Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Craving a dinner that’s both comforting and impressive?

Look no further! This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is incredibly delicious, surprisingly easy to make, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Imagine tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Ready to get cooking?

Why You’ll Love It

• The creamy, tangy sauce is absolutely divine, a perfect balance of flavors.
• It’s ready in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• The recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
• It’s elegant enough to serve to guests, yet simple enough for everyday meals.
• You can easily customize it with different vegetables, pasta, or spices.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

This recipe stands out because of the way we build the flavor. We don’t just throw everything together! We start by searing the chicken for that beautiful golden crust and then we develop the sauce directly in the same pan, infusing the creamy base with the leftover chicken juices and the concentrated flavors of sun-dried tomatoes. The addition of a touch of garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes really elevates this dish, providing depth and a little kick. It’s a symphony of flavor, all made in one skillet!

Ingredient List

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained (The oil adds great flavor if used to cook the garlic!)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. They don’t need to be cooked all the way through yet.
4. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to take your creamy sun-dried tomato chicken to the next level? Here are a few ideas:

• Add a handful of fresh spinach to the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Sprinkle a little extra parmesan cheese on top before serving
• Add 1/4 cup of white wine to the skillet after cooking garlic and sun dried tomato, let the wine reduce slightly before adding chicken broth

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken – work in batches if necessary for optimal browning.
• Use good quality, sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor (packed in oil is always a great choice).
• Don’t boil the sauce after adding the heavy cream – keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent it from curdling.
• Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
• Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving; this will help keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute the heavy cream?
  

  Yes, you can use half-and-half or even full-fat milk for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich. If using milk, thicken slightly with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) if needed.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?
  

  Yes, you can use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil or Italian seasoning, but fresh basil adds a burst of freshness

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?
  

  Yes, you can prepare this dish a day ahead of time and reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce is too thick.

• How should I store leftovers?
  

  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Can I freeze this?
  

  Freezing is not recommended due to cream separation issues. If you freeze, it’s best to only freeze the chicken and sauce separately before cooking, not after, and complete the dish fresh after defrosting.

Variations and Customization Options

Want to change things up a bit? Here are some ways to adapt this recipe:

• Add Veggies: Sauté some chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms before adding the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Pasta Perfect: Serve over your favorite pasta, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
• Go Cheesy: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese on top of the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking and let it melt.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken is fantastic served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. It’s also delicious with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad. A crusty loaf of bread is great for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a lower carb meal, serve with cauliflower rice or zoodles!

Conclusion

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a winner for its ease, flavor, and versatility. It’s a meal that’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Don’t wait – try this recipe tonight and share your photos! Subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious and easy recipes!

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