Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken: Never Watery!

Posted on April 16, 2025

Are you craving a restaurant-quality creamy chicken dish but dread the watery sauce that often plagues homemade versions? I understand completely! Nothing is more disappointing than biting into perfectly cooked chicken only to be met with a thin, flavorless sauce. But don’t worry, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken recipe is here to banish watery sauces forever! The secret? A simple technique that ensures a rich, luscious, and intensely flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this easy yet elegant weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll be making this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken again and again:

Unbelievably Creamy Sauce: Say goodbye to watery disappointment! The technique in this recipe guarantees a thick, luxurious sauce.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible depth of flavor.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is surprisingly simple and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes – the possibilities are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

The beauty of this dish lies in the harmonious blend of simple, high-quality ingredients. We’re aiming for a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile, where the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes balances the richness of the cream and Parmesan, all grounded by savory chicken and garlic. Let’s explore the key ingredients you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts: You’ll need about 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I recommend cutting them into bite-sized pieces before cooking. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly, and it makes for easier eating.
All-Purpose Flour: A quarter cup of all-purpose flour is essential for two reasons. First, we’ll use it to lightly dredge the chicken, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust. Second, a small amount will be used to create a roux, which is the secret to our never-watery sauce! If needed, consider gluten-free alternatives; you might also appreciate this golden vegetable rice pilaf recipe.
Salt and Black Pepper: These are the foundational seasonings. A teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper will enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Olive Oil: Two tablespoons of olive oil are perfect for sautéing the chicken and garlic. The olive oil adds a subtle fruity note that complements the other Mediterranean flavors.
Chicken Broth: One cup of chicken broth forms the base of our sauce. Using a good quality chicken broth will significantly impact the final flavor. Low sodium broth is a good choice if you are watching your salt intake.
Heavy Cream: Half a cup of heavy cream is what gives this sauce its luxurious richness. Don’t skimp on the fat content here – it’s what makes the sauce so decadent!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Half a cup of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped, are the star of the show. The oil-packed variety is softer and more flavorful than the dry-packed ones. Make sure to drain them well to avoid adding excess oil to the sauce.
Garlic: Two cloves of garlic, minced, add a pungent aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the sun-dried tomatoes. Freshly minced garlic is always best!
Parmesan Cheese: A quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty note to the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
Fresh Basil: Two tablespoons of chopped fresh basil, for garnish, add a pop of freshness and color. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute with dried basil, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.

Crafting Your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken: Step-by-Step

Now for the fun part: bringing all these delicious ingredients together! Don’t be intimidated; this recipe is incredibly straightforward, especially once you master the key technique for achieving that perfectly creamy, never-watery sauce. Let’s get started!

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the quarter cup of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Dredge the bite-sized chicken pieces in this flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour; we want a light coating, not a thick crust. This light coating helps the chicken brown beautifully and also contributes to thickening the sauce later.
Sear the Chicken: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the floured chicken pieces. Cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside; we’ll add it back to the sauce later.
Bloom the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the two cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Keep a close eye on the garlic, as it can burn quickly and become bitter. The goal is to lightly toast the garlic to release its aroma and flavor.
The Secret Roux: This is the crucial step! Instead of immediately adding liquid, gradually sprinkle one tablespoon of flour into the skillet with the garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until it turns golden brown. This step is essential for thickening the sauce and preventing it from being watery. Think of it like this: the flour cooks and its starch absorbs fat, becoming a base that will bind with liquids later, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
Build the Sauce: Slowly pour in one cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits, also known as fond, are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the Creamy Goodness: Stir in the half cup of heavy cream, half cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Remember, the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools slightly.
Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Heat through for another minute or two, ensuring the chicken is warmed through.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with two tablespoons of chopped fresh basil and serve hot over rice or pasta. This dish is also delicious served with mashed potatoes or creamy spiced potatoes!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Every Time

Want to take your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken to the next level? Here are a few pro tips:

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Use Good Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your dish. This is especially true for the sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few more minutes. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash more chicken broth.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What to Serve With Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

Pasta: Serve it over your favorite pasta shape, such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
Rice: Fluffy white rice or golden rice pilaf are excellent choices.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and delicious side.
Vegetables: A simple side salad or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, adds a healthy touch. Consider trying out some roasted sweet potato chicken power bowl recipes.
Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes?

While oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are preferred for their softer texture and richer flavor, you can use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Rehydrate them in hot water for about 30 minutes before chopping and adding them to the sauce. Be sure to drain them well before using.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

While you can use milk instead of heavy cream, the sauce won’t be as rich or creamy. For a richer sauce than milk will offer, consider half-and-half as a midpoint substitution. Keep in mind that lower-fat dairy products are more prone to curdling, so add them at the very end and simmer gently. The luxurious sauce in this decadent chocolate topped cream cake recipe highlights the impact of using high-quality cream.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the chicken broth is also gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to the sauce. Add them after the garlic and cook until tender.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Enjoy Your Homemade Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken!

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken that will never leave you with a watery sauce! This dish is a flavor explosion that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! I’d love to hear your feedback and any variations you tried. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family!