Marry Me Chicken Thigh

Featured in: Quick Comfort Dinners

This dish features tender boneless chicken thighs seared to golden perfection, then gently simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce enriched with garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese. The sauce develops rich flavors as it thickens and coats the chicken, creating a comforting and flavorful meal. Garnished with fresh basil or parsley, this dish comes together quickly and suits a romantic or casual dinner. Serve alongside pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying experience.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:42:00 GMT
Golden, seared Marry Me Chicken Thighs bathed in a creamy, red-hued sauce, garnished with fresh herbs. Save
Golden, seared Marry Me Chicken Thighs bathed in a creamy, red-hued sauce, garnished with fresh herbs. | forkta.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 to my family on a busy weeknight and it was a huge hit, bringing comfort with every bite.

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.
Save
| forkta.com

Sharing this meal with my family always brings us closer 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 per serving

A close-up of flavorful Marry Me Chicken Thigh Express, a comforting, gluten-free skillet meal. Save
A close-up of flavorful Marry Me Chicken Thigh Express, a comforting, gluten-free skillet meal. | forkta.com

This Marry Me Chicken Thigh Express is both simple and delicious for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

What cut of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal as they stay juicy and tender during cooking.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but adjust cooking time to avoid drying out the meat.

How to thicken the sauce gently?

Simmer the creamy sauce on medium-low heat until it reduces slightly to a silky consistency.

What herbs enhance the sauce’s flavor?

Dried Italian herbs combined with fresh basil or parsley complement the sun-dried tomatoes perfectly.

Are there variations for a lighter sauce?

Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream creates a lighter, yet still creamy sauce.

Marry Me Chicken Thigh

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

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
35 min
Created by Mia Parker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Gluten-Free

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

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

Step 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.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Add sun-dried tomatoes and herbs: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and dried Italian herbs; stir well to combine.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add cream and cheese: Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Allow to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 07

Cook chicken in sauce: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 08

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Details

Check every item for allergens, and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, Parmesan cheese).
  • May contain sulfites (sun-dried tomatoes).

Nutrition Per Serving

For informational purposes; please consult your healthcare professional.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Protein: 27 g