Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and will be just as juicy. Simply slice them to an even thickness before dredging and frying.

What if I can’t find sun dried tomato pesto?

No worries! You can blend a few sun dried tomatoes with a bit of olive oil, garlic, parmesan, and basil to create a quick homemade version. Regular tomato pesto or even basil pesto will also work if that’s what you have.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too greasy?

Be sure to pat the sun dried tomatoes dry to remove excess oil, and don’t add extra oil beyond what’s needed for searing. The right balance makes all the difference.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe reheats beautifully. Just store the chicken and sauce together, and gently reheat when ready to serve. Add a splash of cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe

Busy days don’t have to mean boring dinners, and this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is proof. It’s quick, incredibly easy, and absolutely loaded with layers of flavor—think tender chicken in a velvety, tangy, and herby sauce that tastes like something from your favorite Italian bistro. With juicy chicken, sweet sun dried tomatoes, and a creamy basil-kissed finish, this dish is perfect for those weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the fuss. Get ready for a dinner that comes together in well under 40 minutes and is guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Quick: From start to finish, this recipe is on the table in about 35 minutes. No time wasted, no unnecessary steps, just pure weeknight magic.
Full-On Flavor: Every bite is bursting with the savory depth of sun dried tomatoes, the richness of cream, and just the right hint of garlic and herbs. It’s cozy, restaurant-quality flavor—made at home.
Beginner-Friendly: You don’t need fancy equipment or expert skills; just follow a few simple steps and you’re set.
Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: It works just as well for family dinners as it does for impressing guests. Plus, it’s easy to customize.
Minimal Cleanup: One pan for the sauce and chicken means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a closer look at what goes in, and why each ingredient shines in this recipe:

Chicken Breasts: Sliced thin for quicker, more even cooking—no dry bits, just juicy, golden perfection.
Plain Flour: Helps achieve that beautiful crust on the chicken and slightly thickens the sauce once everything comes together.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs to bring a little Italian sunshine straight into your kitchen.
Garlic Powder: For savory undertones that pair beautifully with both chicken and tomatoes.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
Sun Dried Tomato Oil: Use the oil straight from the tomato jar; it’s infused with flavor and helps give the chicken an irresistible sear. You can substitute with olive oil, but if you have the option, the tomato oil is a game-changer!
Echalion/Banana Shallot: Milder and sweeter than regular onions, they melt right into the sauce. Sub with two small regular shallots if needed.
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto: Intensifies the tomato flavor and ties everything together with cheesy, herby goodness. Store-bought is perfect—or use homemade!
Chicken Stock & Heavy Cream: These merge to create a lusciously creamy sauce that’s never too heavy.
Sun Dried Tomatoes: Thinly sliced and patted dry to keep the sauce from getting greasy. They provide chewy, tangy bites packed with umami.
Freshly Grated Parmesan: Brings nutty, salty depth—the finishing touch no creamy sauce should be without.
Fresh Basil: Adds a pop of color and fresh, aromatic flavor that brightens the entire dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Feeling adventurous or want to use what you have on hand? Here are some delicious ways to make this recipe your own:

Swap the Chicken: Try turkey cutlets or boneless pork chops for a twist.
Add Greens: Toss in a couple of handfuls of baby spinach to wilt in the creamy sauce for added color and nutrition.
Make it Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free flour to dredge the chicken.
Kick up the Heat: Stir in some crushed red pepper flakes with the shallots for a gentle warming spice.
Change the Cheese: Instead of parmesan, pecorino or even crumbled goat cheese works beautifully.
Vegan Version: Use your favorite plant-based chicken substitute, dairy-free cream, and vegan parmesan.

How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Let the chicken breasts sit out for 15-30 minutes so they cook more evenly. Slice each breast horizontally into two thin cutlets. This trick not only slashes cooking time, it ensures the chicken stays moist.

Step 2: Dredge

In a shallow dish, mix together plain flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. This step is key for that lovely golden crust and silky sauce.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the sun dried tomato oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, lay the chicken pieces in the pan. Cook each side for about 3 minutes, just until golden and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep them cozy while you make the sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Toss the diced shallot into the remaining oil and cook gently until soft and golden, soaking up all those delicious pan flavors. Stir in the sun dried tomato pesto, followed by the chicken stock and cream. Add the chopped basil, parmesan, and sliced sun dried tomatoes, giving everything a good mix to create a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in any resting chicken juices (extra flavor!), and taste for seasoning. Slide the chicken back into the pan, spoon the sauce all over, and warm through gently. Plate up straight away, with generous ladles of the sauce over the chicken.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Slicing: Slicing the chicken creates thinner cutlets, which means faster, more even cooking—no guessing if the centers are done.
Pat Dry Sun Dried Tomatoes: Removing excess oil ensures the sauce stays creamy, not greasy.
Use the Tomato Oil: That flavorful oil from the jar gives the chicken unbeatable depth and an instant flavor upgrade.
Rest, Then Return: Always let the chicken rest before adding back to the sauce; it keeps the meat juicy and lets the coating stay a little crisp.
Taste as You Go: Parmesan and sun dried tomatoes can be salty, so check your seasoning just before serving.

How to Serve

This decadent, creamy chicken pairs perfectly with:

Buttered Pasta or Fluffy Rice: The sauce is begging to be soaked up!
Crispy Roast Potatoes: Air-fried or oven-roasted potatoes add crunch and soak up the creamy goodness.
Fresh Green Salad: A peppery arugula or spinach salad cuts through the richness.
Steamed Veggies: Broccolini, green beans, or asparagus make bright, fresh sides.
Crusty Bread: There’s always a case for mopping up every last drop.

Garnish with extra basil or parmesan for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will soak up even more flavor overnight!

Freezing

You can freeze the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be aware that creamy sauces may separate slightly when thawed, but a gentle stir while reheating usually restores their texture.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of cream or stock if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and will be just as juicy. Simply slice them to an even thickness before dredging and frying.
What if I can’t find sun dried tomato pesto?

No worries! You can blend a few sun dried tomatoes with a bit of olive oil, garlic, parmesan, and basil to create a quick homemade version. Regular tomato pesto or even basil pesto will also work if that’s what you have.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too greasy?

Be sure to pat the sun dried tomatoes dry to remove excess oil, and don’t add extra oil beyond what’s needed for searing. The right balance makes all the difference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe reheats beautifully. Just store the chicken and sauce together, and gently reheat when ready to serve. Add a splash of cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is everything a great weeknight dinner should be: simple, speedy, and supremely satisfying. The flavors are bold, the textures are luscious, and the process is so friendly you’ll want to make it again and again. Don’t hesitate—grab those sun dried tomatoes and give this recipe a try. Happy cooking!