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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Thighs

creamy sun-dried tomato chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or surprise guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped (about 50 g)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth or stock (240 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear without moving for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 4-5 minutes.
  3. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside, keeping the heat on medium.
  4. In the same pan, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and add Italian seasoning. Scrape any browned bits from the pan bottom and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and optional Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken for 3-4 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Return chicken to the pan, nestling thighs skin-side up into the sauce. Cover loosely with a lid or foil and simmer on low heat for 7-8 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Tear fresh basil leaves over the top just before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain a golden crust. Adjust heat carefully to prevent burning the sauce. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juiciness. Simmer gently with a loose cover to keep sauce creamy and skin crisp. If sauce curdles, whisk in cold broth or cream off heat to rescue it. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk and omit Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken, sun-dried tomato chicken, easy dinner, 30-minute meal, chicken thighs, comfort food, weeknight dinner