Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream

There’s something about a creamy skillet dish that brings comfort straight to your kitchen table. And when sun-dried tomatoes enter the picture, magic happens. This Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream is the kind of dinner you crave after a long day—creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make you’ll wonder why you haven’t added it to your weekly rotation yet. With golden chicken nestled in a rich, tangy sauce, every bite is a warm hug of savory perfection.

Behind the Recipe

This dish was born from a night when I was craving something cozy yet bold. I had a jar of sun-dried tomatoes begging to be used, and a few pantry staples later, this creamy, dreamy chicken was sizzling away on the stove. It’s the kind of recipe that comes together with little fuss but delivers big flavor. The cream mellows out the tomatoes’ tang, while the parmesan adds a touch of salty richness. It feels special, yet it’s totally weekday-friendly.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Cream-based chicken dishes like this one are rooted in classic European comfort food, especially Italian and French cuisines, where dairy-rich sauces are celebrated. Sun-dried tomatoes, once a preservation necessity, are now a gourmet staple known for their concentrated flavor. They became especially popular in American cooking in the 1980s and 1990s and continue to be loved for their ability to instantly deepen flavor without extra work.

Why You’ll Love Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream

This dish is more than just another chicken dinner. Here’s why it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen:

Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even zoodles. It adapts to whatever you have.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry and fridge staples—no fancy ingredients required.

Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, or your favorite veggies to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful. What’s not to love?

Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce holds beautifully and reheats like a dream.

Great for Leftovers: The flavor deepens overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

If you want every bite to taste like it came from a cozy Italian bistro, follow these quick tips:

1. Use sun-dried tomatoes in oil: They’re softer, more flavorful, and easier to chop.
2. Sear the chicken well: Don’t skip this step. A golden crust locks in flavor.
3. Deglaze the pan: Use broth to scrape up those tasty brown bits. They’re liquid gold for the sauce.
4. Let the sauce simmer gently: Don’t boil it. You want it thick and creamy, not split.
5. Finish with fresh basil: It brightens everything and gives a lovely pop of color.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To keep things easy and mess-free, here’s what you’ll need:

Large Skillet: Ideal for searing the chicken and simmering the sauce.

Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken evenly without losing the crust.

Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accuracy in your sauce base.

Wooden Spoon: Helps stir without scratching your pan.

Ingredients in Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of bold and creamy. Here’s what brings it to life:

1. Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: 1.5 pounds. Juicy and flavorful, they cook quickly and stay tender.
2. Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: ½ cup, chopped. Adds intense, tangy richness.
3. Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Brings that savory depth and aroma.
4. Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Creates the luscious, silky sauce.
5. Chicken Broth: ½ cup. Adds body and helps balance the richness.
6. Grated Parmesan Cheese: ⅓ cup. Melts into the sauce and adds salty umami.
7. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Used to sear the chicken and cook the aromatics.
8. Salt: ½ teaspoon. Enhances all the other flavors.
9. Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon. Gives a subtle kick.
10. Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon. A fragrant mix of herbs that ties everything together.
11. Fresh Basil: 2 tablespoons, chopped. Adds freshness and color to the final dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Life’s unpredictable, so here’s how to flex with what you’ve got:

Chicken thighs: Chicken tenders or drumsticks.

Heavy cream: Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Roasted red peppers (chopped) for a similar sweet-tangy vibe.

Parmesan: Pecorino Romano or shredded mozzarella.

Italian seasoning: Mix of oregano, thyme, and basil.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little flavor bombs are made by drying ripe tomatoes under the sun or in an oven, concentrating their sweetness and acidity. They’re chewy, rich, and packed with umami.

Heavy Cream: It’s the magic behind the sauce’s silky body. When simmered, it thickens naturally and absorbs all the flavors it’s mixed with.

Instructions for Making Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream

Alright, time to bring it all together. This recipe flows effortlessly once you get started.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and let it get hot.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Season the chicken on both sides.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Add olive oil to the hot skillet. Once shimmering, place the chicken thighs in a single layer and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add a splash of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, followed by the chicken broth. Scrape the pan to deglaze.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Stir in heavy cream and parmesan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Sprinkle fresh basil over the top.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Plate the chicken and pour extra sauce over each serving. Perfect with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This dish is all about contrasts. The chicken is pan-seared to a golden crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. The sauce is creamy but with tiny chewy bites of sun-dried tomato that explode with tangy sweetness. The parmesan brings saltiness, and the basil finishes it off with brightness. It’s rich, bold, and comforting all at once.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few extra tricks to guarantee success:

• Let the chicken rest after searing to keep juices inside.
• Warm your cream slightly before adding to prevent curdling.
• Chop the sun-dried tomatoes finely if you want a smoother sauce texture.
• Add spinach at the end for extra color and nutrients.

What to Avoid

Sometimes small mistakes can affect the final flavor. Here’s what to steer clear of:

• Overcrowding the pan: This will steam, not sear, your chicken.
• Boiling the sauce: Causes cream to split and ruins texture.
• Skipping the deglaze: You’ll miss out on a ton of flavor if you don’t scrape up the browned bits.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 470

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can absolutely make this ahead for an easy weeknight meal. Just cook everything, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, portion out the chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags and store for up to 2 months. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream

This dish is incredibly flexible. Serve it over buttery mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up that dreamy sauce. A side salad with vinaigrette adds a fresh balance. For a dinner party, garnish with more basil and a sprinkle of parmesan for that wow effect.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got leftovers? Lucky you.

• Creamy Chicken Pasta: Shred the chicken and toss with pasta.
• Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Spoon over baked potatoes and top with cheese.
• Savory Flatbread: Use as a topping for naan or pizza with mozzarella.

Additional Tips

• Stir the sauce gently to keep it from breaking.
• Want more kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• A little lemon zest can lift the flavor even more.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation is key. Serve in a shallow white bowl to let the sauce shine. Garnish with basil leaves and a tiny drizzle of olive oil for that restaurant-style finish. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds texture and elegance.

Variations to Try

• Spinach Cream Chicken: Add fresh spinach before simmering the sauce.
• Mushroom Twist: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of cream.
• Cheesy Baked: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil.
• Zesty Lemon: Add lemon juice and zest to brighten the sauce.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

A1: Yes, just be careful not to overcook as they tend to dry out faster.

Q2: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A2: Yes, as long as your chicken broth and parmesan are gluten-free certified.

Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?

A3: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

Q4: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A4: Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.

Q5: Can I add vegetables?

A5: Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or kale work wonderfully.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

A6: Yes, just use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding.

Q7: How spicy is this dish?

A7: It’s mild, but you can spice it up with red pepper flakes.

Q8: Does this freeze well?

A8: Yes, the creamy sauce freezes beautifully if sealed properly.

Q9: What wine pairs well with this?

A9: A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creaminess.

Q10: Can I use milk instead of cream?

A10: You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

Conclusion

Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream is one of those unforgettable dishes that feels fancy but is secretly easy. With its dreamy sauce, golden chicken, and comforting flavor, it’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor each bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, trust me, this one’s a total game-changer.

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