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If you’re looking for an easy chicken dinner that feels comforting, flavorful, and a little bit special, these Creamy Chicken Thighs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes are a perfect choice. Tender boneless chicken thighs are browned in a skillet and then simmered in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce flavored with garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
This easy skillet chicken recipe comes together in one pan, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without a complicated cleanup. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy sauce, savory Parmesan, and sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes creates a restaurant-style dinner that is surprisingly simple to make at home.
Serve these creamy chicken thighs with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to add this sun-dried tomato chicken recipe to your weekly dinner rotation.
First, everything is cooked in one skillet, so cleanup is easy. The chicken is quickly browned before being finished in the creamy sauce, which helps keep the meat tender and flavorful.
The sauce is another reason this recipe stands out. Heavy cream and Parmesan create a rich and silky base, while garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes add layers of flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated tomato flavor and a slightly sweet, tangy bite that balances the richness of the cream.
This recipe is also flexible. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicy, tender meat, or substitute chicken breasts if you prefer. It is an easy chicken dinner that works equally well for a casual family meal or a cozy dinner with guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Olive oil helps brown the chicken and gives it a delicious golden exterior. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are especially good here because they stay tender while simmering in the creamy sauce.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan makes the sauce rich and creamy, while chicken stock adds savory depth without making the sauce overly heavy. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce so it clings beautifully to the chicken.
For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan when possible. Fresh basil added at the end gives the finished dish a bright, fresh flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Thighs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
1. Brown the Chicken
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.
Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until nicely browned.
The chicken does not need to be completely cooked at this stage. It will finish cooking later in the creamy sauce.
Once browned, transfer the chicken thighs to a plate and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and sliced sun-dried tomatoes.
Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Cooking the seasonings and sun-dried tomatoes in the same skillet allows them to release their flavors into the oil and the browned bits left behind by the chicken. This creates a much more flavorful sauce.
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the red pepper flakes or leave them out completely.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour the chicken stock and heavy cream into the skillet. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir everything together.
Sprinkle in the cornstarch and immediately whisk the sauce to distribute it evenly. This step is important because whisking the cornstarch into the liquid helps prevent lumps and allows the sauce to thicken smoothly.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil. The Parmesan will melt into the cream and stock, creating a savory, creamy sauce filled with garlic and sun-dried tomato flavor.
4. Return the Chicken to the Skillet
Place the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet. Spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the chicken so every piece is coated.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
The exact cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs. Larger pieces may need a little longer.
Stir the sauce every few minutes and check that it is not sticking to the bottom of the skillet. If the sauce becomes too thick, a small splash of chicken stock can be added to loosen it.
The chicken should be fully cooked before serving. For food safety, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when measured with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part.
5. Finish with Fresh Basil
Once the chicken is cooked through, stir the chopped fresh basil into the sauce and remove the skillet from the heat.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or black pepper if needed.
For an extra beautiful presentation, spoon plenty of creamy sauce over each chicken thigh and garnish with additional Parmesan, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Serve immediately while warm.
What to Serve with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
The creamy sauce is so delicious that you’ll want something to absorb every bit of it.
For a hearty dinner, serve the chicken with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. The sauce works especially well with pasta because it coats the noodles beautifully.
For a lighter meal, pair the chicken with roasted broccoli, green beans, asparagus, zucchini, or a simple green salad.
Crusty French bread or garlic bread is another excellent option. It gives you an easy way to scoop up the creamy Parmesan sauce from the bottom of your plate.
Can You Use Chicken Breasts Instead?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be substituted for chicken thighs in this recipe.
Because chicken breasts are leaner, they can become dry if overcooked. For the best result, use chicken breasts of similar thickness and monitor their internal temperature carefully.
If the breasts are very thick, you can gently pound them to an even thickness before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly and reduces the chance of the outside becoming overcooked before the center is done.
Chicken thighs remain my favorite option for this recipe because they are naturally juicy and pair especially well with the rich creamy sauce.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Thighs
Use the same skillet for everything. The browned bits left in the pan after cooking the chicken add incredible flavor to the sauce.
Do not overcrowd the pan. Give the chicken enough room to brown properly. If your skillet is small, brown the chicken in batches.
Whisk the cornstarch immediately. Once it is added to the liquid, whisk well to distribute it evenly and avoid lumps.
Keep the heat moderate. A gentle simmer is ideal for a creamy sauce. Excessive heat can cause dairy-based sauces to become too thick or separate.
Adjust the spice level. Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. Use more for a spicy chicken dinner or reduce the amount for a milder family-friendly meal.
Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a richer flavor.
Do not skip the fresh basil. Adding basil at the end brings freshness that balances the creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover chicken and sauce to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low to medium-low heat. Add a small splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce has become too thick in the refrigerator.
Heat gently until the chicken is warmed through. Avoid boiling the sauce during reheating because excessive heat can cause the creamy sauce to separate.
Can You Make This Recipe Ahead?
Yes. You can prepare the chicken and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it in an airtight container.
When ready to serve, gently reheat everything in a skillet. If necessary, add a little chicken stock to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
This makes the recipe particularly convenient for weeknight meal prep and easy family dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes that have been dried to concentrate their flavor. They have a chewy texture and an intense combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
They are particularly delicious in creamy sauces because their concentrated tomato flavor adds brightness and depth.
Can I make this chicken recipe without red pepper flakes?
Yes. Red pepper flakes are optional and mainly provide a little heat. You can leave them out for a completely mild version of this creamy chicken dinner.
What type of skillet should I use?
A large skillet with a lid works best. A heavy-bottomed skillet, such as cast iron or stainless steel, is excellent for browning the chicken and maintaining an even cooking temperature.
How do I know when chicken thighs are done?
The safest way to check is with an instant-read thermometer. The thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F.
The Best Easy Creamy Chicken Dinner
These Creamy Chicken Thighs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes are proof that an impressive dinner does not need to be complicated. With simple ingredients and one skillet, you can create tender chicken covered in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce packed with flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
For another comforting chicken dinner, try our Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy, an easy slow-cooked option that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Whether you serve this creamy chicken over pasta, alongside roasted vegetables, or with crusty bread, it is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a busy weeknight.
For the best results, make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) when checked with a food thermometer, as recommended by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
If you love recipes with creamy sauces, garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken, save this sun-dried tomato chicken recipe for your next family dinner. It is an easy skillet meal that looks impressive on the table while requiring very little effort in the kitchen.
PrintCreamy Chicken Thighs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season and brown chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove.
3. Sauté garlic, seasonings, and sun-dried tomatoes for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add chicken stock, heavy cream, Parmesan, and cornstarch; whisk.
5. Return chicken, cover, and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes.
6. Stir in basil and serve with sauce spooned over the chicken.
Notes
Use chicken breasts instead of thighs if preferred.
Adjust red pepper flakes to taste.
Serve with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3–4 days.
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