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.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword chicken, chicken meal, one-pan

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Servings people

Calories 508kcal

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

*Nutritional facts are based on if you used all the sauce

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.

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.