Marry Me Chicken Thighs

Featured in: One-Pot & Quick 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 and Parmesan. The savory blend of Italian herbs and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes adds depth and warmth. Finished with fresh basil or parsley, it offers a flavorful, comforting meal suitable for any quick weeknight.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:51:00 GMT
Golden brown Marry Me Chicken Thighs bathed in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce ready to serve. Save
Golden brown Marry Me Chicken Thighs bathed in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce ready to serve. | bakozy.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.

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 of delicious Marry Me Chicken Thighs, perfectly cooked with a fragrant, creamy sauce. Save
A close-up of delicious Marry Me Chicken Thighs, perfectly cooked with a fragrant, creamy sauce. | bakozy.com

Sizzling Marry Me Chicken Thighs, garnished with fresh basil, showcasing a rich and flavorful weeknight dinner. Save
Sizzling Marry Me Chicken Thighs, garnished with fresh basil, showcasing a rich and flavorful weeknight dinner. | bakozy.com

Recipe FAQ

Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but adjust the cooking time to ensure they stay juicy and reach a safe internal temperature.

What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Can I make the sauce lighter?

For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half while maintaining the rich flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Simmer the sauce gently on medium-low heat and stir frequently to keep it smooth and creamy without separating.

What herbs complement the flavor best?

Dried Italian herbs combined with fresh basil or parsley enhance the savory profile and freshness of the dish.

Marry Me Chicken Thighs

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

Prep duration
10 min
Heat time
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Natalie Harris


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications No gluten

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

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and dried Italian herbs, combining thoroughly.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Finish Cooking: Return chicken thighs to skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.

Phase 08

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the dish before 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 if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, Parmesan cheese).
  • May contain sulfites from sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Verify labels for gluten if preparing for sensitive individuals.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

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