There’s something irresistible about the rich, tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes mingling with tender chicken in a creamy sauce—comfort food that feels gourmet but comes together in a snap. I stumbled upon this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken recipe when I was craving something both hearty and easy to make after a long day. What surprised me most was how effortlessly it transforms simple ingredients into a dish with layers of flavor that impress every time. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this recipe is your new go-to for a luscious, crowd-pleasing meal that beats fast food any day.
Why choose Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken?
Bold flavors combine creamy richness with the tangy punch of sun-dried tomatoes for a truly mouthwatering dish. Quick and easy, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule without sacrificing taste. Versatile and satisfying, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or veggies. Impress guests effortlessly with a gourmet meal that feels homemade and special every time.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – choose evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking and juicy results.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil) – add a tangy, concentrated flavor that defines Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken.
- Heavy cream – provides the luscious, velvety texture that makes the sauce irresistibly creamy.
- Garlic cloves – freshly minced for a fragrant, savory depth that complements the tomatoes.
- Parmesan cheese – melts smoothly into the sauce, boosting its richness and adding a subtle nuttiness.
- Chicken broth – helps thin the sauce slightly while layering in savory umami notes.
- Olive oil – use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor when cooking the chicken.
- Italian seasoning – blends herbs like oregano and basil to enhance the Mediterranean vibe of the dish.
- Salt and pepper – essential for balancing and highlighting all the flavors in this creamy concoction.
For Serving and Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves – sprinkle on top for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous aroma.
- Cooked pasta or rice – perfect for soaking up every bit of the luscious cream sauce.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables – add a healthy, vibrant side that complements the rich chicken.
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
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Heat oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil) until shimmering, about 1–2 minutes, preparing the pan for perfect searing.
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Season chicken: Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides, ensuring every bite is flavorful and ready to absorb that luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
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Sear chicken: Cook chicken over medium heat until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side, flipping once. Remove to a plate; pieces should reach a light caramel color for locking in juices.
For the Sauce:
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Sauté garlic and tomatoes: Return skillet to medium-low heat, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until garlic is fragrant and tomatoes soften, about 1–2 minutes.
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Deglaze pan: Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits off the bottom; simmer for 1–2 minutes to concentrate the savory umami flavors in the base of your creamy sauce.
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Stir in cream and cheese: Lower heat, pour heavy cream, then whisk in grated Parmesan until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes, creating a velvety texture.
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Finish chicken: Nestle seared chicken back into the creamy sauce; simmer gently until pieces reach 165°F internal temperature and juices run clear, about 3–5 more minutes.
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Serve: Transfer chicken to plates, spooning extra sauce over pieces and garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of black pepper for vibrant aroma.
Optional: Serve over pasta or rice for a complete, comforting meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken is cooled before sealing to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.
Labeling: If freezing, label containers with the date and contents for easy meal planning. Remember, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is best enjoyed freshly made, but you can savor leftovers with proper storage!
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Variations
Feel free to mix and match these delightful twists to make this recipe your own, enhancing flavors or accommodating dietary needs!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a luscious, creamy sauce without dairy.
- Pasta Lover’s Dream: Toss in cooked fettuccine or penne while stirring the chicken into the sauce for a complete meal.
- Zesty Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers for a subtle heat that elevates the dish.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate spinach or kale during the sauce preparation for a pop of color and added nutrition. This not only enriches the meal, but adds a vibrancy that makes every bite delightful.
- Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more flavorful, juicy experience. The dark meat holds on to moisture beautifully!
- Mushroom Medley: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic and tomatoes for an earthy depth that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
- Nutty Variation: Stir in a spoonful of toasted pine nuts at the end for a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creaminess.
- Lemon Zest: A touch of freshly grated lemon zest brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing zing.
With these variations, you can easily personalize your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken, creating a dish that feels uniquely yours each time!
What to Serve with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken?
Elevate your meal experience with delightful accompaniments that enhance the creamy, tangy flavors of your chicken.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, it’s perfect for soaking up every drop of creamy sauce while adding a comforting crunch.
- Light Green Salad: A mix of arugula and spinach drizzled with lemon vinaigrette adds refreshing acidity to balance the richness.
- Aromatic Herb Rice: Fluffy rice infused with herbs beautifully absorbs the sun-dried tomato sauce and keeps the meal light.
- Roasted Asparagus: These tender spears create a lovely contrast in texture while their slight bitterness complements the creamy dish.
- Mediterranean Quinoa: Full of wholesome goodness, this nutty, toasted quinoa brings a heartiness while enhancing the Mediterranean vibe.
- Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well, cutting through the creaminess with its crisp acidity.
- Tiramisu: For dessert, this luscious coffee-flavored treat adds a touch of elegance, making your meal feel extra special and indulgent.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken dishes are perfect for meal prep! You can season and sear the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge to retain its juiciness. Additionally, you can sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes ahead of time, refrigerating them as well, so they’re ready for the sauce. Just before serving, reheat the chicken and finish by adding the cream and Parmesan in a skillet—simply simmer until everything is warmed through and the chicken reaches 165°F. With this make-ahead strategy, you can enjoy a comforting, gourmet meal with minimal effort during busy weeknights!
Expert Tips for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
- Choose even chicken pieces: Select chicken breasts that are similar in size to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy throughout.
- Use oil-packed tomatoes: Opt for sun-dried tomatoes in oil to boost flavor and use the oil for sautéing for richer taste.
- Don’t overcook chicken: Cook until just done (165°F) to keep the meat tender and prevent dryness in this creamy dish.
- Simmer sauce gently: Lower the heat when adding cream and cheese to avoid curdling and achieve a smooth, velvety texture.
- Season gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking to balance richness without overwhelming the tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
- Rest before serving: Let the chicken sit briefly in the sauce off heat to soak up flavors and keep it moist in your creamy sun-dried tomato chicken.
Easy Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken That Will Wow Your Tastebuds Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best sun-dried tomatoes for this recipe?
I recommend choosing sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil since they deliver the richest, tangiest flavor perfect for this creamy sauce. Look for tomatoes that are deep red with a slightly soft texture, avoiding ones that look too dry or have dark spots all over. The oil they come in is a goldmine for sautéing your chicken with extra flavor.
Can I store leftover Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken in the fridge?
Absolutely! Leftovers taste great and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Be sure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing—it helps keep the sauce creamy and the chicken juicy. When reheating, do it gently over low heat to prevent drying out.
Is it possible to freeze this creamy chicken dish? If so, how?
Yes, freezing works well for longer storage! Portion your cooled Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently warm on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive that luscious sauce.
My sauce curdled when I added the cream—what went wrong?
This can happen if the heat is too high when adding dairy. To avoid curdling, lower your stove’s heat before pouring in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir constantly and gently, keeping the sauce at a simmer, not a boil. I often recommend tempering the cream by slowly mixing a little hot sauce into it before combining everything—this balances the temperature and creates a silky smooth sauce every time.
Is this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken safe for pets or suitable for common dietary restrictions?
While it’s a delightful meal for us, this dish contains garlic, onions, and dairy, which aren’t safe for dogs or cats, so please keep it away from your furry friends. For those with lactose intolerance, using lactose-free cream or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream can work, but it will slightly change the sauce’s flavor and texture. Always adjust seasoning carefully when swapping ingredients to keep the balance right!
Easy Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken That Will Wow Your Tastebuds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 1–2 minutes.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Sear the chicken in the skillet until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the browned bits off the bottom; simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Lower heat and whisk in heavy cream and grated Parmesan until smooth, about 2–3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer gently until cooked through, about 3–5 more minutes.
- Serve the chicken with extra sauce on top and garnish with fresh basil and pepper.
