Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: A Comforting Dish You’ll Want to Make Tonight

Photo byAngie Bright

Chicken thighs are a versatile and flavorful cut of meat, perfect for creating dishes that feel both homey and indulgent. One recipe that’s quickly becoming a favorite for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike is Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs. The beauty of this dish lies in the simplicity of its ingredients and the richness of its sauce, which combines savory garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan blend. Best of all, this recipe is quick to make, yet packs a punch in both flavor and presentation.

Why You'll Love This Recipe The chicken thighs are pan-seared to perfection, locking in all those delicious juices while giving them a crispy, golden exterior. The real star of the dish, though, is the creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s smooth, rich, and brimming with flavor, thanks to the sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of white cooking wine. Every bite feels like a warm embrace, with the tender chicken soaking up that irresistible sauce.

Served over a bed of mashed potatoes, this dish brings a perfect balance of creamy comfort and bold flavors, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or even a cozy night in. The best part? It’s easy enough for beginner cooks, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Recipe: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

6 Chicken Thighs
Onion powder (to taste)
Garlic powder (to taste)
Cajun seasoning (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Paprika (to taste)
Italian herbs (to taste)
Olive oil (for cooking)

Sauce:
2 tbsp Butter
2 tbsp fresh minced Garlic
1/2 cup Chicken broth
1/3 cup Heavy whipping cream
1 tbsp Sun-dried Tomatoes, chopped
1 tbsp White cooking wine
1/2 cup Fresh Shredded Parmesan or Italian cheese
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Italian herbs (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Pan-Sear the Chicken: Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs with onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and pan-sear the chicken thighs on both sides until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a separate baking dish.
2. Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet where the chicken was seared, add 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt.
3. Create the Creamy Base: Stir in the chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld. Then, pour in the white cooking wine and continue to simmer for a couple more minutes.
4. Add the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded Parmesan (or Italian cheese) to the sauce, stirring constantly to ensure it melts smoothly into the mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and more Italian herbs to taste.
5. Bake to Finish: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken thighs in the baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6. Serve and Enjoy: For a comforting finish, serve these creamy garlic Parmesan chicken thighs over a bed of mashed potatoes. The sauce is perfect for drizzling over the potatoes, creating a mouthwatering, savory meal.

The Result: This dish combines rich, indulgent flavors with the satisfying heartiness of chicken thighs. The cream sauce, with its layers of garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes, elevates the meal into something truly special. It’s easy to see why this recipe is a winner in kitchens everywhere — it brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your dining table.

To make your recipe for creamy garlic Parmesan chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, here are some useful details and sources to enhance it:

1. Sun-dried Tomatoes: Make sure to drain the oil if you're using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil to avoid making the sauce greasy. If you're using dry sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them by soaking in hot water before use​The Recipe Critic​Creme De La Crumb.
2. Pan-searing Chicken: Searing chicken thighs locks in their moisture and gives them a crispy, golden exterior. Using the oil from sun-dried tomatoes for the searing step can add an extra layer of flavor​RecipeTin Eats.
3. Thickening the Sauce: Parmesan cheese will help thicken the sauce, but for extra thickness, some recipes suggest adding Dijon mustard, which adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness​RecipeTin Eats.
4. Serving Suggestions: The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or pasta, helping soak up all the flavors. Some recipes also recommend serving with steamed vegetables like asparagus for a balanced meal​The Recipe Critic.

For more tips and full instructions, check out sources like The Recipe Critic and RecipeTin Eats.