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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe Easy Under 10 Dollars Meal

creamy marry me chicken - featured image

A budget-friendly, creamy chicken dish that is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml), low sodium preferred
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Mince the garlic and chop the sun-dried tomatoes finely. Measure out the cream, broth, and Parmesan.
  2. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the chicken thighs to the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  5. Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Add more broth or cream if the sauce is too thick.
  8. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce coats the chicken.
  9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before searing helps achieve a golden crust and locks in juices. Let the chicken rest in the sauce off heat for a few minutes before serving to meld flavors and thicken the sauce. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan. Adjust seasoning at the end to avoid dulling flavors. Use a cast-iron skillet for extra browning flavor or non-stick for easier cleanup.

Nutrition

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