One of my favorite weeknight meals is this One-Pan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. It was a rainy Thursday evening when I first stumbled upon this recipe, and I needed something both comforting and quick. The magic of this dish lies not only in its creamy, luscious sauce but also in how easily and quickly it comes together—all in one pan! Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are several reasons why this One-Pan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce should be on your dinner rotation. For starters, it’s incredibly simple to make—perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want to whip up something delicious without too much fuss. Not only that, but it’s kid-approved! The creamy sauce is packed with flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring even the pickiest eaters will clean their plates.
“This dish has become a family favorite! Everyone loves how creamy and flavorful it is—we can’t get enough!” – Happy Home Cook
This recipe is also perfect for meal prep. You can cook it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and reheat it throughout the week, making it both practical and delicious.
Preparing One-Pan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Before diving into the ingredients, let’s review the cooking process. You’ll start by searing the chicken breasts until golden brown, then set them aside. In the same pan, you’ll create a delicious sauce by sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, followed by adding chicken broth and cream. Finally, return the chicken to simmer in that decadent sauce until it’s perfectly cooked and infused with flavor. This flow makes it easy and straightforward, even for novice cooks!
What You’ll Need
Gather these items for a delightful meal:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Feel free to swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter version, though this may affect the richness of the sauce.
Directions to Follow
Let’s get cooking! Follow these clear steps for a delicious dish:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Italian herbs, then return the chicken to the skillet.
- Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This dish is incredibly versatile! Serve it over a bed of pasta, rice, or even polenta for a comforting meal. Pair it with a crisp salad to balance out the richness of the creamy sauce. A chilled glass of white wine complements it beautifully if you’re serving it for a special occasion.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
Professional Knife Set
A quality knife set is essential for prepping your ingredients quickly and efficiently, especially when working with fresh herbs and meats.
Bamboo Cutting Board Set
Durable and easy to clean, a cutting board set provides a perfect workspace for chopping your sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.
Mixing Bowls Set
Having a set of mixing bowls is handy for preparing ingredients ahead of time, allowing you to keep your workspace organized.
How to Store
For leftovers, allow the chicken to cool down before transferring it to an airtight food storage container. This dish will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently, until heated through. You can also microwave the portions, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can lead to dry chicken.
Tips to Make It Perfect
- Sear Properly: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to ensure a beautiful golden crust.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed—each batch of sun-dried tomatoes can vary in saltiness.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking; this will help keep it juicy.
Creative Twists
Try swapping out the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile. For those looking to add some heat, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a herbaceous twist, experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is about 10 minutes, while the cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, making it an efficient option for dinner.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes, but keep in mind that sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated flavor. If using fresh, consider sautéing them a bit longer to develop the flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
One-Pan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
A comforting weeknight meal featuring chicken breasts in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, all cooked in one pan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Paleo
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Italian herbs, then return the chicken to the skillet.
- Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
This dish can be paired with pasta, rice, or polenta for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.