Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Skillet Chicken Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a touch of brightness to the final dish, consider stirring in a small handful of fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving. These herbs provide a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the richness of the cream sauce. Be sure to add them at the very end to preserve their vibrant color and delicate flavor, as prolonged cooking can make them wilt excessively.

If the sauce appears too thick, you can thin it out by adding a tablespoon of chicken broth or even a little water. Conversely, if it is too thin, allow it to simmer for an additional minute or two.

The goal is a velvety texture that coats the chicken perfectly. Always taste the sauce at the end and adjust the seasoning if necessary, though the sun-dried tomatoes often provide sufficient saltiness.

Variations

• Spicy Tomato Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when simmering the sauce to introduce a subtle heat that complements the sun-dried tomatoes.
• Garlic Infused Sauce: Sauté two cloves of minced garlic in the skillet before adding the tomatoes to create a more robust and aromatic flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the cream-based sauce may separate or change texture upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore the sauce consistency.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Storing the chicken and sauce together keeps the meat moist.

When refrigerated properly, the dish will maintain its quality for up to three days. It is important to ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the cream sauce from absorbing other odors from the refrigerator.

This dish is ideal for preparing in advance as the flavors often meld and improve after a day in the refrigerator. You can sear the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time, then store them separately or together.

When ready to eat, gently reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.

Serving ideas

This dish is best served alongside a starch that can soak up the flavorful sauce. Classic pairings include al dente pasta, such as penne or fettuccine, which captures the creamy tomato sauce beautifully. Alternatively, serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf to provide a neutral base that lets the chicken and sauce remain the star of the meal.

For a lighter accompaniment, consider a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. The acidity of the salad dressing cuts through the richness of the cream sauce, providing a refreshing balance to the meal.

Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans, also make an excellent side dish, adding texture and color to the plate while keeping the overall meal cohesive and satisfying.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Skillet Chicken

Prep 10 minCook 20 minRest 5 minTotal 35 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear until they are golden brown on both sides. Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
2. In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine with the flavorful browned bits left in the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and develop a rich, cohesive texture.
3. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sun-dried tomato cream sauce generously over the meat. Allow the chicken to warm through in the sauce for a minute. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each piece is well-drenched in the sauce.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

8 g

Fat

35 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.