Welcome back to my cozy kitchen corner! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your home: Marry Me Chicken. This delightful dish earned its whimsical name because it’s so deliciously irresistible, it might just inspire a marriage proposal!
Let me take you back to a memorable evening last summer when I first encountered this charming recipe. My husband and I were visiting dear friends in the heart of Napa Valley. Surrounded by vineyards, the aroma of fresh herbs, and a delightful blend of culinary inspirations, our friend Jane decided to whip up a dish she claimed had magical powers. Skeptical yet intrigued, we watched as she prepared what she called “Marry Me Chicken.” As the savory aroma filled the air and we took our first bites, it was clear this dish was something special.
What makes Marry Me Chicken so magical? It’s all in the combination of tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a rich, creamy sauce. The flavors meld together beautifully with a touch of white wine, sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly grated Parmesan, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to impress.
One thing I love about this dish is its versatility. You can tweak it to suit your tastes or what’s available in your pantry. Sometimes I add a bit more garlic for an extra kick or swap out the sun-dried tomatoes for fresh cherry tomatoes when they’re in season. It’s also fantastic served over pasta, rice, or even mashed cauliflower if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and create a meal that’s sure to win hearts and palates alike. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe for Marry Me Chicken!
How to Prepare Marry Me Chicken
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup minced sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Parsley, for garnish
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Leave about 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet, discarding the rest. Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion, thyme, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and basil. Cook for about 3 minutes until onions are translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in white wine, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly grated Parmesan. Stir to combine.
Return seared chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and a meat thermometer reads the appropriate temperature.
Garnish with parsley before serving. Enjoy with garlic parmesan herb mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or mashed cauliflower.
FAQs:
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of bone-in, skin-on for Marry Me Chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. However, using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs adds more flavor and keeps the meat moist. If you opt for boneless, skinless thighs, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.
What can I substitute for white wine in the Marry Me Chicken recipe?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth. This will maintain the dish’s flavor while keeping it alcohol-free. Additionally, apple cider vinegar or white grape juice can be used as alternatives for a slightly different taste.
How do I make Marry Me Chicken dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. Furthermore, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain the creamy texture and flavor without dairy.
Can I prepare Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Marry Me Chicken ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the sauce separately, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet, add the chicken, and warm through in the oven at 375°F until hot and bubbly.
What side dishes pair well with Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For instance, garlic parmesan herb mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or mashed cauliflower complement the rich and creamy sauce perfectly. Additionally, a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables can add a light and refreshing contrast.
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup minced sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. In a cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs on each side for about 4 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Leave about 2 tablespoons of the leftover oil in the skillet, discarding the rest. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onions, thyme, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and basil. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly grated Parmesan. Mix well to combine.
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and a meat thermometer reads the appropriate temperature.
- Garnish with parsley before serving. Enjoy with garlic parmesan herb mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or mashed cauliflower.
