Discover a quick, delicious Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet recipe that’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes! This one-pan dish blends tender chicken with a rich, velvety sauce made from sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and creamy goodness. Bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors, it’s an easy recipe that elevates any dinner without the fuss or long prep time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes, this skillet meal fits perfectly into busy weeknights without sacrificing taste.
- Rich, creamy flavor: The luscious sauce combines sun dried tomatoes and cream for a satisfying, comforting bite every time.
- One-pan simplicity: Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking everything in a single skillet.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to different tastes, dietary preferences, or ingredient swaps.
- Impressive yet approachable: Feels gourmet, but it’s simple enough for any home cook to master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a balanced combination of creamy texture, tangy depth, and hearty protein that defines the Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless and skinless for quick cooking and tender results.
- Sun dried tomatoes: Packed with concentrated flavor, they add a bright, tangy characteristic to the sauce.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: Provides the rich and creamy base that smooths out acidity and unites the flavors.
- Garlic cloves: Essential for depth, garlic brings warmth and aromatics to the dish.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and layers of savory goodness to the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Delivers a salty, nutty note that enhances the creamy texture.
- Olive oil or butter: For sautéing the chicken and garlic just right.
- Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley): Optional but perfect for adding freshness and color before serving.
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes): To balance and boost the flavor profile based on your preference.
Variations for Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet
Feel free to tweak this recipe as you like—whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or switching up flavors, the Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet is a versatile canvas ready for your touch.
- Swap chicken for turkey or tofu: A great option for leaner protein or vegetarian alternatives.
- Use coconut milk instead of cream: Perfect for a dairy-free, slightly tropical twist on the sauce.
- Add spinach or kale: Toss in leafy greens for extra nutrition and color.
- Incorporate mushrooms: Stir-fried mushrooms create an earthy flavor boost to complement the creamy sauce.
- Spice it up: Increase red pepper flakes or add smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy kick.
How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Lightly season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken on each side until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 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 more olive oil or butter if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes, cooking until fragrant and softened—usually about 1-2 minutes. This step unlocks the rich tomato flavor and infuses the oil with garlic aromatics.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and gently scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze, lifting all the flavorful browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to simmer and thicken slightly. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth, forming that signature creamy texture.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the chicken soaks up the flavors. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving for a boost of color and freshness.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet
- Use room temperature chicken: This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Don’t overcook the sauce: Simmer gently to avoid curdling the cream.
- Chop sun dried tomatoes finely: So they blend well and distribute flavor evenly.
- Deglaze properly: Scraping the pan ensures no flavor goes to waste.
- Adjust sauce thickness: Add more broth or cream depending on your preferred consistency.
How to Serve Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet
Garnishes
Fresh basil or parsley adds a beautiful pop of green and a burst of herbal brightness that balances the richness of the sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even a side of steamed rice to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad can brighten the plate as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced over cooked pasta tossed lightly in olive oil for a complete meal, or spoon the creamy sauce over grilled bread for a rustic appetizer twist. You can also plate it family-style straight from the skillet for an inviting, cozy dinner experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the dish to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the creamy texture intact.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, this recipe freezes well if properly sealed. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to redistribute the sauce and prevent curdling. Adding a splash of broth or cream helps restore the creamy consistency if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving to cook, making them a fantastic alternative in this recipe.
What if I don’t have sun dried tomatoes?
You can substitute chopped roasted red peppers or tomato paste for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but make sure to check your chicken broth and any added seasoning for hidden gluten.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Definitely. Swap out heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a similar creamy effect.
How spicy is this dish?
This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet has a mild, comforting heat that comes from optional red pepper flakes—you can easily leave them out or increase depending on your spice tolerance.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet. It’s fast, flavorful, and feels special enough for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking just for yourself or feeding a hungry crew, this recipe is a total winner that invites creativity and enjoys rave reviews every time. Give it a try and make it a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation—you’ll be glad you did!