Description
The Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet is a one-pan meal featuring tender chicken cooked to juicy perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy sauce accented by tangy sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers bold and layered flavors with an easy cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special dinners. Optional fresh spinach or basil adds brightness and color, while versatile sides complement the dish beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 large chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach or basil leaves (optional)
Dairy
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids and Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
Seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and sun dried tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Let reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and simmer gently until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Add fresh spinach or basil if using. Cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the greens wilt and flavors meld.
- Finish and serve: Stir the sauce one last time, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation or plated with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Choose quality sun dried tomatoes packed in oil for deeper flavor and tender texture.
- Do not overcook the chicken; remove from heat once it reaches 165°F internal temperature to keep it juicy.
- Deglaze the pan properly to lift caramelized bits and enrich the sauce flavor.
- Simmer the sauce gently over low-medium heat to prevent cream from separating.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley at the end brightens the dish and adds fresh herbal notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: creamy chicken, sun dried tomato, one pan meal, skillet chicken, quick dinner, gluten free, creamy sauce, easy recipe
