Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken: A Tangy Dream Recipe

Nestled in the heart of comfort cooking, sun-dried tomato chicken promises a delightful culinary adventure that will spark your taste buds.

Vibrant ingredients meld together, creating a symphony of rich, tangy flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings dance across tender chicken pieces, infusing each bite with warmth and depth.

Cream transforms this dish into a luxurious experience that feels both sophisticated and homey.

Weeknight meals gain extraordinary character through this simple yet impressive recipe.

Quick preparation meets exceptional taste, making it perfect for busy individuals seeking memorable dining moments.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible chicken creation.

What Makes Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken a Go-To Meal

• Elevate your weeknight dinner with restaurant-quality taste without complicated techniques, making this sun-dried tomato chicken a delightful culinary experience.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire meal in a single skillet, reducing dishes and saving precious time after a busy day.
• Adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Create a sophisticated meal that looks and tastes complex but requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for home cooks wanting to showcase their culinary prowess.

Ingredients in Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that serves as the primary protein in this creamy and flavorful dish.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Create a rich and smooth base for the sauce that adds depth and creaminess.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provide an intense, concentrated tomato flavor with a sweet and tangy profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty element that enhances the overall taste of the sauce.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Fundamental seasonings that build a robust and well-rounded flavor foundation.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Aromatic herbs that contribute an authentic Italian herb essence to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Optional garnish that offers a bright, fresh finish to the meal.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential for cooking the chicken and creating a smooth, flavorful sauce base.

How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

Step 1: Season The Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and generously sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder across both sides.

Make sure each piece gets an even coating for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan.

Cook each side until golden brown and crispy, approximately 6-7 minutes.

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Base

In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and melt butter.

Add minced garlic and saute until fragrant and lightly golden.

Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Add heavy cream and stir until ingredients are fully integrated.

Allow sauce to simmer and slightly thicken over 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Enhance Sauce Complexity

• Grated Parmesan
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano

Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken With Sauce

Return chicken breasts to the skillet.

Spoon sauce generously over each piece.

Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing chicken to reheat and absorb surrounding flavors.

Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch.

Tips for Cooking Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior that seals in juicy flavors.
• Keep heat at medium-low when adding cream to avoid curdling, stirring constantly to create a smooth, silky sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for more intense, concentrated tomato taste that elevates the entire dish's richness and complexity.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter version, and use gluten-free chicken broth to make the recipe suitable for different dietary restrictions.
• Add fresh basil just before serving to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities and provide a vibrant garnish that brings the dish to life.

Best Way to Store Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

• Store leftover sun-dried tomato chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce moisture. Stir gently and heat for 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring even warming.

What to Pair with Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing the rich sun-dried tomato flavors with its bright acidity and herbal undertones.
• Serve with Garlic Parmesan Focaccia: Crusty, herb-infused bread perfectly soaks up the luxurious sauce, complementing the chicken's Mediterranean-inspired profile and adding delightful textural contrast.
• Match with Roasted Mediterranean Vegetable Salad: Grilled zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers seasoned with olive oil and herbs create a fresh, colorful side that echoes the sun-dried tomato's robust character.
• Accompany with Chardonnay from California: Buttery, oak-aged white wine enhances the creamy sauce's richness, with subtle vanilla notes that harmonize with the dish's complex flavor profile.

Creative Twists on Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a cheesy flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for higher fat content. Use full-fat cream and add extra butter to increase healthy fat levels. Skip flour-based thickeners and rely on natural sauce reduction.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Substitute dried herbs with fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Add kalamata olives and extra sun-dried tomatoes for an authentic Mediterranean profile. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for additional flavor complexity.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt. Replace salt with fresh herbs like parsley and chives. Choose low-sodium sun-dried tomatoes to control overall sodium intake while maintaining rich taste.

FAQs

• Is sun-dried tomato chicken difficult to make?

No, this recipe is straightforward and takes less than 30 minutes. Even home cooks with basic skills can easily prepare this delicious dish with simple ingredients and clear steps.

• What makes the sun-dried tomato sauce creamy?

The sauce gets its creamy texture from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. These ingredients blend together to create a rich, smooth consistency that coats the chicken perfectly.

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes won’t provide the same intense, concentrated flavor as sun-dried tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes have a deeper, sweeter taste that’s crucial to this recipe’s unique flavor profile.

• What should I do if my sauce is too thin?

If the sauce hasn’t thickened enough, continue simmering it on medium-low heat. The sauce will naturally reduce and become thicker as it cooks, creating a more luxurious consistency.

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic unfolds with this sun-dried tomato chicken recipe, blending Mediterranean flavors into a simple yet elegant dish. Creamy sauce and tender chicken create a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Base and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by generously coating both sides with a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even seasoning coverage.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering. Carefully place chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and translucent, approximately 1-2 minutes. Introduce chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to soften and release their intense flavor for 2-3 minutes.
4. Deglaze the skillet by pouring chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up caramelized bits from the pan’s surface. Incorporate heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, cohesive sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
5. Enhance the sauce by stirring in grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and oregano. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to balance flavors.
6. Gently return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce over chicken and allow to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, enabling the meat to reheat and absorb the rich, herbaceous flavors. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and enhance flavor absorption.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking chicken to maintain high heat and create a crispy, caramelized surface.
• Opt for oil with a high smoke point like avocado or grapeseed as alternatives to olive oil for better searing results.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a more intense and authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Transform this dish into a low-carb meal by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 54 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg