Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a dish that brings together the best elements of comfort food and gourmet dining. It’s simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight, yet luxurious enough to serve at a dinner party. This dish celebrates contrasts and balance: tender, pan-seared chicken bathed in a rich, velvety cream sauce, infused with garlic, parmesan cheese, and the sweet, tangy intensity of sun-dried tomatoes.

The origins of creamy chicken recipes can be traced to Italian and Mediterranean cuisines, where sun-dried tomatoes and cream-based sauces are common. These sauces often rely on a few high-quality ingredients—like garlic, herbs, cheese, and preserved vegetables—to create bold, concentrated flavors. Over the years, this style of cooking has been adopted worldwide, particularly in Western kitchens where one-pan meals that combine protein, dairy, and savory notes have become popular.

In this recipe, the sun-dried tomatoes are not just a garnish; they are a central flavor profile. Their concentrated sweetness and acidity cut through the richness of the cream and cheese, creating a beautifully balanced sauce. Add a handful of fresh herbs and a touch of spice, and you get a deeply satisfying dish that’s full of nuance and complexity.

This guide will walk you through every detail of crafting the perfect Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes—from ingredient selection and preparation, to cooking technique and plating. Whether you’re a novice home cook or a seasoned food enthusiast, you’ll walk away from this article with not only a finished dish, but the confidence and knowledge to make it your own.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the chicken to an even ½-inch thickness. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder or paprika (optional).

2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F).

4. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Do not clean the pan—those browned bits are flavor gold.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes

1. Reduce heat to medium.

2. Add another tablespoon of oil if the pan is dry.

3. Sauté 3–4 cloves minced garlic for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

4. Stir in ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

1. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth or white wine.

2. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

3. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, reducing the liquid by half.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

1. Lower heat to medium-low and slowly stir in 1 cup heavy cream.

2. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer—not a boil.

3. Add ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

4. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste.

Optional: Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale here. Stir until wilted.

Step 5: Return Chicken to the Pan

1. Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the sauce.

2. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat thoroughly.

3. Cover and simmer gently for 5 minutes to rewarm the chicken and allow flavors to meld.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Turn off heat and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.

2. Serve chicken whole or sliced, spooned with plenty of sauce.

Ideal Pairings:

• Zoodles or spaghetti squash (for a keto-friendly base)

• Mashed cauliflower or low-carb risotto

• Buttered green beans or roasted asparagus

• Crusty bread (for non-keto guests, to soak up the sauce)

Recipe Variations: Elevating the Dish with Creative Twists

The beauty of Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes lies in its flexibility. Whether you’re following a particular dietary plan, prefer a different flavor profile, or want to try something a bit more exciting, these variations allow you to tweak the recipe without sacrificing its core appeal: rich, creamy, and satisfying. Below, we explore several creative options for adapting the dish to meet a wide range of preferences.

Mushroom & Spinach Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

For a more earthy, nutrient-dense twist, adding mushrooms and spinach enhances the dish both in flavor and texture. This version brings in hearty mushrooms for added umami and spinach for a fresh, vibrant green contrast.

Ingredients Adjustments:

• Mushrooms: Add 1–2 cups of sliced cremini, white button, or portobello mushrooms. Sauté with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

• Spinach: Add a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach leaves towards the end, letting them wilt into the sauce.

Why It Works:

Mushrooms provide an earthy depth, while spinach offers a healthy boost and a beautiful color contrast against the creamy sauce. The combination also balances out the richness of the cream, making it a more well-rounded meal.

Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This variation takes inspiration from classic Tuscan flavors, known for their emphasis on fresh, robust ingredients like herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and balsamic vinegar.

Ingredients Adjustments:

• Olives: Add ¼ cup of chopped Kalamata or green olives to the sauce for a briny, salty kick.

• Herbs: Replace or supplement Italian seasoning with fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil.

• Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar can be added during the deglazing step to add acidity and a slightly tangy sweetness that complements the sun-dried tomatoes.

Why It Works:

The olives contribute a Mediterranean touch, and the balsamic vinegar adds a tangy contrast to the creaminess of the sauce. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy bold, Mediterranean flavors.

Dairy-Free Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

For those following a dairy-free or vegan lifestyle, this version is fully adaptable without losing the richness and depth of flavor. The key here is to replace dairy products with plant-based alternatives.

Ingredient Adjustments:

• Heavy Cream: Substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream. Both are rich, thick, and have a neutral flavor that pairs well with sun-dried tomatoes.

• Parmesan: Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

• Butter: Replace with olive oil or dairy-free butter.

Why It Works:

Coconut cream provides a rich, velvety texture, while nutritional yeast imparts a cheesy flavor that mimics traditional Parmesan. The sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs still shine through, ensuring the dish is as flavorful as its dairy-laden counterpart.

Lemon and Capers Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

For those who like a bit of acidity and brightness to cut through the richness of the cream, this variation adds a zesty citrus kick and the briny, tangy pop of capers.

Ingredients Adjustments:

• Lemon: Add the zest of 1 lemon and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce. Stir in the juice towards the end of cooking for a refreshing citrus note.

• Capers: Add 1–2 tablespoons of capers during the sauce-building step for a salty, briny punch that balances the creaminess.

Why It Works:

The citrus and capers add a refreshing, tangy element that complements the richness of the cream and the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes. This version is ideal for people who appreciate a more balanced, lively flavor.

Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Artichokes

This Mediterranean-inspired variation introduces the deliciously tangy and tender flavor of artichokes. Artichokes pair beautifully with sun-dried tomatoes, offering a slightly nutty flavor and added texture.

Ingredients Adjustments:

• Artichokes: Use 1 can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (or 1–2 cups of fresh or frozen artichokes, sautéed until tender).

• Garlic and Herbs: Enhance with a bit more garlic and fresh thyme to complement the earthy artichoke flavor.

Why It Works:

Artichokes bring an additional layer of complexity, complementing both the creamy sauce and the sun-dried tomatoes. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a more layered, vegetable-forward meal.

Keto-Friendly Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

If you’re looking to keep this dish keto-friendly, it’s already quite close, but there are some additional tweaks to ensure it stays within a low-carb range while still being satisfying.

Ingredients Adjustments:

• Carb-conscious base: Instead of pairing the chicken with pasta or rice, serve it over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a bed of greens.

• Low-Carb Thickener: If you find the sauce too thin, you can thicken it with a small amount of xanthan gum (½ teaspoon) or by cooking it longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Why It Works:

This version keeps the creamy base, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes while offering a great low-carb alternative. The zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice work well in place of traditional pasta, maintaining a satisfying texture without the carbs.

Spicy Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

For those who enjoy a kick of heat in their dishes, adding spice to this creamy chicken will elevate the flavors while giving the sauce an extra dimension.

Ingredients Adjustments:

• Crushed Red Pepper: Add a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat. Alternatively, a chopped fresh chili (jalapeño or Fresno) can be sautéed with the garlic.

• Smoked Paprika: A teaspoon of smoked paprika will add warmth and depth, while also enhancing the smoky notes in the sun-dried tomatoes.

Why It Works:

The spice balances the richness of the cream and the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes, making for a more dynamic, complex flavor profile. If you enjoy bold flavors, this spicy variation will become a favorite.

Crispy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

For an added textural contrast, try serving the chicken with a crispy skin or a crunchy coating, which complements the rich sauce beautifully.

Ingredients Adjustments:

• Crisp the Chicken: Before cooking the chicken in the pan, dredge it in a light coating of almond flour (for keto) or regular flour. Pan-fry the chicken in butter and oil until golden and crispy.

• Sauce: After preparing the creamy sauce, pour it over the crispy chicken instead of cooking the chicken in the sauce directly.

Why It Works:

The crispy exterior of the chicken provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the smooth cream sauce. This variation offers a combination of textures that makes the dish more exciting and indulgent.

Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Bacon

Adding crispy bacon to the mix brings an irresistible salty, smoky flavor that enhances the richness of the creamy sauce and adds another layer of depth.

Ingredients Adjustments:

• Bacon: Fry up 4–5 slices of bacon until crispy, crumble them, and sprinkle over the finished dish as a garnish.

• Bacon Fat: You can also sauté the chicken in bacon fat for added flavor.

Why It Works:

The smoky, salty bacon provides a savory contrast to the creamy sauce and the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes. It adds a hearty, indulgent element to the dish that many will love.

Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pesto

Infuse the dish with vibrant basil pesto, which pairs beautifully with the cream and sun-dried tomatoes.

Ingredients Adjustments:

• Pesto: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of pesto into the cream sauce just before adding the chicken back in. This gives the sauce a fresh, herby flavor.

• Nuts: For extra texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts over the top before serving.

Why It Works:

The addition of pesto brings a fresh herbaceous flavor that complements both the richness of the sauce and the tanginess of the sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a great way to incorporate more herbal freshness into the dish.

Conclusion: Making It Your Own

The beauty of Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is its adaptability. Whether you prefer it spicy, light, or hearty, there’s a variation here for you. Each tweak opens up a new avenue of flavors, making this dish easy to customize based on dietary needs, pantry availability, or your personal cravings.