icken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for icken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)! This crowd-pleasing dish brings together juicy, golden-seared chicken and a silky, garlicky cream sauce bursting with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, all finished with the salty richness of parmesan and a shower of fresh basil. If you’re in search of a dinner that looks (and tastes) straight out of a fancy restaurant but is totally doable on a weeknight, icken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) is about to become your go-to recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about choosing quality, flavorful ingredients that each play a key role—nothing complicated, but every part shines. From rich cream and punchy sun-dried tomatoes to plenty of parmesan, these are the building blocks for a show-stopping icken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce).

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3 pounds): Center stage! Pound them for even cooking and tender results.
• Salt (to taste): Balances flavors and brings out the savory notes in your chicken.
• Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle kick—don’t be shy with it!
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For searing; a neutral oil works if preferred, but olive oil brings a hint of fruitiness.
• Minced garlic (2 tablespoons): Just fragrant enough to perfume the entire cream sauce without overwhelming it.
• Low-sodium chicken broth (¾ cup): Provides flavor depth without overpowering saltiness—homemade or boxed works here.
• Heavy cream (½ cup, room temperature): The base of that luscious, silky sauce; room temperature helps prevent curdling.
• Grated fresh parmesan cheese (½ cup, room temperature): Adds umami and a gorgeous creamy texture—grate it fresh if you can!
• Sun-dried tomatoes (1 cup, packed in oil preferred): The star of the show, infusing the cream with sweetness and bold color.
• Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the overall flavor and ties together all those Italian-inspired notes.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle, warming heat—adjust to your preference.
• Chiffonaded fresh basil: For a gorgeous, aromatic garnish and a burst of herbaceous brightness.
• Additional grated fresh parmesan cheese: As much or as little as you like for serving (honestly, more is always good!).

How to Make icken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)

Step 1: Pound and Season the Chicken

Start by trimming your chicken breasts, then use a mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy—not dry! Season generously with salt and cracked black pepper on both sides. This is your chance to build all that savory flavor from the inside out.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Lay in the chicken breasts and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, just until they start to develop a golden crust. We’re not cooking them all the way through yet—just building that irresistible foundation. Once both sides are golden, set the chicken aside for now, but keep those tasty browned bits in the pan!

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Bring the skillet back to medium-low and let it cool slightly before stirring in the minced garlic. Sauté just until it’s fragrant—about 30 to 60 seconds. You don’t want to burn it, just enough for that gorgeous aroma to bloom and flavor the oil.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in your chicken broth, scraping up all the browned chicken and garlic bits off the bottom. This is where the flavor magic happens! Move the skillet off the heat for a minute or two, then whisk in the heavy cream. Sprinkle in the parmesan and keep whisking until everything’s smooth and melted. This glorious sauce is what makes icken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) unforgettable.

Step 5: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Seasonings

Back on the heat, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and a bit of crushed red pepper. Let it come to a gentle simmer, stirring so nothing sticks. The oil from the tomatoes will infuse into the cream, turning it a dreamy rosy color, and the herbs create an irresistible fragrance—go ahead, have a little taste and adjust seasonings as you like!

Step 6: Simmer & Bake the Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, flipping a few times so they’re coated in all that sauce. If you have a meat thermometer, now’s the time to use it! Pop the skillet in the oven at 375°F for about 13 minutes, until the chicken reaches 160°F at its thickest part. Rest it in the pan for 5 minutes—the temperature will climb to a safe 165°F and the juices will redistribute perfectly.

Step 7: Serve it Up!

Transfer your irresistible icken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) to plates, spoon over all the extra sauce, and scatter the top with plenty of fresh basil and parmesan. You’ll be ready to swoon at first bite!

How to Serve icken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)

Garnishes

A final flourish of chiffonaded fresh basil and a generous shower of freshly grated parmesan do wonders here, creating bursts of color, aroma, and flavor right at the table. For a restaurant-worthy touch, add an extra crack of black pepper and maybe a few more sun-dried tomato pieces on top for visual flair.

Side Dishes

icken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) begs for something to soak up every last drop of that silky sauce—think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta. Roasted asparagus, green beans, or garlicky sautéed spinach are all excellent vegetable sides that complement the richness of the dish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

To really wow, slice the chicken breasts before serving and fan them across the plate, then ladle on the sauce for dramatic effect. Or try serving over a bed of wilted spinach, with sauce trailing down the sides. If you’re hosting a party, consider serving the chicken on a platter family-style with lots of sauce, basil, and parmesan for guests to help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store icken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors only deepen and get richer as they meld together.

Freezing

Want to stash some away for an ultra-convenient meal? Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. The creamy sauce might separate just a bit, but a gentle stir while reheating will bring it back together. Perfect for future cravings!

Reheating

Reheat icken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, so the chicken stays tender and the sauce doesn’t break.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and stay very moist. Just adjust the cooking time as they may require a few more minutes, and always check for the correct internal temperature.

How do I make icken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream for a full-fat coconut milk (it’s surprisingly delicious!), and use a dairy-free parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. The results are still rich and luscious.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild, warming kick from the crushed red pepper, but you’re fully in control. Feel free to leave it out entirely or add more for extra heat according to your taste.

Can I make icken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) ahead for dinner parties?

Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to a day in advance. Just reheat gently before your guests arrive, finish in the oven, and garnish freshly right before serving for the best texture and color.

Which pasta pairs best with this dish?

Almost any pasta works, but I especially love linguine, fettuccine, or penne to really gather up all that beautiful sauce. Serve with extra basil and parmesan for the ultimate comfort dinner!

Final Thoughts

This icken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce) recipe is pure comfort and celebration on a plate, yet comes together with surprising ease. So roll up your sleeves, gather your favorite people, and treat yourself to a dish that’s bound to spark happy memories (and lots of requests for seconds!).