Introduction
Marry Me Chicken is the dish that lives up to its name—tender, golden-seared chicken thighs bathed in a rich, creamy garlic sauce studded with tangy sundried tomatoes and a hint of white wine. From the very first sizzle of garlic in butter, you’ll sense the magic that makes this recipe a date-night showstopper.
I first whipped up this recipe for a friend who kept teasing that he’d propose if the chicken was good enough. Spoiler alert: he did. The secret lies in layering simple seasonings—onion powder, paprika, Cajun spice, Italian herbs—and letting the sauce simmer until it’s velvety smooth. Unlike a fussy multi-course meal, Marry Me Chicken comes together in a single skillet and finishes in the oven, giving you time to pour the wine and set the mood.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or simply craving comfort with a hint of elegance, this one-pan wonder delivers bold flavors without the fuss. And because it uses pantry staples—heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan—you can recreate it any night of the week. Ready to see why this recipe has fans ready to walk down the aisle? Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Romantic Flair: A creamy garlic sauce and sundried tomatoes add an elegant touch.
- Hands-Off Finish: After searing, the oven does the rest while you relax.
- Layered Seasoning: Cajun, Italian herbs, and paprika create a depth of flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Mild but savory—guaranteed to please both kids and dinner guests.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Minimizes cleanup and maximizes taste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or herbes de Provence)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp fresh minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 Tbsp white cooking wine (or dry white wine)
- ¼ cup oil-packed sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Season
- Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
- Pat chicken thighs dry. In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Rub each thigh evenly with olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the seasoning blend.
- Pan-Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook 6–8 minutes until the skin is deep golden and crisp.
- Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside (do not clean the skillet).
- Build the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant (do not brown).
- Pour in chicken broth and white wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan bottom. Let simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Enrich & Simmer
- Stir in heavy cream, sundried tomatoes, and Italian herbs. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Bake the Chicken
- Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the sauce, skin-side up.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake 30–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 °F (74 °C) and the sauce is bubbling.
- Finish & Garnish
- Remove skillet from the oven. Let chicken rest 5 minutes in the sauce.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color.
- Serve
- Spoon sauce over chicken thighs and serve with your choice of sides—crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or al dente pasta soak up every drop.
Serving Suggestions
- Buttery Mashed Potatoes: The sauce makes an excellent gravy.
- Linguine or Penne: Create a complete pasta dish by tossing noodles in the pan sauce.
- Steamed Asparagus: A bright green vegetable cuts through the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Double down on garlic with toasted baguette slices.
- Simple Salad: A lemon-dressed arugula salad provides peppery freshness.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes—use bone-in or boneless breasts, but reduce bake time to 20–25 minutes to avoid dryness. - Is white cooking wine necessary?
It adds acidity and depth. Substitute extra chicken broth and 1 Tbsp lemon juice if you prefer no alcohol. - How do I make this dairy-free?
Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and omit Parmesan; finish with a handful of nutritional yeast for cheesiness. - Can I prep this ahead?
Season and sear chicken up to a day in advance. Store in the fridge and proceed with sauce and baking when ready. - How should leftovers be stored?
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a 350 °F oven.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, serves 6)
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbs: 4 g
- Fat: 45 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
Recipe Tips
- Pat Dry for Crisp Skin: Removing surface moisture ensures a golden sear.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Sear chicken in batches if needed; crowding steams rather than browns.
- Cheese Quality Matters: Freshly shredded Parmesan melts smoothly; avoid pre-grated varieties.
- Control Sauce Thickness: For a thinner sauce, add extra broth; for thicker, simmer a bit longer off heat.
- Herb Variations: Swap Italian herbs for fresh basil or oregano for a different aromatic profile.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken proves that romance can come out of your own kitchen with simple ingredients and a single skillet. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken thighs, a luscious garlic-cream sauce, and tangy sundried tomatoes create flavors worth proposing over—any night of the week.
For more creamy chicken inspiration, check out Half Baked Harvest’s Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Eatwell101’s guide to one-pan chicken dinners. Here’s to love, laughter, and delicious meals together!