1. Introduction
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is secretly very easy to make. Juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, creamy garlic sauce with bold sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. Best part? Everything comes together in one pan, so cleanup is simple.
This recipe is a winner because it tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, but you can make it at home in under 40 minutes.
2. Ingredients (Exact Measurements + Best Picks)
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and sliced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts best)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or basil
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
3. Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
- Large skillet or frying pan (12-inch works best)
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
4. Preparation Steps (Barney Style)
- Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Mince the garlic and slice the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Grate the parmesan cheese and set everything aside before cooking.
Getting everything ready first makes cooking smooth and stress-free.
5. Cooking Instructions (Step-by-Step)
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and mostly cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (do not burn).
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Add parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and dried herbs. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thick.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it.
- Simmer for another 5–7 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is creamy.
Secret Tip:
If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
6. Serving Suggestions
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice.
- Pair with garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness.
7. Additional Tips & Variations
- Healthier version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Low-carb option: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine before the cream.
- Cheesy boost: Mix in mozzarella for an even creamier sauce.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free parmesan alternatives.
8. Nutrition Details (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fat | 37 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but reheat gently on low heat to avoid separating the sauce.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but it can be frozen if needed. Expect slight texture changes.
10. Wrap-Up
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a family favorite. It’s rich, comforting, and full of bold flavors, yet simple enough for everyday cooking. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just treating yourself, this dish delivers big taste with minimal effort.
Fun fact: Sun-dried tomatoes were traditionally preserved under the Mediterranean sun, giving them that deep, sweet flavor we love today.
Once you try this, it might just become your go-to creamy chicken recipe. 🍗✨
