Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken: A Dish to Impress

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Why This Recipe Will Win Hearts

This irresistible chicken dish has earned its romantic reputation for good reason. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan create a restaurant-quality meal right in your home kitchen. Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or when you simply want to impress, this 30-minute wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2¼ pounds total), patted dry
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the luxurious cream sauce:

  • 3-4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup chicken broth or stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Fresh basil or parsley leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

  1. If using whole chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to create 6 thinner cutlets. This helps them cook more quickly and evenly.
  2. Season chicken on both sides with salt and black pepper.
  3. Place flour in a shallow dish and lightly dredge each piece of chicken, shaking off excess flour.
  4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  6. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.

Create the Signature Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
  2. Once butter is melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add tomato paste and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook off the raw flavor.
  4. Slowly pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (these add incredible flavor!).
  5. Stir in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer (don’t boil) and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Reduce heat to low and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.

Bring It All Together

  1. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
  2. Spoon sauce over the chicken and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until chicken is heated through and flavors meld together.
  3. Taste sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
  4. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Results

  • Choose the Right Pan: A 12-inch skillet works best for this recipe, providing enough room for both cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Tip: For the most flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil rather than dry-packed. Just be sure to drain them well before chopping.
  • Make-Ahead Option: The dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Serving Suggestion: This chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the luxurious sauce. Add a simple green salad on the side for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

This decadent chicken dish has sparked countless romantic stories and is guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. The combination of tender chicken with the rich, creamy sauce creates a meal that’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for celebrations.

Try it tonight and see why this recipe is a viral favorite everyone’s still raving about!