Tender Chicken in Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

The aroma of sun-dried tomato cream sauce wafts through kitchens, promising a delectable chicken dish that melts in your mouth.

Rich, velvety flavors dance across tender chicken breasts, creating a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy and creamy notes that elevate simple ingredients.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this elegant yet uncomplicated recipe.

The combination of herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luxurious cream sauce transforms ordinary chicken into something spectacular.

Professional chefs would nod in approval at this masterful blend of textures and tastes.

Savor each forkful and enjoy a culinary experience that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Succulent Chicken in Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Overview

• Quick and Convenient Meal: Prepare a restaurant-quality dish with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that can be ready in under half an hour.
• Elevate Everyday Dining: Transform ordinary chicken into a gourmet experience with rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that adds luxurious flavor and impressive presentation.
• Versatile Culinary Creation: Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests, this recipe adapts easily to different serving styles and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or salad.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single pan for cooking chicken and creating a decadent sauce, making this recipe a time-saving and stress-free option for busy home cooks.

Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Chicken

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

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide a warm, spicy kick and aromatic base for the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a rich liquid base for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bring a concentrated, sweet-tangy flavor and vibrant color to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty, nutty taste that complements the creamy sauce.

• Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, fresh herb garnish that elevates the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Provides a medium for cooking the chicken and helps develop a golden-brown exterior.

Preparation Steps for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Cooking

Select boneless chicken breasts and generously season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.

Let the chicken rest at room temperature for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

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

Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan.

Cook each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and the center becomes completely white, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.

Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes.

Sauté these ingredients until they release their fragrant aroma, which takes about 30-45 seconds.

Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Cream Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Stir all ingredients together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Allow the sauce to slightly thicken and develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Finish Cooking Chicken in Sauce

Return the seared chicken to the skillet.

Spoon the creamy sauce generously over each piece, ensuring complete coverage.

Continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce reaches a perfect consistency and the chicken is thoroughly heated.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves over the chicken.

Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and the chicken remains juicy.

Tips for Succulent Tomato Cream Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
• Add garlic and red pepper flakes quickly to the hot skillet, stirring constantly to avoid burning and release their aromatic essence.
• Gradually reduce heat when adding cream to prevent separation, ensuring a smooth, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Let the sauce simmer gently to concentrate flavors and allow sun-dried tomatoes to infuse their rich, tangy character into the cream base.
• Sprinkle chopped basil just before serving to add a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce.

Variations for Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Chicken

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms, maintaining the rich sun-dried tomato sauce.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Skip the chicken broth, use more heavy cream, and add extra Parmesan to create a low-carb, high-fat sauce that complements grilled chicken.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to give the dish a Greek-inspired flavor profile while keeping the core cooking method intact.

Serving Ideas for Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

• Rustic Italian Dinner Companion: Pair this creamy chicken with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a bright, tangy contrast.
• Hearty Carb Partner: Serve over al dente linguine or creamy polenta to soak up the rich sun-dried tomato sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
• Wine Celebration Pairing: Complement the dish's creamy and slightly spicy profile with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay that enhances the chicken's delicate flavors.
• Veggie Side Splash: Add roasted asparagus or sautéed zucchini with garlic to bring fresh green notes and nutritional balance to the decadent main course.

Storage Recommendations for Tomato Cream Chicken

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and flavor.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring sauce halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

Yes, if fresh basil isn’t available, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried basil or skip the garnish entirely without compromising the dish’s flavor.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who don't like spicy food?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can reduce or completely omit them to make the dish milder and more family-friendly.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can also use chicken thighs for a more tender result. Just ensure they’re similar in thickness for even cooking.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine just before serving to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture and prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.

Succulent Chicken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce brings Mediterranean magic to dinner tables with rich, velvety flavors. Creamy, tangy sauce envelops perfectly seared chicken, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of this elegant Italian-inspired dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless (skinless) chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Pepper to taste

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Liberally coat chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and create a delectable seasoning layer.
2. Preheat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, ensuring the pan is hot enough to create a golden-brown crust on the chicken.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the sizzling skillet, cooking each side for approximately 5 minutes until a rich golden color develops and the interior reaches a perfect white, indicating complete cooking.
4. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and preserving its juiciness.
5. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 60 seconds to release their aromatic essence and create a fragrant base for the sauce.
6. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine and create a luxurious, creamy sauce.
7. Allow the sauce to gently simmer, developing rich flavors and gradually thickening to a velvety consistency.
8. Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet, delicately coating each piece with the sumptuous sauce and letting it warm through for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Finish the dish by scattering freshly torn basil leaves over the top, adding a burst of vibrant color and fresh herbaceous notes before serving.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs to boost flavor and juiciness, maintaining the same cooking technique.
• Reduce heavy cream calories by using half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version without compromising taste.
• Create a gluten-free option by ensuring Parmesan cheese is certified and replacing traditional seasonings with certified gluten-free alternatives.
• Make the dish spicier by increasing red pepper flakes or adding a dash of cayenne for adventurous palates.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg