from romantic dinners to family gatherings. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself falling in love with cooking all over again!
More Recipe Suggestions and Combinations
Pair with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your meal by serving Marry Me Chicken over creamy garlic mashed potatoes. The buttery flavor complements the rich sauce and adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Combine with Roasted Asparagus
For a healthy side, consider roasted asparagus seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Their slight crunch and mild flavor balance the richness of the chicken beautifully.
Serve with a Green Salad
A fresh green salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can cut through the creaminess of the dish, providing a refreshing contrast.
Try with Pasta
For pasta lovers, serve the Marry Me Chicken with a side of al dente pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic. This will absorb the creamy sauce and create a fulfilling meal.
Experiment with Different Proteins
If chicken isn’t your preference, feel free to experiment with pork chops or even seafood like shrimp. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to prevent overcooking.
With these suggestions and detailed instructions, you’re well on your way to creating the ultimate Marry Me Chicken that will delight every palate at the table. Enjoy your culinary journey!