Roasted Whole Chicken in Creamy Marry Me Sauce

This roasted whole chicken finished in a creamy, savory “Marry Me”–style sauce is the kind of dish that feels special without being complicated. A golden, juicy roast chicken is nestled into a rich sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and feta, then returned to the oven so everything melds together beautifully. It’s perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or when you’re hosting and want a centerpiece that does the work for you.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, about 4–5 pounds
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 5–6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
• A pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
• Extra feta, for garnish

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. 2Pat the chicken dry and place it in a roasting pan or large oven-safe skillet. Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Roast uncovered for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
3. 3Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F.
4. 4In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, then deglaze the pan with the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits. Add the cream, feta, parmesan, oregano or thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5Pour the sauce into the roasting pan around the chicken. Spoon a little of the sauce over the chicken, then return the pan to the oven. Roast for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the flavors have melded.
6. 6Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra feta. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken when serving.