Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

Enjoy a rich, flavorful Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet recipe, perfect for quick dinners packed with savory goodness. This dish combines tender chicken breasts, tangy sun dried tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce to create an irresistible one-pan meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this skillet recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with layers of flavor that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan convenience: Everything cooks together in a single skillet, cutting down on cleanup and cooking time.
• Rich and creamy flavor: The sauce is perfectly balanced with cream and tangy sun dried tomatoes for a satisfying bite.
• Quick weeknight dinner: Ready in about 30 minutes, ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile and customizable: Easily adapted with different veggies, cheeses, or herbs to suit your preferences.
• Impressive yet simple: Feels like a gourmet meal but requires minimal special skills or ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet recipe relies on straightforward, fresh ingredients that work together seamlessly to build flavor, texture, and color. Each element adds its own charm to the final dish.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they cook quickly while staying tender and juicy.
• Sun dried tomatoes: Packed with tangy, concentrated tomato flavor that brightens the creamy sauce.
• Heavy cream or half and half: Creates the rich, silky base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for that aromatic depth.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory punch and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• Spinach or fresh herbs (optional): For a pop of color and freshness.
• Olive oil and butter: For searing the chicken and sautéing aromatics, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Chicken broth or white wine: Builds a flavorful base for the sauce without overpowering.

Variations for Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

Feel free to play around with this recipe to make it your own. Many variations can easily fit different diets, ingredient availability, or simply your mood in the kitchen.

• Vegetable boost: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Dairy-free option: Swap cream for coconut milk or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Spicy kick: Toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for added warmth.
• Protein swap: Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option or even turkey breast.
• Herb infusion: Experiment with fresh basil, thyme, or oregano to enhance the Mediterranean vibe.

How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté garlic and sun dried tomatoes

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step builds a flavor-packed foundation for the sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze and simmer

Pour in chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.

Step 4: Create the creamy sauce

Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream along with grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency and becomes velvety smooth.

Step 5: Combine and finish

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Optionally, add fresh spinach or herbs in the last minute for freshness and color.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

• Use room temperature chicken: This helps it cook evenly and retain moisture during searing.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the chicken space to brown properly for the best crust and flavor.
• Adjust creaminess: Add more or less cream depending on your preferred sauce thickness.
• Chop sun dried tomatoes finely: This ensures their flavor spreads evenly without overwhelming each bite.
• Scrape up browned bits: Deglazing with broth or wine releases these flavorful morsels into the sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley, basil, or a small sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds brightness and an inviting finish to the dish.

Side Dishes

This creamy skillet pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or al dente pasta, absorbing all those delicious sauce flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic cast iron skillets for a cozy, family-style meal or plate individually with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a slice of crusty bread for a restaurant-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat the skillet gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from breaking or separating. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed.

FAQs

Can I use sun dried tomatoes packed in oil?

Yes! Sun dried tomatoes packed in oil are even more flavorful; just drain them well before chopping and adding to the skillet to avoid excess oil in the sauce.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Half and half or a mix of milk and cream cheese can work, but keep in mind the sauce may be less rich and slightly thinner.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or omit cheese entirely for a tasty dairy-free option.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This creamy sun dried tomato chicken skillet reheats beautifully and keeps well in the fridge for several days, perfect for quick reheats during the week.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly since thighs often take a bit longer to cook through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a comforting yet impressive dinner, the Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet is your go-to recipe. It’s fast, packed with flavor, and simple enough to make any night of the week. Give it a try and savor the rich, creamy sauce paired with tangy sun dried tomatoes you’ll want to make again and again!

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