Skillet Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Skillet chicken dinners are a weeknight staple for a reason. They’re quick, easy, and endlessly customizable. This recipe for skillet chicken with sun-dried tomato sauce takes the classic to a whole new level with its vibrant flavors and comforting richness. The combination of juicy chicken breasts, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a touch of cream creates a sauce that’s both elegant and incredibly satisfying. This dish is perfect served over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even alongside a simple salad for a complete and balanced meal.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of flavor that elevates the chicken to something special.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with your favorite sides and easily customize the ingredients to your liking.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Less cleanup is always a win! Everything cooks in one skillet.
* **Impressive Yet Simple:** It tastes like a restaurant-quality dish but requires minimal effort.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious skillet chicken:

* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor. Drain them well before using. You can also use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, but you’ll need to rehydrate them in hot water for about 15 minutes before using.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic is essential for adding depth of flavor to the sauce. Mince it finely for best results.
* **Onion:** A yellow or white onion provides a savory base for the sauce. Diced finely, it melts into the sauce as it cooks.
* **Chicken Broth:** Low-sodium chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the sauce. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer.
* **Heavy Cream:** A touch of heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can substitute half-and-half or crème fraîche for a lighter option.
* **Italian Seasoning:** This blend of dried herbs adds a classic Italian flavor to the dish. You can also use a combination of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your liking.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Fresh Parsley (optional):** For garnish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make skillet chicken with sun-dried tomato sauce:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown properly.
* Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

**Step 2: Sear the Chicken**

* Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the chicken breasts without overcrowding them. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
* Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear them for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add a little more olive oil to the skillet if needed.
* Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
* Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 4: Make the Sauce**

* Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are heated through and fragrant.
* Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This will add extra flavor to the sauce.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
* Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through.
* Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 5: Combine and Serve**

* Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them into the sauce.
* Spoon the sauce over the chicken breasts to coat them evenly.
* Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve immediately over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Chicken Thighs:** Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts for a richer flavor. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs take a bit longer to cook than breasts.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Add them to the skillet along with the onion and garlic.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicier kick.
* **Use a Different Herb Blend:** Experiment with different herb blends, such as Herbs de Provence or a combination of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
* **Add Wine:** Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after sautéing the vegetables for added depth of flavor. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the chicken broth.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for the heavy cream to make this dish dairy-free.
* **Add Parmesan Cheese:** Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese at the end for a cheesy and savory flavor boost.
* **Sun-dried Tomato Paste:** For an even more intense sun-dried tomato flavor, add a tablespoon or two of sun-dried tomato paste to the sauce.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.

## Serving Suggestions

This skillet chicken with sun-dried tomato sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Pasta:** Toss the chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley will make it look more attractive and add a richer flavour.
* **Rice:** Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to this rich and flavorful dish. Make sure to enrich your mashed potatoes with butter and a bit of cream or milk to ensure it is extra delicious.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce.
* **Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

## Make Ahead and Storage Tips

* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken.
* **Storage:** Store leftover skillet chicken with sun-dried tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
* **Freezing:** While the chicken and sauce can be frozen, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Recipe Card

**Skillet Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce**

A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts in a vibrant sun-dried tomato sauce.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4 servings

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
* 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
7. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Return the chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
9. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley (if using) and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Enjoy this delicious and easy skillet chicken with sun-dried tomato sauce! It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.