Marry Me Chicken Thighs

Featured in: Quick & Easy Dinners

Experience tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce infused with garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan. This dish offers a perfect balance of savory flavors, ready in under 35 minutes, ideal for a quick, elegant weeknight meal. Garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a bright finish, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:33:00 GMT
Marry Me Chicken Thighs glistening with creamy sauce, ready to serve with fresh herbs for flavor. Save
Marry Me Chicken Thighs glistening with creamy sauce, ready to serve with fresh herbs for flavor. | cinnamonglow.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 has become a favorite for busy evenings when I want something comforting yet impressive in minutes.

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.
Golden-brown Marry Me Chicken Thighs simmering in a sun-dried tomato sauce, a comfort food favorite. Save
Golden-brown Marry Me Chicken Thighs simmering in a sun-dried tomato sauce, a comfort food favorite. | cinnamonglow.com

Cooking this recipe always brings my family together around the table for a cozy and satisfying meal.

Notes

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.

Delectable Marry Me Chicken Thighs, perfectly cooked with creamy Parmesan sauce, ideal for a romantic dinner. Save
Delectable Marry Me Chicken Thighs, perfectly cooked with creamy Parmesan sauce, ideal for a romantic dinner. | cinnamonglow.com

This dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special weeknight dinner, ready in just over half an hour.

Recipe FAQ Section

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be substituted but require slightly less cooking time to remain juicy.

What sides pair well with this chicken dish?

Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread complement the creamy sauce perfectly.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Served with gluten-free sides, this dish is appropriate for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make the sauce lighter?

Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream creates a lighter sauce without sacrificing flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring tenderness and safety.

Marry Me Chicken Thighs

Juicy chicken thighs cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato garlic sauce with Parmesan and herbs.

Prep duration
10 min
Time to cook
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Hannah Collins

Classification Quick & Easy Dinners

Skill level Easy

Cultural Origin American

Output 4 Portion count

Dietary considerations Without gluten, Reduced-Carb

Components

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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Add sun-dried tomatoes and herbs: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and dried Italian herbs until combined.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Incorporate cream and cheese: Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Phase 07

Finish cooking chicken: Nestle chicken thighs back into the skillet with the sauce. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Phase 08

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the dish prior to serving.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain about any ingredients.
  • Contains dairy from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • May contain sulfites from sun-dried tomatoes.

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 385
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Protein Content: 27 g