Marry Me Chicken Thigh

Featured in: Everyday Treats

This dish features tender chicken thighs seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a luscious creamy sun-dried tomato sauce infused with garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese. The sauce thickens gently, embracing the chicken with rich flavor and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes. Garnished with fresh basil or parsley, it pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a satisfying weeknight meal that’s both quick and comforting.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:44:00 GMT
Sizzling, golden-brown Marry Me Chicken Thighs bathed in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce. Save to Pinterest
Sizzling, golden-brown Marry Me Chicken Thighs bathed in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce. | flourhollow.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.

I first served this with pasta and everyone loved it

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 close-up shot of succulent Marry Me Chicken Thigh Express, ready to be garnished and served. Save to Pinterest
A close-up shot of succulent Marry Me Chicken Thigh Express, ready to be garnished and served. | flourhollow.com

This dish has become a favorite at family dinners bringing everyone together around the table.

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories 385 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 7 g Protein 27 g

Creamy, flavorful sauce coats the tender Marry Me Chicken Thighs, perfect for a cozy dinner. Save to Pinterest
Creamy, flavorful sauce coats the tender Marry Me Chicken Thighs, perfect for a cozy dinner. | flourhollow.com

This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in and can easily be doubled for guests.

Recipe FAQs

Can chicken breasts be used instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can substitute thighs; just adjust cooking time as breasts tend to cook faster and may dry out if overcooked.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce longer after adding cream and Parmesan to reduce liquid and thicken naturally without altering flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese substitute.

What are good side dishes to serve with this chicken?

Great options include pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy tomato sauce.

How do sun-dried tomatoes affect the flavor?

They add a concentrated, slightly sweet and tangy depth that balances the creamy sauce and complements the savory chicken.

Marry Me Chicken Thigh

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

Prep Duration
10 mins
Cook Duration
25 mins
Overall Time
35 mins
Created by Megan Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 4 Servings Count

Dietary Details Free of Gluten

Ingredient List

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

Steps

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 in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear 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 aromatic.

Step 04

Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and dried Italian herbs; stir until combined.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Create Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 07

Finish Cooking: Return chicken thighs to skillet, nestle into sauce. Cover and simmer 10 to 12 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 08

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient to spot potential allergens. Always confirm with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, Parmesan cheese).
  • May contain sulfites from sun-dried tomatoes.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition details are for reference and can't substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 385
  • Fat content: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Protein Amount: 27 g