Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Delight

Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag? Look no further! This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken recipe is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters. The combination of tender chicken breasts, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, rich cream, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of tastes that will have you coming back for more. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* Flavorful: The sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of sweetness and tang, balanced by the richness of the cream and the savory notes of the chicken and herbs.
* Versatile: Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
* Impressive: Looks and tastes like a gourmet dish, but requires minimal effort.
* Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences – add vegetables, adjust the spice level, or use different herbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* Chicken Breasts: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each).
* Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained (reserve the oil!).
* Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced.
* Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream.
* Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup chicken broth.
* Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
* Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat).
* Salt and Pepper: To taste.
* Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (or reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes).
* Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish).
* Optional Add-Ins: Spinach, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese.

Ingredient Breakdown and Substitutions

Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient and explore potential substitutions:

* Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most convenient option, but you can also use chicken thighs. If using chicken thighs, increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
* Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are preferred for their flavor and texture. If using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in hot water for about 15 minutes before using. You can find sun-dried tomatoes in most grocery stores, usually in the olive oil or Italian food aisle.
* Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always best for flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
* Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is essential for the rich and creamy sauce. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free version, but be aware that it will impart a slight coconut flavor.
* Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce. You can use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content. You can also use vegetable broth as a substitute.
* Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs, typically including oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. You can find it in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can make your own blend by combining equal parts of the individual herbs.
* Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish. If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit them.
* Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the chicken and garlic. You can use any type of cooking oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Using the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes adds a little extra flavor.
* Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness and color to the dish. You can substitute it with other fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano.
* Optional Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables or ingredients to the dish, such as spinach, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or Parmesan cheese. Spinach should be added during the last few minutes of cooking to wilt it slightly. Mushrooms and artichoke hearts can be sautéed along with the garlic. Parmesan cheese can be grated over the dish at the end for added flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown properly. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

**Step 2: Sear the Chicken**

* Heat the olive oil (or reserved sun-dried tomato oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
* Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is recommended. Use a meat thermometer to check.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

**Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes**

* Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly and release their flavor.

**Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce**

* Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits (this adds flavor!).
* Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
* Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
* Bring the sauce back to a simmer and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce**

* Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet.
* Spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
* Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb some of the sauce.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

* Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
* Serve immediately over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

* Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* Use Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The quality of the sun-dried tomatoes will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
* Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken.
* Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic will taste bitter and ruin the flavor of the dish. Keep a close eye on the garlic while it’s sautéing and reduce the heat if necessary.
* Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preferences.
* Add a Splash of Wine: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) to the skillet after sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Allow the wine to reduce slightly before adding the chicken broth.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* Pasta: Serve it over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Toss the pasta with the sauce for maximum flavor.
* Rice: White rice, brown rice, or wild rice are all excellent options. Spoon the chicken and sauce over the rice.
* Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for this dish. The sauce is perfect for drizzling over the potatoes.
* Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce. A baguette or sourdough bread would be ideal.
* Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
* Salad: A simple green salad is a refreshing accompaniment to this rich and creamy dish.

Variations and Additions

Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are a few variations and additions to try:

* Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* Cheesy: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese at the end for a cheesy twist.
* Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
* Mushroom Lovers: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
* Spinach: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking to wilt it slightly.
* Artichoke Hearts: Add quartered artichoke hearts to the skillet along with the sun-dried tomatoes.
* Lemon: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a bright and tangy flavor.
* Bacon: Cook crumbled bacon and add it to the sauce for a smoky flavor.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the chicken and sauce according to the recipe instructions. Allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin the sauce if it has thickened during storage.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw the chicken and sauce in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:

**Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe**

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained (reserve the oil!)
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (or reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes)
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil (or reserved sun-dried tomato oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly and release their flavor.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce back to a simmer and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb some of the sauce.
8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.

Enjoy!

Conclusion

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its flavorful sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen!