Fresh Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Thighs Recipe: A Juicy Dinner Win

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that pack a punch of sun-dried tomato chicken thighs without sacrificing taste.

Crispy, golden-brown edges seal in succulent meat that practically melts on your fork.

The bold combination of herbs and tangy tomatoes creates a Mediterranean-inspired dish that feels luxurious yet effortless.

Juicy chicken transforms with minimal ingredients, promising a restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen.

Each bite delivers layers of rich, concentrated tomato flavor complemented by tender, perfectly cooked chicken.

Serve these elegant thighs alongside roasted vegetables or creamy polenta for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Shines

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dish: Simplify your dinner routine with these mouthwatering sun-dried tomato chicken thighs that require minimal prep and maximum flavor.
• Versatile Cooking Technique: Master a foolproof method of searing and baking that guarantees perfectly tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce that elevates your home cooking skills.
• One-Pan Meal Magic: Minimize cleanup by using a single oven-proof pan that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish, making cooking and washing up a breeze.
• Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a bold taste experience with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes that create a complex, tantalizing sauce that will impress family and friends.

What You Need for Sun-Dried Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat perfect for this comforting dish.

• Potato Starch: Light and crispy coating that helps seal in moisture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Fragrant base that adds depth to the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy and concentrated tomato flavor.
• Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Herbal and spicy notes that bring warmth.

• Coconut Milk, Chicken Broth: Creamy and rich sauce that keeps the chicken tender.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil for searing and sautéing.

• Fresh Basil: Bright and fresh herb that adds a final aromatic touch.

Instructions for Tomato Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Mix potato starch, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.

Thoroughly coat chicken thighs in the seasoned mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Ready the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to create the perfect cooking environment.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof pan over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken thighs in the pan, browning each side to develop a rich, golden color.

Remove browned chicken and set aside temporarily.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

Add remaining olive oil to the same pan.

Sauté onions until they become translucent and fragrant.

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Stir and cook for a quick 30 seconds to release their aromatic oils.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth.

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, creating a rich and creamy sauce.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Gently return chicken thighs to the pan.

Carefully spoon sauce, onions, and tomatoes over the top, ensuring even distribution.

Arrange chicken in a single layer if possible.

Step 7: Slow Bake

Cover the pan with an oven-safe lid.

Bake at 400°F for 45 minutes.

Reduce heat to 300°F and continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and flavorful.

Step 8: Finish and Present

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly shredded basil.

Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Helpful Tips for Juicy Chicken Thighs

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture, ensuring a more succulent final dish.
• Maintain medium-high heat when searing chicken to create a perfect golden-brown crust without burning the meat or coating.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference – reduce for mild or increase for a spicier version of the dish.
• Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the pan before adding liquid to enhance its aromatic compounds and deepen overall taste profile.
• Substitute coconut milk with almond milk or chicken broth for those avoiding dairy or following specific dietary restrictions.

How to Keep Chicken Thighs Tasty

• Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, storing for maximum 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying out.

Pairing Sides for Tomato Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the sun-dried tomato sauce and complement the chicken's savory flavors.
• Create Mediterranean Side Salad: Toss together a fresh Greek-style salad with cucumber, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's robust tomato and herb notes.
• Serve with Herbed Quinoa: Prepare quinoa cooked in chicken broth and mixed with fresh parsley, dill, and a touch of lemon zest to echo the Italian seasoning in the chicken and provide a nutritious, light grain accompaniment.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare a warm, rustic baguette brushed with olive oil and rubbed with garlic to soak up the delicious coconut milk and sun-dried tomato sauce, adding textural contrast to the meal.

Flavor Ideas for Sun-Dried Chicken Thighs

• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Delight: Replace coconut milk with unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, nutty flavor profile that keeps the dish dairy-free and complements the sun-dried tomatoes.
• Keto-Friendly Protein Powerhouse: Swap potato starch with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining a crispy chicken coating, perfect for low-carb diets.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken thighs with firm tofu or tempeh, using the same seasoning technique and cooking method to create a plant-based version that retains the original recipe's rich flavors.
• Spicy Herb Adaptation: Increase red pepper flakes and add fresh chopped rosemary or thyme to amplify the herb intensity, creating a more robust and zesty chicken dish with enhanced aromatic notes.

FAQs

• Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken thighs work perfectly and can enhance the flavor and moisture of the dish.

• Is potato starch necessary, or can I substitute it?

You can replace potato starch with cornstarch or all-purpose flour for coating the chicken. Each will provide a slightly different texture.

• What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes can work as a substitute, but they won’t provide the same intense, concentrated flavor as sun-dried tomatoes. Consider using tomato paste or roasted tomatoes as alternatives.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

The recipe is already dairy-free by using coconut milk instead of regular milk or cream, making it suitable for dairy-free diets.

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired sun-dried tomato chicken thighs bring bold flavors dancing across your palate with elegant simplicity. Garlic, herbs, and tangy tomatoes create a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

Coating Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) unmodified potato starch (or tapioca starch/cornstarch for non-Paleo option)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) real salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Ingredient:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil (divided)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a seasoning blend using potato starch, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs, ensuring even coverage and complete seasoning penetration.
2. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C), creating optimal roasting temperature for chicken preparation.
3. Select a large oven-proof skillet or Dutch oven. Warm olive oil over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for browning chicken. Carefully sear chicken thighs in batches, developing a rich golden-brown exterior on both sides. Transfer browned pieces to a separate plate.
4. In the same pan, introduce remaining olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent and fragrant. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, allowing aromatics to release their intense flavors and meld together.
5. Create a luxurious sauce by introducing coconut milk and chicken broth. Bring liquid mixture to a rapid boil, stirring to combine ingredients and develop depth of flavor.
6. Gently nestle seared chicken thighs back into the sauce. Ensure each piece is generously coated with tomatoes, onions, and aromatic liquid. Arrange in a single layer for uniform cooking.
7. Cover pan with an oven-safe lid, then bake at 400°F for 45 minutes. Reduce temperature to 300°F and continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes, allowing chicken to become incredibly tender and infused with sauce flavors.
8. Remove from oven and finish by generously garnishing with freshly shredded basil. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Notes

• Coating chicken with potato starch creates a delicate crispy exterior that helps seal in moisture and enhances browning.
• Select bone-in chicken thighs with skin for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring more succulent results compared to boneless versions.
• Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for deeper, richer taste that elevates the overall dish complexity.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance, allowing customization for spice-sensitive diners while maintaining balanced flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg