Seafood

Marry Me Chicken Recipe 2023

 

Ingredients:

For Chicken:

  • 6 Chicken Thighs
  • Onion powder, to taste
  • Garlic powder, to taste
  • Cajun seasoning, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Paprika, to taste
  • Italian herbs, to taste
  • Olive oil

For Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh minced Garlic
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup Heavy whipping cream
  • Sun-dried Tomatoes
  • 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. Season and Pan-Sear Chicken Thighs:
    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Season chicken thighs with onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs, adjusting quantities to your liking.
    • In a skillet, pan-sear the seasoned chicken thighs on both sides with olive oil until they get a golden brown color. Transfer the seared chicken to a separate oven-safe pan.
  2. Prepare the Sauce:
    • In the same skillet used for chicken, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
    • Pour in chicken broth, add sun-dried tomatoes, and whipping cream. Stir and let it simmer.
    • Add white cooking wine and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Continue stirring.
  3. Cheesy Finish:
    • Gradually add the shredded Parmesan or Italian cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly. Allow the cheese to melt into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
  4. Bake:
    • Pour the finished sauce over the pan-seared chicken thighs.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve the “Marry Me Chicken” over a bed of mashed potatoes, allowing the creamy sauce to mingle with the potatoes.
  6. Garnish (Optional):
    • Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra burst of flavor.

This “Marry Me Chicken” is a delightful dish that combines the richness of creamy sauce with perfectly seasoned and oven-baked chicken. Enjoy this romantic and flavorful meal

Here are some helpful tips to make your “Marry Me Chicken” even more delightful:

  1. Fresh Herbs: Consider using fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to enhance the flavor. Add them to the sauce or use them as a garnish before serving.
  2. Marinating Time: If time allows, marinate the chicken thighs in the seasoning for an hour or two before cooking. This can help the flavors penetrate the meat for a richer taste.
  3. Quality Parmesan: Use high-quality Parmesan or Italian cheese for a more authentic and robust flavor in the sauce. Freshly grated cheese often provides better results than pre-packaged varieties.
  4. Roasted Garlic: Instead of minced garlic, try roasting garlic cloves before adding them to the sauce. Roasted garlic has a milder, sweeter flavor that can elevate the overall taste.
  5. Variety of Tomatoes: Experiment with different types of sun-dried tomatoes, such as oil-packed or those dried without oil. Each variety can bring a unique twist to the dish.
  6. Browning the Chicken: Ensure a good sear on the chicken thighs. A nicely browned exterior adds flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
  7. Adjusting Seasonings: Taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken and adjust the seasonings accordingly. Everyone’s taste preferences vary, so feel free to customize the spice levels.
  8. Freshly Ground Pepper: Consider using freshly ground black pepper for a more intense and aromatic flavor.
  9. Preheating the Pan: Preheat the skillet before adding the chicken. A hot skillet ensures a good sear and locks in the juices.
  10. Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist.

Remember, cooking is a personal experience, so feel free to tailor these tips to your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious “Marry Me Chicken”!

Here are some secrets to achieving the perfect “Marry Me Chicken” recipe:

  1. High-Quality Ingredients:
    • Use fresh, high-quality chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture.
    • Opt for fresh garlic, real butter, and good-quality Parmesan or Italian cheese.
  2. Proper Seasoning:
    • Season the chicken generously with a mix of spices like onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs.
    • Adjust the seasoning to your liking, and don’t be afraid to experiment with the quantities to suit your taste preferences.
  3. Searing Technique:
    • Ensure a good sear on the chicken thighs before transferring them to the oven. Searing helps lock in juices and enhances the overall flavor.
    • Use a hot skillet and a bit of olive oil for a golden-brown crust on the chicken.
  4. Flavorful Sauce:
    • Develop a rich and flavorful sauce by sautéing fresh garlic in butter until aromatic.
    • Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and white cooking wine for depth of flavor.
    • Gradually add the shredded Parmesan or Italian cheese while stirring to create a creamy and cheesy consistency.
  5. Consistent Stirring:
    • Stir the sauce consistently to ensure the cheese melts evenly and doesn’t clump.
    • Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and additional Italian herbs to taste.
  6. Baking Temperature and Time:
    • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal cooking.
    • Bake the chicken in the sauce for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches a safe level for poultry.
  7. Presentation:
    • Serve the “Marry Me Chicken” over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a delightful and well-rounded meal.
    • Garnish with fresh herbs or additional Parmesan for a finishing touch.
  8. Experiment and Adjust:
    • Feel free to experiment with the recipe, adjusting ingredient quantities and seasonings to suit your personal preferences.

By paying attention to these details, you can enhance the flavors and presentation of your “Marry Me Chicken” for a delicious dining experience.