Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. Just cook for a little longer as they tend to be thicker.

Do I have to use sun dried tomato oil for frying?

If you can, use the oil from the jar for extra flavor. Regular olive oil works in a pinch, but the sun dried tomato oil really infuses the chicken with that signature savory tang.

Is there a substitute for double/heavy cream?

Yes, you can use single cream or even evaporated milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. Greek yogurt with a splash of stock is another lighter alternative, but add it off heat to prevent curdling.

What can I use if I don’t have sun dried tomato pesto?

A spoonful of regular pesto (basil or red pepper) can work, or make your own with a quick blend of sun dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, and pine nuts or walnuts.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe

There’s just something magical about the combination of tender chicken and the rich, tangy sweetness of sun dried tomatoes. This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken recipe is exactly the kind of meal you’ll want on a busy weeknight—it’s incredibly quick, effortless, and deeply satisfying. Imagine golden chicken cutlets nestled in a luscious, herby Parmesan cream sauce, studded with ribbons of vibrant sun dried tomatoes and fresh basil. In just about thirty minutes, you’ll have a dish that tastes and feels gourmet, but is completely doable after a long day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy and Simple: This is dinner done right in just around 30 minutes, from fridge to table, with minimal mess and fuss.
Flavor Explosion: Every bite is bursting with sun dried tomato richness, hints of fragrant basil, and the creamy tang of Parmesan. It’s one of those chicken dishes you’ll crave again and again.
Reliable Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you have family to feed or a friend coming over, this meal never fails to impress.
Foolproof Technique: Fast-cooking chicken cutlets mean juicy, evenly cooked results—no dry chicken here.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this dreamy dish, with suggestions and tips to make the flavor truly pop:

Chicken Breasts: Slicing them horizontally ensures even, speedy cooking and ultra-tender results.
Plain Flour: Helps create a light coating on the chicken, sealing in juices and giving it a lovely golden crust.
Italian Seasoning: A quick shortcut to infuse the chicken with herby, Mediterranean flavor.
Garlic Powder, Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning the chicken perfectly all the way through.
Sun Dried Tomato Oil: Using the oil from the jar adds extra sun dried tomato depth—you can substitute olive oil if needed, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich.
Echalion (Banana) Shallot: Milder and sweeter than standard onions, these add a gentle depth to the sauce. Regular shallots are a fine substitute.
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto: The secret to an instant, flavor-charged sauce. Store-bought works great, or make your own if you’re feeling fancy.
Chicken Stock & Double/Heavy Cream: The combination builds the sauce, balancing richness with savory notes.
Sun Dried Tomatoes: Sliced thin and patted dry to avoid extra oil, these are the star ingredient—don’t skimp here!
Freshly Grated Parmesan: For salty-cheesy umami (pre-grated just can’t compare).
Fresh Basil: Lift everything with a burst of freshness and color right at the end.

Tip: Don’t worry if you’re missing one or two ingredients! Keep reading for some easy variations and swaps.

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

This recipe is fabulously adaptable, so feel free to play and adjust:

Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half in place of double cream if you want to lighten things up.
Switch the Protein: It works beautifully with boneless chicken thighs or even pork cutlets.
Go Vegetarian: Swap out the chicken for pan-seared tofu or mushrooms—just as hearty and satisfying.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a gentle kick.
More Veggies: Toss in a handful of baby spinach or wilted kale for color and nutrition.

How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by taking your chicken out of the fridge 15-30 minutes ahead of time—this helps it cook evenly and stay juicy. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets.

Step 2: Season and Coat

In a shallow dish, mix flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken cutlet thoroughly so they’re perfectly coated. Knock off the excess.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the sun dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add the diced shallot to the same pan and sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir in the sun dried tomato pesto, then pour in the chicken stock and cream. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Build Flavor

Add the grated Parmesan, chopped basil, and sliced sun dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy and rich. Pour in any chicken juices that have collected on the plate for added depth.

Step 6: Warm the Chicken

Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spooning the sauce over to warm them through and ensure every bite is smothered in flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Dish up the creamy chicken with your favorite sides, and let the compliments roll in.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Take the Chill Off: Always let your chicken sit out briefly before cooking—this ensures even searing and no rubbery texture.
Get the Pan Hot: A hot pan is crucial for a crisped, golden crust. Don’t rush this step!
Don’t Overcrowd: If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid steaming them instead of searing.
Use the Resting Juices: Don’t throw them away—add them back for unbeatable restaurant-worthy flavor.

How to Serve

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. Here are some serving ideas for a well-rounded meal:

With Potatoes: Crispy air-fried baby potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes soak up all that dreamy sauce.
Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
Crusty Bread: Don’t let a drop of sauce go to waste—serve with hearty bread for dipping.
Pasta or Rice: Delicious tossed with simple pasta, or spooned over fluffy rice for a comforting, filling meal.

Pair with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon for an extra-special touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors get even better as they mingle!

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash more cream or stock if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave also works—just cover and reheat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. Just cook for a little longer as they tend to be thicker.
Do I have to use sun dried tomato oil for frying?

If you can, use the oil from the jar for extra flavor. Regular olive oil works in a pinch, but the sun dried tomato oil really infuses the chicken with that signature savory tang.
Is there a substitute for double/heavy cream?

Yes, you can use single cream or even evaporated milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. Greek yogurt with a splash of stock is another lighter alternative, but add it off heat to prevent curdling.
What can I use if I don’t have sun dried tomato pesto?

A spoonful of regular pesto (basil or red pepper) can work, or make your own with a quick blend of sun dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, and pine nuts or walnuts.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a true weeknight savior—fast, fuss-free, and loaded with vibrant Mediterranean flavor. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to, whether for a solo dinner treat or a fuss-free family meal. Dive in, enjoy every creamy, saucy bite, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!