Tender Juicy Chicken Thighs

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Meals

This dish features tender chicken thighs seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a rich and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce infused with garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese. The sauce thickens to coat the meat, creating a flavorful and comforting main course. Garnished with fresh basil or parsley, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or bread for a quick, satisfying dinner.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:50:00 GMT
Marry Me Chicken Thighs glistening golden brown, swimming in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Pin
Marry Me Chicken Thighs glistening golden brown, swimming in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. | quickcrav.com

Tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with garlic and Parmesan, perfect for a quick and romantic weeknight dinner.

This dish instantly became a favorite in my household for its simplicity and delightful flavors.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Sauce: 2 cloves garlic minced, 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and sliced, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

Step 1:
Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear for 3 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4:
Add sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs stir to combine.
Step 5:
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Step 6:
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 7:
Return chicken thighs to the skillet nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 10 12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
Step 8:
Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.
A beautiful close-up of the delicious Marry Me Chicken Thighs, garnished with fresh basil for dinner. Pin
A beautiful close-up of the delicious Marry Me Chicken Thighs, garnished with fresh basil for dinner. | quickcrav.com

This recipe always brings the family together for a cozy and comforting meal.

Notes

Serve with pasta rice mashed potatoes or crusty bread. Substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred adjust cooking time as needed. For a lighter version use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Required Tools

Large skillet with lid, tongs, cutting board and knife, measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cream Parmesan). Contains possible sulfites (sun-dried tomatoes). Double-check all labels for gluten or other allergens if serving to those with sensitivities.

Flavorful Marry Me Chicken Thighs: tender chicken in a creamy sauce, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Pin
Flavorful Marry Me Chicken Thighs: tender chicken in a creamy sauce, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. | quickcrav.com

This Marry Me Chicken Thigh Express is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare and incredibly flavorful.

Recipe Q&A

What cut of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide tender, juicy results and hold up well during simmering.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated flavor and texture; fresh tomatoes will make the sauce lighter and less intense.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes to reduce excess liquid and enhance consistency.

Is it possible to substitute heavy cream?

Use half-and-half or a cream alternative for a lighter sauce, but the richness may decrease slightly.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve alongside pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to complement the creamy sauce.

Tender Juicy Chicken Thighs

Juicy chicken thighs cooked in creamy tomato sauce with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs.

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Preparation time
10 min
Cooking time
25 min
Total time
35 min


Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary specifications Gluten-free

Ingredients

Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

01 2 cloves garlic, minced
02 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
03 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
04 1/2 cup chicken broth
05 3/4 cup heavy cream
06 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

Step 01

Season chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.

Step 02

Sear chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken thighs and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

Add tomatoes and herbs: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and dried Italian herbs to combine flavors.

Step 05

Simmer broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the browned bits from the pan.

Step 06

Incorporate cream and cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.

Step 07

Cook chicken in sauce: Nestle chicken thighs into the sauce, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 08

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley over the chicken before serving.

Required equipment

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and seek advice from a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, Parmesan cheese).
  • May contain sulfites from sun-dried tomatoes.

Nutritional values (per serving)

These details are offered as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 385
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Carbs: 7 g
  • Protein: 27 g