Marry Chicken Thighs Express

Featured in: Smart Weeknight Meals

Discover a quick approach to tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce. Garlic and Parmesan blend seamlessly with creamy textures to create a smooth, flavorful dish. The combination simmers gently to lock in moisture while delivering a comforting, romantic meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Garnished with fresh basil or parsley, it pairs well with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. This gluten-free friendly option provides a satisfying and balanced plate with ease.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:12:00 GMT
Golden, tender Marry Me Chicken Thighs smothered in creamy tomato sauce, perfect for a cozy weeknight. Pin it
Golden, tender Marry Me Chicken Thighs smothered in creamy tomato sauce, perfect for a cozy weeknight. | fungeniusrecipe.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 when looking for a fast but impressive meal and it quickly became a family favorite.

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.
Savory and aromatic Marry Me Chicken Thighs dish, rich with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Pin it
Savory and aromatic Marry Me Chicken Thighs dish, rich with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. | fungeniusrecipe.com

This dish brought my family together many times especially during special weeks when time was tight.

Notes

Serve with pasta rice mashed potatoes or crusty bread Substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred adjust cooking time as needed For a lighter version use half and half instead of heavy cream

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

A close-up view of flavorful Marry Me Chicken Thigh Express, a simple and delicious American entree. Pin it
A close-up view of flavorful Marry Me Chicken Thigh Express, a simple and delicious American entree. | fungeniusrecipe.com

This recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and romantic occasions.

Recipe FAQs

What cut of chicken is best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, but chicken breasts can be used with adjusted cooking times.

Can I substitute heavy cream in the sauce?

Yes, half-and-half may be used for a lighter sauce, though the texture will be slightly less rich.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the thighs are fully cooked and juicy.

What sides complement this chicken dish?

Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread work well to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Can I add extra spice to the sauce?

Yes, crushed red pepper flakes can be increased or omitted based on your preferred spice level.

Marry Chicken Thighs Express

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

Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
25 minutes
Complete time
35 minutes
Created by Fungeniusrecipe Chloe Anderson

Recipe category Smart Weeknight Meals

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Portions 4 Number of servings

Dietary details Free from gluten

What You 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

Step 01

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

Step 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, then remove and set aside.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Simmer Broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer while scraping up browned bits from the pan.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Finish Cooking Chicken: Nestle chicken thighs back into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

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

Don’t forget to check each item for allergens. Talk to a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy from cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • May contain sulfites from sun-dried tomatoes.

Nutrition (each serving)

These nutrition facts are for reference only. Always consult an expert for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 385
  • Fat content: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Protein content: 27 g