Lighter Marry Me Chicken
Indulge in the mouth-watering flavor of Lighter Marry Me Chicken thighs made healthier with the use of light cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.
Today I’ve got an exciting recipe for you all – a healthier version of the popular Marry Me Chicken. This dish is typically made with heavy cream and loads of cheese, but I’ve lightened it up with some healthier ingredients without compromising on the flavor.
This dish is perfect for a special dinner with your loved ones or just for a cozy night in. With succulent chicken thighs, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy light cream cheese, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds. So, let’s get cooking and enjoy this delicious and healthy version of Marry Me Chicken!
Substitutes for Cream Cheese for Lighter Marry Me Chicken
- Greek yogurt: adds tangy flavor and creaminess, but may result in a slightly thinner sauce than using cream cheese.
- Cottage cheese: blended cottage cheese can add creaminess, but may be slightly lumpy and not have the same tangy flavor as cream cheese.
- Silken tofu: can add a smooth and creamy texture, but may require additional seasoning for flavor and may not have the same tangy flavor as cream cheese.
- Neufchatel cheese: similar to cream cheese but with less fat, resulting in a similar texture and flavor with fewer calories and fat.
- Cashew cream: made by blending soaked cashews with water, can create a creamy and nutty sauce, but may result in a thinner sauce and a different flavor profile than cream cheese.
Remember to adjust the seasoning and consistency of the sauce as needed depending on which substitute you choose.
Ingredients for Lighter Marry Me Chicken
- Chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are a juicy cut of meat and helps the meat stay moist during cooking.
- Light cream cheese/ Reduced Fat: To make this recipe healthier, we’re using light cream cheese instead of the regular
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes are a great way to add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish and it gives it that organish color
- Garlic: this adds a savory flavor to the dish
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor to the dish, and a little bit goes a long way.
- Red pepper flakes: to add a spicy kick which always makes a recipe better
FAQ for this Lighter Marry me Chicken
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: If you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts in this recipe. Just keep in mind that breasts cook faster than thighs, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. But chicken thighs will give you a more flavorful and juicy dish.
Q: Can I make this recipe without the red pepper flakes?
A: Of course! If you don’t like spicy food leave out the red pepper flakes or use a smaller amount
Q: Can I use regular cream cheese instead of light cream cheese?
A: You sure can use regular cream cheese, but keep in mind that it will increase the calories and fat for this recipe
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this recipe ahead of time! Simply prepare the chicken and sauce as directed, and store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce on the stove and pour it over the chicken, then bake as in the directions.
Q: What sides go well with this recipe?
A: There are a lot of great side dishes that pair well with this recipe! Some ideas include rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. Also some toast french bread would be great for soaking up the sauce.
Tips and Tricks
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness. The bone also helps to retain moisture and flavor during cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before cooking to help the skin get crispy and browned.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. This can lead to steaming instead of browning, resulting in a less crispy skin.
- To avoid burning the garlic, add it towards the end of the cooking time.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for more flavor and richness. If using dried sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in warm water before using.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that the meat is moist and tender.
- Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad to make it a complete and healthy meal.
Want More Chicken Recipes
One-Pan Chicken Thighs and Roasted Vegetables
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken
Cilantro Lime Beer Can Chicken
Lighter Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 4 oz reduce fat cream cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt and pepper
- fresh parsley garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium, add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant
- Add the light cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up, and spoon the sauce over the chicken
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness. The bone also helps to retain moisture and flavor during cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before cooking to help the skin get crispy and browned.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. This can lead to steaming instead of browning, resulting in a less crispy skin.
- To avoid burning the garlic, add it towards the end of the cooking time.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for more flavor and richness. If using dried sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in warm water before using.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that the meat is moist and tender.
- Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad to make it a complete and healthy meal.
