Marry Chicken Thigh Express

Featured in: Dinner Winners

Experience tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan. This dish combines savory herbs and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, creating a comforting and flavorful meal ready in just over half an hour. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Garnished with fresh basil or parsley to add a bright, herbal finish.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:35:00 GMT
Marry Me Chicken Thigh Express, a creamy dish featuring tender chicken simmered in rich sauce. Save
Marry Me Chicken Thigh Express, a creamy dish featuring tender chicken simmered in rich sauce. | tastybattle.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 favorite in my household because it combines simplicity with gourmet taste, perfect for busy evenings.

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.
This photo shows flavorful Marry Me Chicken Thigh Express, with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. Save
This photo shows flavorful Marry Me Chicken Thigh Express, with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. | tastybattle.com

This dish always brings the family together especially during busy weeknights when everyone appreciates a comforting meal.

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 (per serving)

Calories 385 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 7 g Protein 27 g

Enjoy a steaming plate of Marry Me Chicken Thigh Express, ready in 35 minutes—a delicious weeknight meal. Save
Enjoy a steaming plate of Marry Me Chicken Thigh Express, ready in 35 minutes—a delicious weeknight meal. | tastybattle.com

Enjoy this rich and comforting dish that’s sure to impress with minimal effort.

Recipe Questions

Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used but may require shorter cooking time to avoid drying out. Adjust accordingly.

What sides pair well with this dish?

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

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives to suit dietary needs.

How can I add some heat to the sauce?

Adding crushed red pepper flakes during cooking adds a subtle spicy kick without overpowering.

What herbs enhance the flavor best?

Dried Italian herbs in the sauce along with fresh basil or parsley garnish bring out balanced, aromatic notes.

Marry Chicken Thigh Express

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

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Alex Ramirez


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutritional specifications Without gluten, Low-Carbohydrate

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 Thighs: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.

Phase 02

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook 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 Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and dried Italian herbs until evenly combined.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • May contain sulfites due to sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Check for gluten in accompanying sides if needed.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

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