Go Back
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and finely chopped) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup fresh spinach (optional) - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional) - Chicken Breasts: You can use chicken thighs instead for more flavor. - Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If unavailable, try fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers. - Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut cream. - Spinach: Feel free to add other greens like kale or arugula. - Parmesan Cheese: Use any hard cheese, like Pecorino Romano, if desired. - Calories: 450 - Protein: 40g - Carbohydrates: 6g - Fat: 30g - Fiber: 1g - Sodium: 700mg This dish packs a lot of taste and energy, perfect for a filling meal. Enjoy making this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix these spices well. This step builds a strong flavor base. Make sure to coat both sides evenly. Set the seasoned chicken aside for a few minutes. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Carefully add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sear each side for 6-7 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust and ensure they are cooked fully. Once done, take the chicken from the skillet. Place it on a plate and cover it. This keeps it warm while you cook the sauce. In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them for about 2 minutes. This helps release their rich flavor into the oil. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any bits off the bottom. These bits add great taste. Let this mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. Now, stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to simmer for another 2 minutes. If you want fresh spinach, add it now. Let it wilt into the sauce. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes. This melds the flavors nicely. Adjust seasoning as needed, then serve with Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy! To get a nice sear, make sure your skillet is hot. Heat the olive oil until it shimmers. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Season the chicken well before adding it to the pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown crust. This adds flavor and texture. If the chicken sticks, it may not be ready to flip yet. Patience is key. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Stir it in slowly until you reach the right texture. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. This helps it reduce and concentrate the flavors. Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust with salt and pepper as needed. This step ensures each bite is perfect. To boost the taste, consider adding garlic or onion while sautéing the tomatoes. Fresh herbs like basil can add a nice touch too. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a kick. You can also mix in grated cheese for extra creaminess. These tweaks can elevate your dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh sun-dried tomatoes and organic chicken to elevate the flavor and quality of your dish. Control the Heat: Searing the chicken on medium heat allows for a perfect golden crust without overcooking the inside. Keep an eye on it to avoid dryness. Enhance the Creaminess: For an even richer sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine before the chicken broth, allowing it to reduce slightly for depth of flavor. Garnish Smartly: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only add color but also freshen up the dish, making it visually appealing and enhancing the flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can easily add more veggies to this dish. Spinach works great and adds color. Just toss it in with the sauce until it wilts. Mushrooms bring a nice earthy flavor. Sauté them with the sun-dried tomatoes for extra taste. You can choose any veggie you like. Try bell peppers or zucchini for a fresh crunch. If you want to change the protein, shrimp is an excellent option. Cook them until they turn pink and tender. Tofu is another choice. Use firm tofu and pan-fry it for a crispy texture. Both options will absorb the creamy sauce well. This way, you can enjoy a new twist on the classic recipe. You can spice things up easily. Add red pepper flakes for heat or use hot sauce. For an herb-infused flavor, try fresh basil or thyme. Just stir in the herbs while making the sauce. These small changes can create a whole new dish. Experiment and find what flavors you love best! You can store creamy sun-dried tomato chicken in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps keep it safe and tasty. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. It lasts up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to label the bags with the date. To reheat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge. You can warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir it gently until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Enjoy your delicious meal! Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. However, sun-dried tomatoes offer a rich, concentrated flavor. Fresh tomatoes will make the dish lighter but less intense. If using fresh, chop about 2-3 medium tomatoes. Cook them longer to soften in the sauce. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Pasta: Cooked fettuccine or penne absorbs the sauce well. - Rice: A fluffy rice bed is a great base. - Polenta: Creamy polenta adds a nice touch. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. - Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. To make creamy sun-dried tomato chicken dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste while keeping it rich and creamy. This guide covered everything you need to make creamy sun-dried tomato chicken. We explored all ingredients and swaps, plus the steps to prepare and sear the chicken. I shared tips to get the best sear and adjust sauce thickness. You learned possible variations with different proteins and flavors. Finally, I provided storage methods and answers to common questions. Use these insights to create a dish everyone will love. Enjoy experimenting and making this recipe your own!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Delight

A delicious and creamy chicken dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes and a rich sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and finely chopped)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
  • for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Begin by thoroughly seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning for a flavor-packed base.
  • Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, covering it to keep warm.
  • Sauté the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 2 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their rich flavor.
  • Create the Flavor Base: Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the skillet's bottom—this adds incredible flavor to your sauce. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Build the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to simmer for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If you opted for the fresh spinach, add it now, letting it wilt into the sauce.
  • Reintroduce the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the luscious creamy sauce over the chicken pieces, allowing them to bathe in the flavor. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors beautifully.
  • Season to Taste: Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed to suit your palate.
  • Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy sun-dried tomato chicken warm, with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added touch of elegance.

Notes

Plate the chicken on a bed of cooked pasta or creamy polenta, drizzling extra sauce over the top. Add a sprig of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color alongside the Parmesan.
Keyword chicken, creamy, easy recipe, sun-dried tomatoes