Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender chicken thighs bathed in a rich, velvety sauce loaded with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a sharp Parmesan kick. This dish is not only irresistibly delicious but also quick to prepare, making it a go-to for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing friends without fuss. The combination of creamy textures and bright, tangy tomatoes creates a mouthwatering flavor sensation that sticks with you long after the last bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in layering flavor, adding creaminess, or boosting the color and texture. Gathering the following essentials ensures you’ll nail this dish every time with ease.

• Olive oil: Use a good-quality oil to get that perfect golden sear on your chicken.
• Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless): They stay juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors beautifully.
• Garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant depth and warmth to the dish.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the sauce its classic Mediterranean personality.
• Oregano: Offers a slightly peppery, woodsy note that complements the tomatoes wonderfully.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a gentle, pleasant heat that awakens your taste buds.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (drained and thinly sliced): The star ingredient, providing bursts of concentrated sweetness and tang.
• Chicken stock: Creates a rich base for the sauce, enhancing the savory undertones.
• Heavy cream: Lends that irresistibly silky texture and indulgence.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds sharpness and a subtle nuttiness that binds the sauce together.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, making it perfectly clingy to every bite of chicken.
• Fresh basil leaves (chopped): Brings a fresh, bright finish that lifts the entire dish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Thighs

Start by heating up your skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Carefully place the chicken thighs in the pan and let them brown for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step is crucial to developing a lovely golden crust that seals in all those juicy flavors. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper as you go. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside to rest for now.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything together and sauté for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice the wonderful aromas coming to life here—the garlic softens, spices bloom, and those sun-dried tomatoes release their vibrant tang that hints at the delicious sauce to come.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream next. Then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and add the cornstarch. The cornstarch is your secret weapon to getting a luscious sauce consistency. Whisk everything immediately to incorporate and prevent lumps. The sauce will start to thicken right before your eyes, turning silky and rich with gorgeous golden flecks of cheese floating throughout.

Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them gently into the sauce. Make sure the sauce covers the chicken well, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken thighs. This slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb all those complex flavors while the sauce thickens even more. Give it a gentle stir every few minutes to keep the bottom from sticking or burning.

Step 5: Add Fresh Basil and Serve

Once the chicken thighs are cooked through and perfectly tender, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves. This final touch brings a burst of freshness and color that elevates the dish immediately. Remove the skillet from heat and get ready to serve. Spoon generous portions of sauce over the chicken right before plating, and don’t be shy with extra Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil garnishes for that extra wow factor.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, some extra sun-dried tomatoes, and bright basil leaves make the dish not only more beautiful but also intensify the flavor with each bite. A dash of freshly ground black pepper on top adds subtle spice and aroma that completes the presentation perfectly.

Side Dishes

This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with low-carb options like cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles if you’re keeping it keto-friendly. For a more classic approach, creamy mashed potatoes or al dente pasta are great choices to soak up all that divine sauce, turning your meal into pure comfort food heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or herb-infused rice. You can even transform this recipe into a lovely sheet-pan dinner by roasting vegetables alongside the chicken, then pouring the sauce atop just before serving. It’s a fantastic way to add color and variety that’ll impress anyone at your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so give it a good stir before reheating to bring back that creamy consistency.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to plan ahead. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to retain the sauce’s silky texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken stock or cream can help loosen the sauce and revive the delicious creaminess you fell in love with.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well here but watch the cooking time closely since breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Adjust simmering time accordingly to keep it juicy.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t on hand, roasted red peppers can be a good substitute, though the flavor will be milder and less tangy. Fresh cherry tomatoes lightly cooked down could also add a fresh twist but won’t have the same concentrated taste.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is keto-friendly thanks to the use of cream, olive oil, and low-carb ingredients. Just be mindful of your sides to keep it aligned with your carb goals.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and omit the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. The flavor will shift slightly, but the dish will still be creamy and delicious.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is tender when pierced with a fork. The sauce should be thickened and bubbling slightly, indicating everything is perfectly cooked.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites—there’s just something so comforting and indulgent about it without any complicated steps. It’s a brilliant dish that brings both simple ingredients and vibrant flavors to the table, making every dinner feel special. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your own list of beloved recipes to turn to again and again.

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