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Quick Marry Me Chicken Thighs Recipe with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

marry me chicken thighs - featured image

Juicy chicken thighs seared to crispy perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for cozy dinners and impresses with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot oil without crowding the pan. Cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy.
  4. Flip chicken and cook the other side for 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  5. Lower heat to medium and add minced garlic to the pan. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes (including a splash of oil if packed in oil) and cook for 1 minute.
  7. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  8. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  9. Return chicken to the pan, nestling skin side up into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top, cover loosely, and simmer on low for 6-8 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  10. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top.
  11. Serve immediately with sauce spooned over the chicken.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is key for crispy skin. Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor. If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered longer; if too thick, add more broth. Let chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, chicken thighs, sun-dried tomato sauce, creamy chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food