Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

If you’re craving a dinner that delivers rich, velvety flavor with minimal effort, the Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet is your new go-to. Packed with succulent chicken breasts, tangy sun dried tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce, this dish comes together in one pan for a quick yet impressive meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe balances bold flavors and satisfying textures perfectly for a fulfilling weeknight dinner everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
• One-pan convenience: Fewer dishes to clean means more time to enjoy your meal and relax.
• Rich and creamy flavors: The combination of sun dried tomatoes and creamy sauce creates a deliciously comforting dish.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with different herbs, vegetables, or dairy-free options to suit your taste.
• Perfect for all skill levels: Ideal whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned pro looking for a fuss-free recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet are straightforward yet essential to building its incredible flavor profile. Each item plays a role in bringing balance, richness, and vibrant color to the finished dish.

• Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for quick cooking and tender bites.
• Sun dried tomatoes: These add a concentrated tangy sweetness and chewy texture that elevates the sauce.
• Heavy cream: The base for the creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with fragrant aroma and flavor.
• Chicken broth: Helps create a flavorful, slightly saucy consistency without overpowering.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic to golden perfection.
• Fresh basil or parsley: Finishing herbs that bring brightness and freshness to avoid heaviness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.

Variations for Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily swap or add ingredients depending on what’s on hand or your dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and experiment with flavors and textures.

• Spinach addition: Stir in fresh spinach at the end for an easy way to add greens and vibrant color.
• Mushroom upgrade: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy depth and heartier texture.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a creamy but vegan-friendly sauce.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to give the sauce a gentle heat boost.
• Whole grain twist: Serve over quinoa, brown rice, or whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients.

How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures your chicken develops a beautiful golden crust and the meat remains juicy inside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside while you build the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic along with chopped sun dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning and release those delicious aromatics.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to infuse flavor. Then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken gently, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Return Chicken to Skillet and Simmer

Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for a few minutes to let the flavors meld and the chicken finish cooking.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling fresh herbs like basil or parsley over the top before serving. This adds an inviting pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the richness.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

• Even thickness: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and juiciness.
• Use quality sun dried tomatoes: Opt for oil-packed sun dried tomatoes for a richer flavor and softer texture.
• Don’t rush simmering: Allow the sauce to gently thicken on low heat for the best creamy consistency.
• Deglaze skillet properly: Scraping browned bits adds deep flavor, so don’t skip this step when adding broth.
• Adjust seasoning last: Taste and add salt or pepper at the end to avoid over-seasoning as the sauce thickens.

How to Serve Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

Top the dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley to add a bright, herbaceous contrast to the creamy sauce, enhancing aroma and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This skillet shines when paired with simple sides like steamed green beans, garlic mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or a crisp mixed salad to balance richness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, plate the chicken atop creamy polenta or wild rice, drizzle extra sauce around the edges, and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavor only deepens as the ingredients meld, making for an even tastier next-day meal.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well; place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken skillet over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add more richness and stay moist during cooking, making a great alternative to breasts.

Do I need to soak sun dried tomatoes before using?

If using dry-packed sun dried tomatoes, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften; oil-packed ones can be used directly, chopped.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free chicken broth, making it suitable for most gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and omit Parmesan or try a dairy-free cheese alternative for a creamy texture.

What can I use to thicken the sauce if needed?

If the sauce is too thin, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, cooking a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you want a comforting meal that’s both simple and bursting with vibrant flavor, this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet hits every note. It’s a perfect blend of creamy richness and tangy brightness, ready in a flash but delicious enough to feel special. Give it a try tonight—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make dinner feel like a celebration!

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