If you love dishes that balance rich flavors with simple cooking, then this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe will be your new favorite weeknight meal. It’s hearty, packed with garlicky, cheesy goodness, and has that lovely tang from sun-dried tomatoes that keeps every bite interesting.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times this creamy chicken has saved my dinner plans. It’s quick, uses just one pan, and the sauce is so good you’ll want to lick your plate!
- One-pan wonder: Minimizes cleanup, so less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Flavor-packed: Italian seasoning, paprika, and sun-dried tomatoes create layers of savory goodness.
- Comfort food made easy: Creamy Parmesan sauce feels indulgent but comes together quickly on the stovetop.
- Versatile serving: Perfect over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, adapting to whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before we dive into the cooking part, let’s chat about the star ingredients. Picking quality chicken breasts and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes really makes all the difference here. Oh, and don’t skip fresh basil at the end - it brightens up the rich sauce beautifully.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They cook quickly and soak up all that creamy sauce perfectly.
- Italian seasoning: A handy blend that brings herbs like oregano and thyme to add depth.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to season the chicken and balance flavors.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken crisp and golden.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives the sauce its irresistible aroma and punch.
- Chicken stock: Deglazing the pan with stock lifts all those delicious browned bits off the bottom.
- Heavy cream: The base of the sauce that makes it luxuriously creamy.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These add a tangy sweetness and a chewy texture that I adore.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that cheesy umami goodness.
- Red pepper flakes: A pinch gives a gentle heat, but you can adjust to your liking.
- Fresh basil leaves: Stirred in last for a fresh, herbal finish that brightens the whole dish.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastes and pantry! Feel free to swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to make it truly yours—every variation brings a fresh twist to this comforting classic.
- Swap the herbs: I like swapping fresh basil for fresh parsley or oregano when I want a different herbal note. It refreshes the dish and pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Lighter cream option: If you prefer something lighter, try replacing the heavy cream with half-and-half. It turns out a bit less rich but still deliciously creamy.
- Kick up the heat: For those who love a bit of spice, I bump up the red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon. It gives the sauce a pleasant warmth without overpowering the flavors.
- Make it dairy-free: To accommodate dairy-free diets, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. The sauce still stays luscious and flavorful.
- Seasonal veggies addition: Adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms right before finishing gives extra color, texture, and nutrition that blend beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Start by generously seasoning your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. This simple spice blend creates a flavorful crust once seared. Don’t be shy—seasoning is key for that irresistible depth!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to a Golden Brown
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot pan and cook undisturbed until each side turns a beautiful golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and develops flavor. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate — it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through just yet!
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze the Pan
In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic. Then pour in ½ cup chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those tasty browned bits. This step builds the rich flavor foundation for your creamy sauce—don’t skip it!
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Turn the heat down to medium, and slowly stir in 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, if you like it spicy). Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken and the cheese melts into that velvety base. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of that luscious sauce over each piece. Let the chicken simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This final simmer allows the chicken to cook fully while soaking up all the garlicky, cheesy goodness—perfection!
Step 6: Add Fresh Basil and Serve Warm
Just before serving, stir in ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves for a burst of bright, herbal freshness. Then plate your chicken with plenty of that creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s divine over pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes—whatever you prefer!
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