If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. This dish boasts tender chicken enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce bursting with the tangy, rich flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and a savory touch of parmesan. It’s a perfect balance of creamy and tangy that’s both indulgent and comforting, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color. You’ll notice how the combination of fresh herbs, creamy dairy, and bold sun-dried tomatoes comes together effortlessly to create something truly special.
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut for tender, juicy protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These pack a punch of concentrated tomato flavor and a chewy texture that elevates the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that rich, silky sauce that comforts your taste buds.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant and savory depth to the sauce.
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese: A nutty, salty element that melts perfectly into the cream for ultimate flavor.
- 0.5 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and subtle richness while helping to deglaze the pan.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to complement the tomatoes and chicken.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal lift.
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional): Adds an aromatic, pine-like fragrance that enhances the savory notes.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a beautiful sear and subtle fruitiness in the cooking process.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Enriches the sauce and helps brown the chicken nicely.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing natural tastes.
- Pepper, to taste: Adds a mild kick and warmth.
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple step infuses the meat with layers of flavor that will shine through after cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken in and sear for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. This caramelization adds wonderful texture and flavor. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds—long enough to release its aroma without burning. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute so they soften and infuse the oil with their robust, tangy taste.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to bring those browned bits from the skillet’s bottom into the sauce. Let it simmer gently, thickening slightly and marrying the rich flavors.
Step 5: Melt in the Parmesan
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese into the sauce and stir until it melts completely, adding a nutty and cheesy richness to the creamy base that will coat the chicken perfectly.
Step 6: Return Chicken and Finish Cooking
Place the chicken back into the sauce, spooning it over the top. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken can soak up the luscious sauce and stay wonderfully tender.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle the chopped parsley and add the optional rosemary sprig for a fragrant finish that brightens the plate visually and aromatically.
How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must for that pop of green and fresh flavor, but don’t be shy to add a sprig of rosemary or a sprinkle of extra parmesan for an elegant touch. These garnishes complement the creamy sauce and invite you to dive right in.
Side Dishes
This dish shines next to fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or buttery pasta to soak up every bit of the sauce. Steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad bring balance and a fresh crunch, making the meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic charm, serve the chicken on a wooden board with sauce drizzled artistically around. Alternatively, plating the chicken atop a bed of wild rice or alongside roasted vegetables adds color and texture contrast, making your presentation feel thoughtful and vibrant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious, if not more so.
Freezing
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid curdling the cream sauce. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor to the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary for this dish?
Sun-dried tomatoes are crucial for the signature tangy depth in this recipe. They provide the concentrated tomato flavor that makes this dish stand apart from regular creamy chicken recipes.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream is preferred to achieve that rich, silky texture, but if needed, you can substitute with whole milk mixed with a bit of flour or cornstarch for thickening. The sauce won’t be as indulgent but will still be tasty.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. The dish will have a slightly different profile but will remain delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe reheats well, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. Prepare in advance, and enjoy easy, flavorful meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to whip up any day of the week. Its dazzling combination of creamy, tangy, and savory notes makes it an instant favorite, promising smiles around your table. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try and share the love with anyone who loves a good, soulful meal.
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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. With a blend of Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and fresh herbs, this dish offers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it makes a delicious and comforting weeknight dinner for four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance their flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to release their flavor.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce, making it creamy and rich.
- Return Chicken and Simmer: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes to warm the chicken through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley and the optional rosemary sprig before serving for a fresh herbal aroma and look.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil work best for extra flavor; if using dry, rehydrate them before cooking.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste after the sauce simmers.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Serve this dish with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
