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Marry Me Chicken

A delightful, creamy chicken dish featuring tender chicken thighs in a rich, aromatic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs Juicy and tender, these chicken thighs form the heart of the dish.
  • 1 tsp salt Essential for bringing out the flavors in your chicken.
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (not smoked) Adds a subtle warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil This will give the chicken a lovely golden crust while providing healthy fats.
  • 1 Tbsp butter Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
For the Sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced) Aromatic and fragrant; a must-have in this recipe.
  • 1 cup chicken broth Creates the base of the sauce, adding depth.
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream Makes the sauce incredibly creamy and indulgent.
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning A mix of flavors that ties the dish together.
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes For a touch of heat; adjust according to your preference.
  • 3/4 tsp fine sea salt Ensures a balanced flavor throughout.
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper Complements the overall seasoning.
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated) Melts into the sauce, thickening it and adding a nutty flavor.
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) Provides a sweet and tangy contrast.
  • 1 Tbsp fresh basil leaves A vibrant garnish that brings freshness to the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. Generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the butter and allow it to melt until bubbling.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken and brown it on each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden.
  4. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
  5. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add minced garlic, sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits at the bottom for added flavor.
  7. Slowly mix in the heavy whipping cream and Italian seasoning, along with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  8. Stir until the cream is heated through but do not let it boil.
  9. Gradually add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
  10. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir to combine.
  11. Return the browned chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s immersed in the sauce.
  12. Let the sauce simmer until the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  13. Taste the sauce and adjust any seasonings if necessary.
Serving
  1. Garnish the dish with thin slivers of fresh basil.
  2. Serve over pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients for best flavor. Feel free to add seasonal vegetables to the sauce for extra nutrition.