Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is an easy 30-minute skillet dinner with tender chicken and a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. It’s a cozy one-pan chicken dinner that’s flavorful, simple to make, and perfect for busy weeknights.

If you love creamy chicken dinners like I do, you might also enjoy my Creamy Garlic Chicken, this comforting Creamy Mushroom Chicken, or my easy Creamy Parmesan Chicken.

This is the kind of easy chicken dinner you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s quick enough for busy nights, but it also has that rich, cozy comfort food feel that makes it a little more special.

You can also explore all my creamy chicken recipes to find more simple and cozy one-pan dinners.

Why This Recipe Works

The sauce is smooth and velvety without cheese, allowing the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs to really shine. Every bite is creamy, savory, and perfect for serving over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

I love how easy this recipe is to pull together. Everything cooks in one skillet, the sauce comes together quickly, and the chicken stays nice and tender. It’s the kind of dinner that feels a little special but is still easy enough for a regular weeknight.

Quick Look at the Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need. The full ingredient amounts are in the recipe card below.

• Chicken breasts – I usually use chicken breasts for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay tender in the creamy sauce. Chicken thighs work great too if you prefer darker meat.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – Use the ones packed in oil for the best flavor. They add a slightly sweet, rich taste that really makes the sauce special.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic gives the sauce its warm, comforting flavor. I don’t recommend garlic powder here.
• Heavy cream – This makes the sauce smooth and velvety. It’s what brings everything together.
• Chicken broth – Adds extra flavor and keeps the sauce from becoming too thick or heavy.
• Dijon mustard – You won’t really taste the mustard, but it quietly deepens the flavor of the sauce.
• Butter – Adds richness and helps build the base of the sauce.
• Olive oil – Used for searing the chicken and creating that golden crust.
• Thyme or Italian seasoning – Adds a light herbal flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and cream.
• Salt and black pepper – Simple but important for bringing all the flavors together.
• Fresh parsley – Optional but recommended for a fresh finish and a little color.

If you’re looking for more easy dinner ideas, you can also browse my full collection of chicken recipes, where you’ll find simple skillet meals, comforting chicken dinners, and easy family favorites for busy weeknights.

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make thinner cutlets. This helps them cook more evenly and stay tender. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it develops a nice golden crust, about 4 minutes per side. Don’t rush this step because that golden color adds a lot of flavor. Transfer the chicken to a plate once done.

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Let everything cook together for about a minute until fragrant and the tomatoes start to release their flavor.

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Dijon mustard. Add the thyme, black pepper, salt, and fresh parsley, then let everything simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors can come together.

Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently until the sauce becomes smooth, rich, and creamy.

Return the chicken to the skillet and let it gently simmer in the sauce for a few minutes until fully cooked and coated.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, spoon some of the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the top and let everything warm together for a minute. Finish with freshly chopped parsley for a little color and freshness.

Serve this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken warm with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up all that rich, flavorful sauce.

Pro Tips

If your chicken breasts are thick, slicing them into thinner cutlets really helps them cook evenly and stay tender. Also, don’t rush the searing step, letting the chicken develop that golden crust adds a lot of flavor to the final dish.

For the best flavor, try using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and add a small spoon of that oil to the skillet. It adds extra depth to the sauce and makes the whole dish taste a little more special without any extra work.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is very flexible and easy to adjust depending on what you have on hand. Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts if you prefer darker meat. They stay extra juicy and work just as well in the creamy sauce.

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor. You can also add a handful of fresh spinach at the end if you want to add some greens to the dish.

For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be a little thinner. If you like a richer flavor, a small handful of grated Parmesan can also be added at the end.

• Add mushrooms – They pair perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Add spinach – Stir it in at the end until wilted.
• Add chili flakes – For a little heat.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but it will become smooth again when reheated.

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. If needed, add a small splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and bring it back to its creamy texture.

This recipe actually tastes just as good the next day once the flavors have had time to come together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, and I actually recommend it. Adding a small spoon of the oil from the jar adds extra depth and makes the sauce taste even richer.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be opaque in the center and easy to cut with a knife. If you use a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I make the sauce a little thinner?
If the sauce feels too thick, just add a splash of chicken broth while it simmers and stir gently until it reaches the consistency you like.

What to Serve With Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

This creamy chicken skillet pairs well with simple sides that help soak up the sauce. Rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread are all great options. If you want something lighter, steamed green beans or a simple salad also work well.