Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe - Chisel & Fork (2024)

Chicken cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that can be prepared in under 30 minutes makes this dish a great weeknight dinner option.

To me there is nothing better than a meal that takes under 30 minutes to make, especially one that tastes like you worked on it all day - from chicken francese to balsamic peach chicken to chicken saltimbocca to blackened chicken to chicken Manchurian.

What makes this sun-dried tomato chicken dish so delicious is the sun-dried tomatoes. If you haven't jumped on the sun-dried tomato bandwagon, you are really missing out. It is something I've used in a ton of recipes over the years. Just search on this site and you'll find quite a few results.

Basically this sun-dried tomato chicken is Tuscan chicken without spinach. So if you love spinach, just add it at the end when the sauce is boiling.

Why the Recipe Works

• Quick and Easy to Prepare -Who doesn't love a meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes?
• Loaded with Flavor -Sun-dried tomatoes have an intense and concentrated flavor that pairs wonderfully with chicken. The sweet and tangy taste of the tomatoes complements the savory and mild flavor of the chicken.
• Wide Appeal - The combination of creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken appeals to a broad range of palates. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by many, making it a popular choice for both family meals and entertaining guests.

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken - Boneless, skinless chicken cutlets are what is most commonly used for this recipe.
• Aromatics - Shallots and garlic add flavor and aromatics.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes - Look for sun-dried tomatoes that are either packed in oil or dry-packed. The ones packed in oil tend to be softer and more pliable, while the dry-packed ones have a chewier texture. Choose the type that suits your preference and recipe requirements.
• Chicken Stock - Adding chicken stock to the sauce can help balance the richness and provide depth of flavor. Opt for low-sodium chicken stock to control the saltiness of the dish. You can adjust the amount based on how thick or thin you want the sauce to be.
• Heavy Cream - The higher fat content in heavy cream provides rich and indulgent sauce.
• Herbs and Seasonings - Italian seasoning, paprika and basil enhances the flavor of the dish. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Taste the sauce as you season and adjust the salt level accordingly.
• Parmesan Cheese - Grated Parmesan cheese adds a subtle umami taste to the sauce. Stir it in towards the end of cooking until melted and well combined.

Ingredient Swaps

Like any recipe, you can mix up some of the ingredients with this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken. Some variations include:

• While I like chicken cutlets, you can use chicken thighs for added fat.
• Chicken stock is what is used for this recipe, but chicken broth or vegetable broth are good substitutes.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative like cashew cream or almond milk creamer. These options can provide a creamy texture while keeping the dish dairy-free.
• While Italian seasoning is used for its ease, you can also substitute them with a combination of fresh herbs like basil, thyme, oregano and rosemary. Fresh herbs can provide a brighter and more vibrant flavor to the dish.
• As mentioned above, if you're avoiding dairy, you can try using non-dairy cheese alternatives like vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor to the sauce. These options can provide a similar savory taste to Parmesan without dairy content.

Step-by-Step Photos

Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.

Prepare a shallow medium bowl and combine the flour with salt and pepper. Coat the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

Place the coated chicken in the skillet and cook for approximately 3 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 3 minutes, or until it is thoroughly cooked. Transfer the cooked chicken to a platter and cover it to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.

In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.

Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Add the chicken stock, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil. Continue stirring as the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, which should take approximately 5 minutes.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it, ensuring it is well coated. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some additional cheese and fresh basil on top.

FAQs

Side Dish Options

You can never go wrong with some starchy carbs but plenty of side dishes go with this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken recipe. While pasta might be the most obvious, some other options include:

• Roasted broccoli and potatoes
• Zoodles
• Parmesan roasted Brussels sprouts
• Crispy roasted potatoes
• Cauliflower rice
• Roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots

Equipment

The equipment you use is important to how the chicken turns out. What is needed is the following:

• Skillet/Dutch oven - you want something large enough to cook the chicken.
• Spoon - you want a good wooden spoon to stir everything together.

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

• Use chicken cutlets or cut chicken breasts in half so the chicken is thin enough to cook quickly.
• If the sun-dried tomatoes are julienned, then take the time to do this. By slicing thinner, you get more bites with the sun-dried tomatoes.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown, resulting in a less crispy texture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan to finish the sauce. Never buy pre-shredded Parmesan cheese as it contains wood pulp. Blocks of Parmesan cheese are also cheaper.

Other Chicken Recipes

If you’ve tried this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow meonFacebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

More Chicken Recipes