Busy nights often call for a fuss-free dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. One-Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken – Rich & Fast seizes that idea: tender chicken cutlets bathed in a velvety sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of cheese, all prepared in a single skillet. It’s a savory marriage of tangy, slightly sweet tomatoes and the gentle richness of cream, rendering this dish both indulgent and simple enough for a rushed evening.
- Why a One-Pan Creamy Chicken?
- Key Ingredients in Table Form
- Step-by-Step Method
- 1. Season & Sear Chicken (5–8 minutes)
- 2. Sauté Aromatics (3–5 minutes)
- 3. Build the Sauce (5–8 minutes)
- 4. Return Chicken & Simmer (3–5 minutes)
- 5. Final Adjustments (1–2 minutes)
- Serving & Presentation
- Why This Recipe Shines
- Possible Variations
- Dietary & Health Notes
- Storing & Reheating
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll uncover how to optimize cooking the chicken (so it stays moist), build a sauce from pantry-friendly ingredients (like sun-dried tomatoes, broth, and a dollop of cream), and garnish it with herbs or cheese for an added flourish. We’ll present a table of essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, plus variations to suit personal tastes—like including spinach or mushrooms. By the conclusion, you’ll have a robust, quick-cooking chicken dinner that tastes as if it simmered far longer than it did, ready to impress family or guests.
Why a One-Pan Creamy Chicken?
- Minimal Cleanup
By browning chicken and creating the sauce in the same skillet, you reduce mess and save time. - Quick Cooking
Chicken cutlets or thin breasts cook rapidly, merging with the sauce’s flavors almost immediately. - Tangy-Sweet Sun-Dried Tomatoes
These jarred gems pack concentrated flavor, offsetting the richness of cream for a balanced bite. - Adaptable
Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. The sauce complements a range of sides.
Key Ingredients in Table Form
Below is a concise table for ~4 servings:
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx.) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts (thinly sliced) | ~1 lb (about 2 large breasts) | Main protein; can pound thicker breasts to even thickness. |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes (in oil) | ~1/2 cup (drained) | Tangy, concentrated tomato flavor. Oil can be used for sauté. |
| Garlic (minced) | 2–3 cloves | Essential aromatic in creamy sauces. |
| Onion or Shallot (finely chopped) | 1 small (optional) | Additional flavor layer in the sauce. |
| Chicken Broth (low-sodium) | ~1/2 cup | Helps deglaze and form sauce base. |
| Heavy Cream (or half-and-half) | ~3/4 cup | Key to creating a rich, velvety sauce. |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | ~1/4 cup (optional) | Boosts savory depth; can skip if avoiding dairy. |
| Italian Seasoning or Herbs | 1–2 tsp (dried) | E.g., basil, oregano, thyme. Adds herbal notes. |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste | Basic seasoning for chicken and sauce. |
| Oil (olive or sun-dried tomato oil) | ~1–2 tbsp | Searing chicken and sautéing aromatics. |
| Optional Extras (spinach, mushrooms) | Varies | Stir in near end for additional veggies, flavor. |
Step-by-Step Method
1. Season & Sear Chicken (5–8 minutes)
- Pat Dry: Chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and possibly a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high, warm ~1 tablespoon oil (including some from the sun-dried tomato jar if you like).
- Sear: Place chicken in the pan, cooking ~3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate. They may not be fully cooked yet but will finish in the sauce.
2. Sauté Aromatics (3–5 minutes)
- Onion/Shallot: If using, add diced onion or shallot. Sauté ~2–3 minutes until translucent.
- Garlic: Stir in minced garlic for ~30 seconds to 1 minute, mindful it can burn quickly.
3. Build the Sauce (5–8 minutes)
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add ~1/2 cup (drained) to the pan. Sauté briefly to release flavors.
- Deglaze: Pour in ~1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Seasoning: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning. Check salt.
- Cream: Reduce heat to medium-low. Whisk in ~3/4 cup heavy cream. Simmer gently so it thickens slightly.
4. Return Chicken & Simmer (3–5 minutes)
- Nestle Chicken: Place seared breasts back into the skillet, coating them with sauce.
- Cover & Cook: Let it simmer until chicken reaches an internal temp of ~165°F, ~3–5 minutes.
- Optional Cheese: If desired, stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan or sprinkle on top. Let it melt.
5. Final Adjustments (1–2 minutes)
- Consistency: If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.
- Taste: Add pepper, a pinch of salt if needed.
Serving & Presentation
- Plate or Skillet: Present the entire skillet for a family-style approach or plate individually, spooning sauce over chicken.
- Garnish: Fresh basil or parsley for a pop of green. Possibly extra sun-dried tomato bits on top.
- Sides: Serve with pasta (like penne or fettuccine), rice, or crusty bread to soak up sauce.
Why This Recipe Shines
- Speed & Simplicity
Thin chicken cooks fast, and the same pan transitions from searing to sauce-making. - Depth of Flavor
Sun-dried tomatoes bring sweet-tangy intensity that pairs well with rich cream. - Customizable
Stir in spinach or mushrooms if desired, or vary the herbs to suit personal tastes.
Possible Variations
- Spinach Integration
Toss in a couple of cups of fresh baby spinach near the end, letting it wilt in the sauce. - Mushroom Addition
Sauté sliced mushrooms alongside onions for an earthier flavor. - Pesto Swirl
A spoonful of basil pesto can deepen the herbal aroma if you want an extra dimension. - Hot & Spicy
Add chili flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy undertone.
- Moderate Fat
The sauce includes cream, so it’s not ultra light. Half-and-half or light cream can reduce calories somewhat, though sauce may be thinner. - Protein
Chicken breast is lean protein, beneficial for muscle building and maintenance. - Carb Pairing
The sauce begs a starchy side—pasta, rice, or a low-carb alternative like cauliflower rice if watching carbs.
Dietary & Health Notes
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Leftovers keep up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken; thin with broth upon reheating if needed.
- Reheat: Gentle stovetop or microwave. High heat can cause cream to separate.
- Freezing: Cream sauces don’t always freeze well. The texture may change upon thawing. Fresh cooking is best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Thighs are juicier. Adjust cook time to ensure internal temp of 165°F. Sear similarly.
Q2: My sauce tastes too tangy—help?
Sun-dried tomatoes can be quite sharp. Balance with a pinch of sugar or extra cream. Also ensure your brand of tomatoes isn’t excessively acidic.
Q3: Any cheese substitution for Parmesan?
Mozzarella or a mild cheddar can add creaminess, though the flavor profile changes. Feta might be too tangy for this.
Q4: Is fresh basil essential?
Not mandatory. Dried basil or an Italian herb mix can suffice, but a final garnish of fresh herbs brightens the dish.
Q5: How can I reduce the sauce’s richness?
Use half-and-half or a reduced-fat cream. The sauce will be slightly less thick but still tasty.
Conclusion
One-Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken – Rich & Fast delivers a savory trifecta of succulent poultry, sweetly intense sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety cream sauce, all conjured in the convenience of a single skillet. The flavor synergy is at once comforting and quick—perfect for nights when you need a shortcut to something impressive. Serve it over pasta, pair with rice, or simply soak up the sauce with crusty bread to relish every drop.
From searing the chicken to swirling in cream, each step is straightforward and merges seamlessly to create a cohesive dish. By adjusting the sauce’s thickness, adding optional veggies, or finishing with your favorite cheese, you can tailor the final result to your preference—be it extra luscious or slightly lighter. However you tweak it, the hallmark remains the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes balanced by the gentle embrace of creamy sauce, draping tender chicken in a meal that celebrates flavor and efficiency in equal measure.
