If you’re looking to brighten up a weeknight dinner or impress friends with minimal fuss, Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is your secret weapon. This dish brings together juicy chicken breasts, a silky, fragrant sauce, and the irresistible sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes in a way that feels restaurant-worthy but is totally doable at home. Every bite is rich and tangy, flecked with basil and creamy, garlicky goodness—bound to become your go-to chicken recipe for both busy evenings and lazy Sunday suppers.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken are everyday pantry staples, yet each one brings its own personality to the plate. They work together to create a dish that’s layered with flavor, comforting creaminess, and a gorgeous pop of color from sun-dried tomatoes. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each is so essential:

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for easy cooking and maximum tenderness in every bite.
Olive oil: Lends richness to sear the chicken beautifully and add depth to the sauce.
Salt and pepper: The cornerstones of flavor—season generously for best results.
Onion: Sautéed onion infuses a subtle sweetness and backbone for the sauce.
Garlic: Adds warming, aromatic flavor that mingles perfectly with sun-dried tomato and cream.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Offer a concentrated tomato tang and bring a gorgeous rosy color to the sauce.
Chicken broth: De-glazes the pan and builds a savory base for the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: Delivers that lush, indulgent texture that takes this chicken over the top.
Dried basil: A sprinkle brings herby brightness and a little taste of summer.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a background hint of heat; use as much or as little as you like.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Thickens the sauce and brings a nutty, salty kick.
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): A shower of green makes it look as good as it tastes—totally worth it!

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken breasts a good sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides—it’s simple, but makes a world of difference. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes per side until they’re crispy and golden on the outside and cooked through. Don’t rush this part—those brown bits in your pan are flavor gold! Set the chicken aside, keeping all those juices and browned tidbits in the skillet for the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same pan, toss in the chopped onion and let it sauté for 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and a bit translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic, allowing it to release its aroma—about a minute is plenty. The combination of the onion and garlic here lays a flavorful foundation for the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce to come.

Step 3: Build the Sun-Dried Tomato Base

Now it’s time for the showstopper. Stir in those vibrant, chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the chicken broth. As the mixture begins to simmer, take a moment to scrape up the browned bits from the pan; these bring a deep, savory undertone that sets Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken apart from the rest.

Step 4: Creamy Sauce Creation

With the base simmering, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the dried basil and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice). Stir everything to blend, then let the sauce bubble gently for 3-4 minutes, thickening into a beautiful, velvety texture. You’ll start to see those swirls of sun-dried tomato turning the sauce a gorgeous blush color.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Finish the Sauce

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese right into the bubbling skillet. It’s going to melt in and thicken the sauce just enough, making every spoonful luxuriously smooth. Give it another 2-3 minutes and watch the sauce come together in creamy harmony.

Step 6: Return Chicken to Sauce

Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece so they can soak up all that flavor. Let the chicken simmer gently for an extra 5 minutes—it’s the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken. This is the moment where everything mingles and comes alive.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with a flourish of fresh basil or parsley. This simple touch adds a bright color contrast and a punch of freshness that livens up every serving.

How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

Garnishes

For that “wow, you made this?” effect, a sprinkle of bright-green chopped basil or parsley on top really makes the dish pop. If you want extra decadence, a final dusting of Parmesan before serving never hurts. These little touches aren’t just about looks—they bring in herbal freshness and a little burst of flavor with each bite.

Side Dishes

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is the perfect main course for a cozy dinner, but pairing it with the right side makes the meal truly shine. Serve it over a bed of pasta (think linguine or penne), spoon it alongside fluffy rice, or tuck it next to buttery mashed potatoes. For something on the lighter side, try it with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a crisp green salad.

Creative Ways to Present

You can go classic with a family-style skillet right at the table or choose an elegant plating by slicing the chicken and fanning it over pasta with plenty of sauce. For a showstopping brunch or lunch, try halving the chicken and layering it on toasted ciabatta for an indulgent open-faced sandwich, scooping the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce on top. There’s no wrong way to make this dish a star!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to deepen, so tomorrow’s lunch might be even tastier than tonight’s dinner.

Freezing

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken can be frozen, though keep in mind that creamy sauces can sometimes separate after thawing. For best results, cool the chicken and sauce completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a covered skillet over low to medium heat, stirring the sauce occasionally until everything is warmed through. If the sauce looks a little thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to its original luscious consistency. Avoid microwaving on high—low and slow is best to keep the chicken juicy and the sauce dreamy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and offer even more flavor and tenderness. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

What’s the best way to chop sun-dried tomatoes?

Drain the sun-dried tomatoes well, pat them dry if needed, and chop them into small strips or bite-sized pieces. This helps them melt into the sauce and distribute their tangy sweetness evenly in every bite.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can try substituting coconut cream for heavy cream and opt for a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will shift a little, but you’ll still get that luxurious creamy texture that’s at the heart of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken can be made a day in advance! Store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to eat, gently reheat the sauce, then finish the recipe by adding the cooked chicken and simmering together until warmed through.

What can I do if the sauce is too thick?

If your sauce gets too thick while simmering, simply whisk in a splash of chicken broth or a bit more cream until you reach your desired consistency. This tip keeps your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken perfectly saucy every time.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken yet, trust me—you’re in for a treat. This dish brings all the cozy comfort and big, bold flavor you crave, but with so little effort you’ll want to make it again and again. Gather the ingredients, get your skillet ready, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of creamy, tangy, herby goodness. You’ll be glad you did!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe

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5 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:

1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, cook chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, add sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
Finish the dish: Stir in Parmesan cheese, return chicken to skillet, simmer in sauce. Garnish and serve hot.