Description
A quick and easy chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with garlic and herbs. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests without fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (small to medium-sized)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Let rest for about 5 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
- Place chicken breasts in the pan and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside on a warm plate.
- Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same pan and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes to release flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens to a creamy coat consistency.
- Add red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Return chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and warm together over low heat for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving.
Notes
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor. For gluten-free, verify chicken broth brand. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with vegan alternative. Let chicken rest before cooking for even cooking and juiciness. Avoid burning garlic by stirring constantly and using moderate heat. If sauce is too thin, simmer longer; if too thick, add broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 40
Keywords: creamy chicken, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomato sauce, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, creamy tomato sauce, quick chicken dinner