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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding olive oil to create a sizzling surface for golden-brown chicken thighs.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- During final moments, fold in fresh basil leaves, creating a vibrant, herbaceous finish. Remove from heat and plate immediately, drizzling remaining sauce over chicken.
- 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