Marry Me Chicken Thighs

Featured in: Quick Cozy Plates

This dish features tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered slowly in a rich, creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The chicken is first seared to golden perfection, then nestled into the sauce to absorb all flavors during a gentle simmer. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a fragrant finish. It's a comforting and quick main dish that pairs beautifully with pasta or rice, delivering depth and richness in every bite.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:53:00 GMT
Golden-brown Marry Me Chicken Thighs swimming in a creamy, flavorful sun-dried tomato sauce ready to serve. Save
Golden-brown Marry Me Chicken Thighs swimming in a creamy, flavorful sun-dried tomato sauce ready to serve. | sizzlebloom.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 is my go-to for a flavorful yet easy weeknight meal that always impresses.

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 a bubbling skillet showing the rich cream sauce coating those delicious Marry Me Chicken Thighs. Save
A close-up of a bubbling skillet showing the rich cream sauce coating those delicious Marry Me Chicken Thighs. | sizzlebloom.com

My family loves gathering around the table for this dish especially on busy weeknights.

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

This romantic plate showcases tender Marry Me Chicken Thighs garnished with basil, ready for a comforting meal. Save
This romantic plate showcases tender Marry Me Chicken Thighs garnished with basil, ready for a comforting meal. | sizzlebloom.com

This dish brings comfort and elegance to any dinner table in no time.

Common Questions

What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal as they stay juicy and tender during cooking, soaking up the creamy sauce flavors well.

Can I substitute ingredients in the sauce?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, and fresh herbs can replace dried Italian herbs for a brighter taste.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat and avoid boiling after adding cream to maintain a smooth consistency.

What sides pair well with this chicken preparation?

Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread complement the creamy, savory sauce nicely, soaking up every bit of flavor.

Is it possible to use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, but adjust cooking time as breasts cook faster and can dry out; monitor closely to retain juiciness.

Marry Me Chicken Thighs

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

Setup Duration
10 min
Heat Duration
25 min
Complete Duration
35 min
Created by Emily Dawson

Classification Quick Cozy Plates

Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels No Gluten, Keto-Friendly

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 Steps

Phase 01

Prepare and season chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and 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 from skillet and set aside.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Simmer chicken in sauce: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestle into the sauce, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F).

Phase 08

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

Kitchen Tools

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

Dietary Alerts

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • May contain sulfites from sun-dried tomatoes.

Dietary Information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 385
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 27 g