Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Thighs Recipe: A Savory Delight

Whipping up a delectable sun-dried tomato chicken thighs dish promises pure culinary magic for dinner lovers everywhere.

Pasta pairs perfectly with these succulent protein-packed morsels.

Creamy sauces create instant comfort on chilly evenings.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your palate with each tender bite.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, transforming ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Salt, herbs, and tangy tomatoes combine for an irresistible experience.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving.

Why Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Thighs Delight

• Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal kitchen skills required, making gourmet cooking accessible for everyone.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using different herbs or adding spinach to create personalized variations that suit your taste preferences and pantry availability.
• Quick Comfort Food: Prepare a rich, creamy dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal prep work, perfect for satisfying hunger without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup by cooking everything in a single skillet, reducing dish washing and making this recipe a practical choice for busy home cooks.

Ingredients For Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: A juicy and flavorful cut of meat that becomes tender and delicious when cooked in the creamy sauce.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes: A blend of herbs and spices that adds depth, warmth, and a hint of heat to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base for searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings a rich, tangy, and concentrated tomato flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Adds moisture and builds a savory base for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth, and rich texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty and nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a velvety consistency.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.

How To Cook Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

Step 1: Fire Up the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Drizzle olive oil across the surface.

Shower the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.

Carefully place the chicken into the hot skillet and sear each side until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Transfer the gorgeous chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Unleash Flavor Bombs

• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Dance these ingredients around the pan for 2-3 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen and makes your mouth water.

Step 3: Create Dreamy Sauce

• Chicken stock
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan

Whisk everything together smoothly.

Mix cornstarch with a splash of water, then swirl into the sauce to create a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Gently return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.

Lower the heat, cover with a lid, and let everything bubble gently for 15-20 minutes.

Occasionally stir to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves into the skillet.

Remove from heat.

Plate the chicken and lavish each piece with the rich, creamy sauce.

For an extra flavor punch, scatter additional Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil on top.

Tips For Creamy Chicken Thighs

• Keep a close eye on the skillet during searing to avoid burning the chicken or creating bitter flavors. Adjust heat if needed and remove chicken promptly once golden brown.
• Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to the sauce to prevent lumps. Whisk thoroughly to ensure smooth, even thickening without clumps.
• If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken stock. If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce and naturally thicken the creamy mixture.
• Chop fresh basil just before adding to preserve maximum flavor and vibrant green color. Add basil at the very end to maintain its bright taste and aroma.

Flavor Twists For Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken thighs with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and marinating before searing for a plant-based alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Eliminate cornstarch, use xanthan gum as a thickener, and serve over cauliflower rice to keep the dish low-carb and diet-friendly.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add chopped kalamata olives and swap Italian seasoning with za'atar for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile.

Suggested Pairings For Chicken Thighs

• Dinner Date Night: Elevate this dish for a romantic evening with soft candlelight, a crisp white wine, and elegant plating that showcases the rich, creamy sauce.
• Mediterranean Feast Companion: Serve alongside roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers to complement the sun-dried tomato and herb flavors.
• Carb Perfect Pairings: Spoon the creamy chicken over al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or crusty garlic bread to soak up every delicious drop of the luxurious sauce.
• Fresh Green Balance: Add a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken dish.

Storage Advice For Creamy Chicken Thighs

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Let the chicken cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken stock. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just ensure they are similar in size to chicken thighs and adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking, typically 10-12 minutes.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can reduce or completely omit them if you prefer a milder version, or increase them for more spiciness.

• What if I don't have cornstarch?

Substitute with all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce. Use the same amount and mix with water before adding to create a smooth consistency.

• Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar creamy texture and flavor.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory sun-dried tomato chicken thighs blend Mediterranean flavors into a rich, luxurious dinner experience. Creamy sauce and tender chicken create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 4 boneless chicken thighs

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and thinly sliced)
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup Parmesan (grated)

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Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding olive oil to create a sizzling surface for golden-brown chicken thighs.
2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until developing a rich, caramelized exterior. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate.
3. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Toast aromatics for 2 minutes, releasing their fragrant essence.
4. Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken stock and heavy cream, then whisk in Parmesan cheese to create a luxurious base. Mix cornstarch with water separately, then incorporate into the sauce to enhance thickness.
5. Gently nestle seared chicken thighs back into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Reduce heat and cover, allowing chicken to simmer for 15-18 minutes until thoroughly cooked.
6. During final moments, fold in fresh basil leaves, creating a vibrant, herbaceous finish. Remove from heat and plate immediately, drizzling remaining sauce over chicken.
7. Elevate presentation by garnishing with additional Parmesan, scattered sun-dried tomatoes, and delicate basil leaves for a restaurant-quality appearance.

Notes

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring they remain tender during cooking.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear and prevent steaming in the pan.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice tolerance, creating a milder or more intense dish according to preference.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg