Chicken with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chicken with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s bursting with rich, silky creaminess, tangy sun dried tomatoes, and tender chicken cooked to golden perfection. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures—comforting, elegant, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a quiet dinner or impressing guests, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these straightforward yet powerful ingredients is the first step to creating a masterpiece. Each one plays a vital role, from the luscious cream that brings velvety texture, to the sun dried tomatoes that add a concentrated punch of sweet tanginess and stunning color.

• 750g / 1.5lb chicken thighs or chicken breast, skinless and boneless: Choose thighs for juicier results, or breasts for a leaner option, both work beautifully here.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Black pepper: A little freshly cracked pepper adds subtle heat and depth.
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, strips, drained of oil (Note 1): These little bursts of intense tomato flavor elevate the sauce to the next level.
• 2 tbsp oil from sun dried tomatoes jar (Note 1): This oil is packed with tomato essence and gives an irresistible flavor boost when searing the chicken.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic’s fragrant aroma builds the foundation of the sauce’s inviting taste.
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) white wine (or substitute chicken broth): Adds subtle acidity and complexity.
• 3/4 cup (185 ml) chicken broth/stock, low sodium: Keeps the sauce savory without overpowering.
• 3/4 cup (185 ml) thickened/heavy cream: Makes the sauce decadently smooth and rich.
• 1/3 cup (30g) parmesan, very finely shredded (Note 2): Parmesan melts into the sauce, offering a salty umami goodness.
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard (Note 3): Gives the sauce a gentle kick and deeper flavor layering.
• 1 cup basil leaves, packed (optional): Fresh basil adds a lovely herbal brightness that ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Chicken with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using chicken breast, slice it horizontally to create thin steaks. This helps the chicken cook evenly and soak up more sauce. Thighs can be cooked as they are, offering extra juiciness that’s hard to beat.

Step 2: Season and Sear

Sprinkle the chicken evenly with salt and black pepper for a simple but essential seasoning layer. Heat the sun dried tomato oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering—this oil is a secret flavor weapon that will imprint gorgeous taste onto the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Place the chicken in the skillet, cooking thighs for about 6 minutes total or breasts for 4 minutes, turning once to achieve that beautiful, golden crust. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a warm plate and set aside to rest while you build the sauce.

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook briefly—just 15 seconds is enough to soften it and release its aromatic oils without burning. This quick step creates the flavorful base for your sauce.

Step 5: Deglaze with White Wine

Pour in the white wine and bring it to a simmer, scraping the pan bottom with a wooden spoon to lift all those yummy browned bits stuck to the pan. This is where flavor magic happens.

Step 6: Let the Wine Reduced Slightly

Allow the wine to simmer for about a minute until the alcohol smell evaporates. This reduction intensifies the flavor without the harsh edge of raw alcohol.

Step 7: Add Mustard, Broth, Cream, Parmesan, and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Whisk in the Dijon mustard to give the sauce a subtle tang, then add chicken broth, heavy cream, freshly shredded parmesan, and your sun dried tomato strips. Stir everything together to meld the flavors.

Step 8: Simmer to Thicken

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, turn the heat to medium, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring regularly to help the parmesan dissolve completely. The sauce will thicken beautifully and become luxuriously creamy.

Step 9: Season the Sauce

Give the sauce a taste test and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. This step ensures your Chicken with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe hits the perfect balance.

Step 10: Add Fresh Basil and Return Chicken to the Pan

Stir in the fresh basil leaves for a vibrant herbal note, then nestle the chicken back into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for one minute to marry the flavors and warm the chicken through.

Step 11: Serve Immediately

Your Chicken with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe is ready to delight! Spoon sauce over the chicken and serve while it’s warm and inviting.

How to Serve Chicken with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra parmesan or fresh basil leaves not only brightens the look but also adds refreshing flavor bursts. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few cracked black peppercorns on top will take it next level.

Side Dishes

This chicken is so rich and saucy it pairs perfectly with simple sides that soak up the sauce like mashed potatoes, creamy mashed cauliflower, or freshly cooked pasta. A crisp green salad on the side cuts through the richness and keeps the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken over a bed of garlic-infused polenta or roasted veggies for a colorful, textured plate. For an elegant touch, serve it family-style on a large platter with fresh basil scattered on top—guaranteed to wow anyone at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day meal that’s just as tasty.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken with sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the texture and flavor integrity.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a splash of cream or broth if it gets too thick.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work wonderfully for this recipe. Breasts should be sliced thin for even cooking while thighs stay juicy and tender without prep.

What can I substitute for sun dried tomato oil?

If you don’t have sun dried tomato oil, using olive oil is a great alternative, though the flavor won’t be quite as intense. You can also add a little butter for richness.

Is there a non-dairy substitute for the cream?

You can swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream blend to keep the sauce creamy without dairy, but the flavor profile will be different. Try it and see what you enjoy!

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and Dijon mustard don’t contain gluten. Always check labels to be sure.

How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too runny?

Simmer the sauce a little longer to reduce and thicken it. You can also stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water for a quicker fix without altering flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Chicken with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe at home. It truly brings a comforting yet sophisticated flair to any meal, with flavors that sing in every bite. Trust me, once you make it, this will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for special dinners or an easy weeknight treat. Happy cooking and savor every creamy, tangy, mouthwatering moment!

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