Prepare to be enchanted by this irresistible Marry Me Chicken recipe, a dish so incredibly delicious, it’s rumored to inspire proposals. This culinary masterpiece features succulent chicken thighs, slow-cooked or pressure-cooked to tender perfection, then enveloped in a luxurious, velvety cream sauce. This sauce is a symphony of flavors, rich with aromatic garlic, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and savory Parmesan cheese, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience. Perfect for a special occasion or an elevated weeknight dinner, every mouthful of this creamy Tuscan chicken is a celebration of comfort and gourmet taste. Get ready to fall in love with a dish that consistently earns rave reviews!
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Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There’s a reason Marry Me Chicken has captured so many hearts and palates. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience, offering a blend of flavors and textures that make it an instant classic. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household:
- Exquisite Flavor Profile: The foundational taste of Marry Me Chicken is undeniably rich and deeply satisfying. It perfectly balances the sharp, aromatic punch of garlic with the sweet, concentrated tang of sun-dried tomatoes. These core flavors are beautifully complemented by fragrant Italian herbs and the salty, umami notes of Parmesan cheese, all brought together in a smooth, luxurious cream sauce. It’s a harmonious blend that creates a truly comforting and gourmet experience.
- Remarkably Easy to Prepare: Despite its sophisticated taste and impressive presentation, this dish is surprisingly straightforward to make. It utilizes common pantry staples and simple cooking techniques, making it accessible even for novice cooks. Whether you opt for the speed of an Instant Pot or the leisurely pace of a slow cooker, the process is designed for minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
- Stunning Presentation: With its vibrant pops of color from the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, and the glistening, creamy sauce coating the golden-brown chicken, Marry Me Chicken is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. It looks absolutely beautiful when served, making it ideal for entertaining guests or simply elevating a family meal.
- Incredible Versatility: This dish is wonderfully adaptable. While fantastic on its own, it pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, from pasta and rice to lighter options like roasted vegetables or cauliflower mash. Furthermore, the recipe welcomes customization; feel free to experiment with additional ingredients or different seasonings to tailor it precisely to your taste.
The Perfect Chicken Choice
The foundation of any great chicken dish starts with the right cut of meat. For Marry Me Chicken, you have several excellent options, each offering a slightly different texture and flavor experience. While the recipe primarily features chicken thighs, it’s versatile enough to accommodate your preference.
Chicken Thighs (Bone-in or Boneless): Chicken thighs are highly recommended for this recipe due to their inherent moisture and richer flavor profile. They contain more fat than chicken breasts, which helps them stay incredibly tender and juicy during cooking, preventing the dry texture sometimes associated with overcooked poultry. Bone-in thighs often offer a deeper flavor as the bone imparts richness to the sauce, while boneless, skinless thighs are convenient for quicker preparation and easier eating. Both will result in a luscious dish.
Chicken Breasts: If you prefer a leaner cut, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can certainly be used. However, be mindful that chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily. To prevent this, consider pounding them to an even thickness before searing, or adjust cooking times accordingly. You might also find that chicken breasts absorb less flavor from the sauce due to their lower fat content, but they remain a healthy and popular choice.
Whichever you choose, ensure your chicken is fresh and of good quality. Trimming any excess fat from thighs is optional but can help achieve a cleaner finish to your sauce.
The Heart of the Dish: Key Sauce Ingredients
The magic of Marry Me Chicken truly lies in its incredibly rich and flavorful cream sauce. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the depth and complexity that makes this dish so beloved. Here are the stars of our sauce:
- Milk: The base of our creamy sauce. While any milk can be used, options like whole milk or unsweetened almond milk (as favored in the original recipe) offer a good balance of creaminess without overwhelming richness. We’ll discuss substitutions in more detail below.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This is where a significant part of the indulgence comes from. Heavy cream adds unparalleled richness, a silky smooth texture, and a luxurious mouthfeel to the sauce, making it truly decadent.
- Parmesan Reggiano Cheese: A must-have for its sharp, salty, and nutty flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a complex umami depth that is irreplaceable. Avoid pre-grated cheeses that can contain anti-caking agents and may not melt as smoothly.
- Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient for an extra thick, tangy, and unbelievably creamy sauce. Cream cheese melts effortlessly, providing a wonderful velvety texture and a slight tang that perfectly complements the other flavors.
- Garlic: The aromatic backbone of this dish. Freshly minced garlic is essential, infusing the sauce with its pungent, warming flavor. The more garlic, the better, for many enthusiasts of Marry Me Chicken.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. This seasoning provides a harmonious herbal note that enhances the Mediterranean-inspired flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These concentrated, sweet, and tangy gems are a signature component of Tuscan-style dishes. Packed with intense flavor, they add a beautiful color, a delightful chewiness, and a burst of savory-sweetness to the creamy sauce.
- Fresh Spinach: Not only does it add a pop of vibrant green color, but fresh spinach also wilts beautifully into the warm sauce, adding a touch of earthy freshness and important nutrients. It balances the richness of the cream sauce.
- Cornstarch Slurry: A simple mixture of cornstarch and water, this is our go-to for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency. It creates a smooth, glossy finish without altering the flavor.
Mastering Marry Me Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this irresistible dish is simpler than you might think. The key is to build flavors layer by layer, whether you’re using an Instant Pot for speed or a slow cooker for convenience. Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s a narrative overview of the process:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chosen chicken cut (thighs are highly recommended for their juiciness) with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If using an Instant Pot, you’ll sear the chicken directly in the pot using the sauté function. This browning step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors and a beautiful golden crust. For a slow cooker, you can sear the chicken in a separate pan on the stove for similar flavor development, or simply place it directly into the slow cooker if you prefer a simpler approach.
- Cook the Chicken to Perfection:
- Instant Pot Method: After searing, add chicken broth and the remaining Italian seasoning to the pot. Seal the lid and pressure cook for about 14 minutes. The pressure cooker ensures incredibly tender chicken in a fraction of the time. Once cooked, quick release the pressure and carefully remove the chicken to a separate plate.
- Slow Cooker Method: Combine the seasoned chicken, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning in your slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours. This low and slow method yields exceptionally tender, fall-apart chicken that’s infused with flavor.
- Craft the Creamy Sauce: This is where the magic truly happens! Whether you’re using the Instant Pot (on sauté mode) or a warm slow cooker, add your key sauce ingredients: milk, sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, grated Parmesan Reggiano, and minced garlic, along with fresh spinach.
- Simmer and Melt: Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch as the cream cheese and Parmesan melt, creating a smooth, luscious base, and the vibrant spinach beautifully wilts into the sauce.
- Thicken to Perfection: In a small separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly add this mixture to the simmering sauce in the pot, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir for several minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If it’s not thick enough, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry, but remember to ensure the cornstarch is fresh and fully dissolved to prevent clumps.
- Combine and Serve: Once your sauce is perfectly thick and creamy, return the cooked chicken to the pot, allowing it to warm through and become thoroughly coated in the sauce. Alternatively, place the chicken in a serving dish and generously drizzle the rich cream sauce over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional Parmesan, and serve immediately!
Slow Cooker or Crock Pot Method
For those days when you prefer a more hands-off approach, the slow cooker or Crock-Pot is an excellent choice for preparing your Marry Me Chicken. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in incredibly tender chicken and a rich, deeply satisfying sauce.
Preparation: Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs as described in the main instructions. If you have time and desire a deeper flavor, sear the chicken in a separate pan on the stove before transferring it to the slow cooker. This step browns the chicken, locking in juices and adding a layer of flavor that can’t be achieved with slow cooking alone. However, if convenience is your priority, you can skip searing and place the raw, seasoned chicken directly into the slow cooker.
Cooking Time: Add the chicken broth and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Cook on “High” for approximately 4 hours, or on “Low” for about 8 hours. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker and the size of your chicken pieces, so always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Adding the Cream Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, proceed with the cream sauce instructions. You can either remove the chicken temporarily while you build the sauce in the slow cooker on a warm setting (if your slow cooker allows for simmering), or transfer the liquid to a saucepan on the stove to create the sauce, then return everything to the slow cooker for serving. This method is perfect for meal prepping or when you need dinner ready right when you walk in the door.
Milk Substitutions and Dietary Considerations
The versatility of Marry Me Chicken extends to its creamy base, allowing for various milk substitutions to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences. The original recipe specifies unsweetened almond milk, which is a fantastic choice for a low-carb or keto-friendly version, and I’ve found it works beautifully.
- Almond Milk (Unsweetened): This is a great low-carb, dairy-free option. Keep in mind that plant-based milks like almond milk are generally thinner than dairy milk. When using almond milk, it’s even more important to include heavy whipping cream and cream cheese to achieve the desired thick, rich sauce. Without these, the sauce may be too thin.
- Other Plant-Based Milks: Unsweetened cashew milk or oat milk (ensure it’s unsweetened) can also work. Cashew milk tends to be creamier than almond milk, offering a slightly richer texture. Oat milk is naturally sweeter and thicker but might not be suitable for strict low-carb diets. Always choose unsweetened varieties to control the flavor profile.
- Dairy Milk Options:
- Whole Milk: If you’re not concerned about dairy or carb content, whole milk will provide a richer, creamier sauce than skim or low-fat milk.
- Half & Half: This is a fantastic middle-ground option, providing more richness than milk but less than heavy cream. It contributes to a wonderfully thick and smooth sauce.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: For the ultimate decadent sauce, you can use more heavy cream and less milk. This will result in an exceptionally rich, thick, and ultra-low-carb sauce, perfect for a keto diet.
Important Note on Texture: The combination of heavy whipping cream and cream cheese is crucial for achieving that signature thick, luxurious Marry Me Chicken sauce, especially when using thinner plant-based milks. If you significantly reduce or omit these ingredients, the texture of your sauce will be noticeably thinner. Adjust the cornstarch slurry as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Customize Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken: Add-ins and Variations
One of the joys of Marry Me Chicken is how easily it can be adapted to your personal taste and what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish truly your own. Here are some fantastic substitutions and add-ins to consider:
- For Added Richness & Flavor:
- Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon is a phenomenal addition. Its smoky, salty crunch complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Stir it in at the very end or sprinkle over individual servings.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed sliced mushrooms (cremini or button) add an earthy, umami depth. Add them to the pot after searing the chicken and sauté until tender before proceeding with the recipe.
- Artichoke Hearts: Canned or jarred artichoke hearts, quartered or chopped, add a lovely tang and unique texture that pairs wonderfully with the Italian flavors. Add them when you’re building the cream sauce.
- For More Vegetables:
- Broccoli or Asparagus: Steamed or lightly roasted broccoli florets or asparagus spears can be stirred into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
- Bell Peppers: Sliced red or yellow bell peppers, sautéed until tender-crisp, add a sweet crunch. Add them with the garlic when building the sauce.
- For Herb & Spice Variations:
- Fresh Basil or Thyme: While Italian seasoning provides a great base, a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or thyme at the end can brighten the flavors and add a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Oregano: If you want to lean more heavily into classic Italian flavors, a pinch of dried oregano can be added with the Italian seasoning.
- Cajun Seasoning: For a surprising twist with a kick, replace some or all of the Italian seasoning with a good quality Cajun seasoning. This will transform it into a spicy, flavorful creamy Cajun chicken.
- Red Pepper Flakes: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the garlic or Italian seasoning.
Remember to taste as you go and adjust seasonings to your preference. These additions can transform your Marry Me Chicken into a new culinary adventure every time!
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the many great things about Marry Me Chicken is how well it holds up as leftovers. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious meal for days to come.
How to Store:
To maintain freshness and flavor, allow any leftover Marry Me Chicken to cool completely to room temperature (within 1-2 hours) before storing. Transfer the chicken and its luscious creamy sauce to an airtight container. This dish can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air exposure, which can dry out the chicken and alter the sauce’s texture.
How to Reheat:
Reheating Marry Me Chicken thoughtfully will help preserve its wonderful creamy texture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Stove Top (Recommended): My favorite method for reheating is on the stove. Place the chicken and sauce in a saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat. Stir gently and frequently until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up as it reheats. This method allows for even heating and helps maintain the sauce’s consistency.
- Oven or Air Fryer: For a slightly crisper finish on the chicken (if it had skin or was seared), you can reheat it in a standard oven or air fryer. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish (covered with foil if using the oven to prevent drying) and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. The air fryer will be quicker but keep a close eye on it to avoid drying.
- Microwave: While convenient, the microwave can sometimes cause the sauce to separate or the chicken to dry out. If using, heat on high power in 1-minute increments, stirring well between each interval. Continue heating until warm. Adding a tablespoon of milk before microwaving can help keep the sauce creamy.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment
Marry Me Chicken is also a great candidate for meal prepping and freezing, allowing you to have a delicious homemade meal ready whenever you need it. However, a note of caution: cream-based sauces can sometimes change texture slightly after freezing and thawing, occasionally becoming a bit grainy. To minimize this, follow these tips:
Freezing Tips:
- Allow the cooked Marry Me Chicken and sauce to cool completely before freezing.
- Portion the dish into individual or family-sized servings. This makes thawing and reheating more convenient.
- Transfer the portions to freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring as much air as possible is removed to prevent freezer burn.
- Label with the date. The dish can be frozen tightly covered and sealed for 2-3 months for optimal quality.
Thawing and Reheating Frozen Marry Me Chicken:
- Thaw Overnight: For best results, always defrost frozen Marry Me Chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This allows for a gradual thaw, which helps maintain the texture of the sauce and chicken.
- Reheat Gently: Once thawed, reheat the dish gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. As it heats, if the sauce appears to have separated or become too thick, gradually stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth until it returns to a creamy consistency. The gentle heat helps to re-emulsify the sauce.
While the texture of the sauce might not be *exactly* the same as freshly made, it will still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying!
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken is a rich and flavorful main course that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. The key is often to choose sides that can either soak up the delicious creamy sauce or offer a complementary contrast in texture and flavor.
Starchy Sides (for soaking up the sauce):
- Pasta: A classic pairing! Toss with linguine, fettuccine, or penne to fully enjoy every drop of the creamy sauce.
- Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even a flavorful pilaf provides a perfect base for the chicken and sauce.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash: For ultimate comfort, serve with a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes or, for a low-carb option, cauliflower mash.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget a warm, crusty baguette or ciabatta to sop up all the delectable sauce.
Vegetable Sides (for balance and freshness):
- Southern Soul Food Green Beans with Bacon: The smoky, savory notes of these green beans would be a fantastic contrast to the rich chicken.
- Quick Sautéed Collard Greens: A lighter, slightly bitter green can cut through the richness of the cream sauce.
- Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: Simple, tender-crisp roasted vegetables offer a healthy and flavorful counterpoint.
- Fried Potatoes and Onions: For a heartier, more comforting meal, these savory potatoes are a great choice.
- Candied Carrots: The sweetness of candied carrots would offer a lovely balance to the savory chicken.
- Fried Corn: A sweet and savory corn side dish would also be excellent.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing element to the meal.
Consider the occasion and your personal preferences when choosing your sides. Whether you opt for hearty and comforting or fresh and vibrant, Marry Me Chicken is sure to shine!
Explore More Chicken Dinners
If you’ve fallen in love with the versatility and deliciousness of chicken, there’s a world of culinary possibilities waiting to be explored. Chicken is a staple for a reason: it’s adaptable, nutritious, and can be transformed into countless satisfying meals, from quick weeknight solutions to impressive holiday feasts. Whether you’re seeking comfort food, something light and fresh, or a dish with bold international flavors, chicken always delivers.
Here are some other fantastic chicken dinner ideas to inspire your next meal, covering a range of cooking styles and taste profiles:
- Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast: Perfect for a gourmet touch, often filled with cheese, herbs, or vegetables.
- Smothered Chicken Wings: A soul-food classic, offering tender chicken enveloped in a rich gravy.
- Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast: A cheesy, Italian-inspired delight that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Jerk Chicken Thighs: For those who crave bold, spicy, and aromatic Caribbean flavors.
- Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies: A simple, healthy, and minimal-cleanup option for busy evenings.
- Chicken Stir-Fry: Quick to prepare and highly customizable with your favorite vegetables and sauces.
- Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Light, fresh, and perfect for warmer weather or a healthy meal.
Don’t limit yourself to just one way of enjoying chicken; each recipe brings its own unique character to the table. Happy cooking!
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Marry Me Chicken Thighs (Tuscan Chicken)
This irresistible Marry Me Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs bathed in a luscious creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. This dish is a flavorful celebration perfect for any occasion. Everyone will fall in love with each bite of this savory goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 16-20 oz bone-in chicken thighs (This was 4 chicken thighs for me. Fat trimmed if desired)
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (Divided)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ¾ cup milk (I used unsweetened almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup sundried tomatoes
- ¼ cup grated parmesan reggiano cheese
- 3 garlic cloves (Minced)
- 2 ½ cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Instant Pot
Drizzle the olive oil into the Instant Pot. Place the Instant Pot on the Saute function.
Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of the Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper to taste. Place the chicken in the Instant Pot and brown both sides of the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side.
Add the chicken broth and remaining Italian Seasoning to the pot. Close the Instant Pot and Seal. Cook on Manual/High-Pressure Cooking for 14 minutes.
When the pot indicates it has finished, quick release the steam. Open the pot and remove the chicken.
Slow Cooker
Optional Sear: Follow the instructions above for searing the chicken, but use a pan on the stove.
Add the chicken, chicken broth and 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning to the slow cooker (I used 7quart).
Cook for 4 hours on High or 8 hours on Low.
Cream Sauce Instructions
Once the chicken has cooked, add the milk, sundried tomatoes, cream cheese, whipping cream, parmesan reggiano, garlic, and spinach to the pot/slow cooker. Place the Instant Pot on the saute function. If using a slow cooker, ensure it’s warm.
Cook for 3-4 minutes until the cheese has melted and the spinach has wilted.
Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir. Add it to the pot. This will thicken up the cream sauce. If your sauce isn’t thick enough add an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with an additional teaspoon of water. Allow the sauce to continue to cook until it has reached your desired thickness. Stir repeatedly to ensure the sauce does not burn. It will take about 10 minutes to fully thicken.
Either add the chicken back to the pot with the cream sauce or place the chicken in a serving dish and drizzle the sauce throughout.
Notes
- When using cornstarch to thicken the sauce, ensure you aren’t using old, expired cornstarch. It needs to be fresh, otherwise, you will notice clumps in the cream sauce.
- Ensure the water and cornstarch are fully combined and stirred before adding it to the sauce. This will prevent clumping.
- This dish is prepared with additional cream sauce than what is necessary for 4 pieces of chicken. This is my preferred way to prepare the dish, as I use the sauce to compliment side dishes like broccoli and cauliflower mash. It also helps tremendously with reheating leftovers. No dry chicken!
- If you desire less cream sauce, reduce the almond milk to ⅓rd or ½ a cup. The serving sizes of the remaining ingredients will stay the same.