Introduction

“Marry Me Chicken” is a dish that has become a viral sensation for its mouthwatering combination of flavors and tender chicken thighs. With a rich, creamy sauce made from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is the perfect way to impress your loved ones. The tender chicken cooked in a savory sauce is sure to make anyone fall in love with it, hence the name! Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner or simply want a delicious meal, Marry Me Chicken will make everyone feel special.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 6 Chicken Thighs
• Onion powder (to taste)
• Garlic powder (to taste)
• Cajun seasoning (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Paprika (to taste)
• Italian herbs (to taste)
• Olive oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp Butter
• 2 tbsp Fresh minced garlic
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth
• 1/3 cup Heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 tbsp White cooking wine
• 1/2 cup Fresh shredded Parmesan or Italian cheese
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Italian herbs (to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet and sear both sides until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per side). After searing, transfer the chicken to a separate pan to set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. Pour in the chicken broth and white cooking wine. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and heavy whipping cream. Add salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat, thickening slightly (about 5 minutes). Gradually add the shredded Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure the chicken is well-coated with the creamy mixture. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbling.
4. Serve: Serve the Marry Me Chicken hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Methods

Searing Chicken: Searing the chicken ensures that it gets a crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside juicy. This method locks in the flavors and adds texture.

Simmering the Sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully. The slow cooking process intensifies the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan flavors.

Baking the Chicken: Baking the chicken in the sauce ensures it becomes tender and absorbs the creamy flavors of the sauce.

History of Marry Me Chicken

While the exact origins of the name “Marry Me Chicken” are unclear, this dish has become popular due to its bold flavors and the idea that it’s so delicious, it might inspire a marriage proposal! The combination of rich ingredients like garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese has made it a favorite in many households. It’s often shared in food blogs, social media posts, and recipe groups, all adding to the mythos of the dish being a “game-changer” for dinner.

Benefits

• Protein-packed: Chicken thighs are a great source of protein, providing essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth.
• Healthy Fats: The olive oil and heavy cream used in the sauce contain healthy fats, which are essential for energy and maintaining cell structure.
• Flavorful & Satisfying: The blend of seasonings and creamy sauce helps make this dish incredibly satisfying without the need for heavy portions.
• Rich in Vitamins & Minerals: Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese provide antioxidants, vitamin C, and calcium, contributing to overall health.

Nutrition (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fat: 35-40g
• Carbs: 8-10g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Calcium: 150-200mg
• Iron: 2-3mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient portions.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken is a delightful and comforting dish that combines savory, creamy, and aromatic flavors. It’s the perfect recipe to make any meal feel special, whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself to something delicious. The simple preparation and the rich, comforting sauce make it a crowd-pleaser every time. This dish’s unique blend of flavors and its easy preparation have earned it a reputation as a “romantic” dinner, perfect for creating unforgettable memories. So, gather the ingredients, and prepare to make a dish that’s sure to leave everyone asking for more!

Lovers of This Dish

Marry Me Chicken is loved by many for its perfect balance of savory flavors and comforting textures. Couples, foodies, and home cooks alike have embraced this recipe as a go-to for date nights and family dinners. With its irresistible taste and easy preparation, it’s no surprise that this chicken dish has become a favorite across the globe.