Creamiest Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

If you have been searching for the absolute Creamiest Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe that brings together juicy, tender chicken and a luxuriously rich sauce, your quest ends here. This dish combines the deep, caramelized flavor of sun-dried tomatoes with a velvety cream base and fragrant herbs, wrapping everything in a luscious, cheesy blanket. Every bite bursts with warmth and comfort, making it a perfect meal to impress family or friends or simply indulge yourself on any day of the week.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this dish right is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that blend beautifully to create rich flavors, smooth textures, and vibrant colors. Each component plays a pivotal role, from the herbs that add aromatic layers to the creamy cheese that rounds out the sauce.

• 600 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for leaner meat with great tenderness.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Provides the perfect searing base with a fruity flavor that enhances the chicken.
• 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and intensifying all the flavors.
• ½ tsp black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
• ½ tsp paprika: Brings warmth and a beautiful reddish hue to the chicken.
• 2 tbsp butter: Creates a silky foundation for the sauce and enriches its depth.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant and inviting aroma.
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, sliced (drained): Adds intense, tangy sweetness and chewy texture that sets this recipe apart.
• 1 cup cooking cream: Vital for the luscious, smooth creaminess in the sauce.
• ½ cup chicken broth: Balances richness with lightness and builds savory depth.
• ½ tsp dried oregano: Adds herbal earthiness, complementing the tomatoes perfectly.
• ½ tsp dried basil: Contributes a sweet, peppery freshness.
• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional): For a delicate touch of heat that wakes up the palate.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it a nutty, salty richness.
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens and freshens each serving with color and herbaceous notes.

How to Make Creamiest Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs with salt, black pepper, and paprika. These simple spices bring out the meat’s natural flavors and add just enough color. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked thoroughly. This step locks in juices and sets the perfect foundation for the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

After removing the chicken, reduce the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet, which will soak up all the bits left from searing. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sauté just for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant and inviting. Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about a minute to release their intense flavor into the buttery mixture. This little burst of flavor is what makes the sauce unforgettable.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Pour in cooking cream and chicken broth while stirring gently. Sprinkle dried oregano, basil, and optional chili flakes into the bubbling liquid. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. This slow simmer melds the herbs and cream, creating a deep, silky sauce.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Season

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts, turning the sauce smooth and indulgent. At this stage, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to your liking. The cheese not only thickens the sauce but also adds a rich, savory punch that is essential for the Creamiest Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Simmer

Finally, nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet and spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together gently for about 5 minutes. This ensures the chicken soaks up some of the sauce, making each bite tender, juicy, and drenched in creamy goodness.

How to Serve Creamiest Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Garnishes

Freshly chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness that contrasts perfectly with the richness of the sauce. Garnishes are not just for looks—those fresh herbs enhance every bite with their vibrant aroma and freshness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like fluffy rice or silky pasta to soak up the sauce. Crusty bread is another fantastic option, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that decadent sauce, ensuring none of the Creamiest Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant presentation, try serving the chicken sliced on a bed of wilted spinach or creamy mashed potatoes. Drizzle the sauce artfully over the slices and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and herbs. This elevates the dish for special occasions while keeping its comforting essence intact.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Creamiest Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to preserve that luscious creaminess, and reheat gently to maintain moisture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish by placing portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Before freezing, allow the dish to cool completely, then cover tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much, ensuring the Creamiest Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes stays silky and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, making the dish even more tender. Just adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

What can I substitute for cooking cream if I don’t have any?

You can use heavy cream, half-and-half, or even full-fat coconut milk for a slightly different but delicious twist. Avoid skim milk as it may curdle and won’t give that signature creamy texture.

Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary, or can I use fresh tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes provide an intense, concentrated flavor and chewy texture that fresh tomatoes can’t replicate. For this recipe, they are essential to achieve that perfect tang and depth.

Is this dish spicy because of the chili flakes?

The chili flakes are optional and used in a small amount to add a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish. Feel free to omit them if you prefer no heat at all.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. When ready, gently reheat and add the cooked chicken directly to the sauce to rewarm and blend the flavors.

Final Thoughts

I promise that once you try this Creamiest Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes whenever you want something comforting yet impressive. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly satisfying. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and dive into this creamy, flavorful experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.