Marry Me Chicken Thigh

Featured in: Simple Weeknight Dinners

This dish features succulent chicken thighs browned and simmered in a rich sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The creamy sauce is infused with Italian herbs and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes, creating a balance of savory and subtly spicy flavors. After searing the chicken, it's gently cooked in the sauce until tender and juicy. Finished with fresh basil or parsley, it pairs excellently with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a comforting and quick meal.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:23:00 GMT
Marry Me Chicken Thighs glistening with rich, creamy sauce and garnished with fresh green herbs. Save
Marry Me Chicken Thighs glistening with rich, creamy sauce and garnished with fresh green herbs. | dunebasil.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 recipe quickly became a family favorite after I served it on a busy weeknight and everyone asked for seconds

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 the savory Marry Me Chicken Thighs, perfectly cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. Save
A close-up shot of the savory Marry Me Chicken Thighs, perfectly cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. | dunebasil.com

This dish always brings smiles to our family table especially on busy evenings

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 per serving

Delicious and comforting Marry Me Chicken Thighs, ready to serve with a garnish of fresh basil. Save
Delicious and comforting Marry Me Chicken Thighs, ready to serve with a garnish of fresh basil. | dunebasil.com

This Marry Me Chicken Thigh recipe is perfect for a delicious quick meal that feels special any night of the week

Recipe FAQs

Can chicken breasts be used instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be substituted. However, reduce cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out the meat.

What sides complement this dish well?

Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread all pair nicely to soak up the creamy sauce.

Is it possible to make a lighter version of the sauce?

Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream can lighten the sauce while maintaining its creaminess.

How can I add more heat to this dish?

Increasing the crushed red pepper flakes or adding fresh chili peppers can boost the spiciness to your preference.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the broth and any sides are gluten-free, this dish fits a gluten-free diet.

Marry Me Chicken Thigh

Tender chicken thighs cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato and garlic sauce with Parmesan, perfect for weeknights.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Recipe by Dune Basil Lea Romano


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Information No Gluten

What You'll Need

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

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Sear chicken thighs: 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.

Step 03

Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Incorporate cream and cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low, add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergies, and talk to your doctor if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cream, Parmesan cheese).
  • May contain sulfites (sun-dried tomatoes).

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are for reference only. They're not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Energy: 385
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 27 g