Sun dried tomato chicken is a dish that hits all the right notes. Imagine tender chicken soaked in a rich, sun-dried tomato sauce, bursting with Mediterranean flavors that whisk you away to a sun-soaked terrace overlooking the sea. Each bite is a fiesta of juicy chicken and zesty tomatoes, paired with the aromatic whispers of garlic and basil.
I first discovered this delightful recipe during a summer gathering at my friend’s house, where the aroma danced through the air like a beloved song. As friends gathered around the table, I savored each mouthful, realizing that this dish would soon become a staple in my kitchen. Whether it’s dinner parties or cozy weeknights, sun dried tomato chicken never disappoints.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- You can easily customize ingredients based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand
- This dish shines as both a comforting family meal and an impressive centerpiece for entertaining guests
I remember my brother’s face lighting up when he tasted this dish for the first time; it was pure joy mixed with disbelief that something so delicious could come from my kitchen.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work best, but feel free to adjust based on your guest list.
Sun Dried Tomatoes: Opt for oil-packed ones; they add flavor and moisture to your dish.
Fresh Basil: Use fresh basil leaves for their vibrant flavor; dried won’t cut it here.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh cloves give a robust flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic if possible.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth allows you to control salt levels while adding depth to the sauce.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors and adds richness.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings a nutty finish to the chicken; don’t skip it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic finely for maximum flavor infusion into the chicken.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the hot pan until they’re golden brown on both sides.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Once the chicken is nicely browned, toss in minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything around until fragrant—about 30 seconds should do.
Pour in Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom—those are flavor gold! Bring it all to a simmer.
Add Fresh Basil and Cheese: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil into the sauce along with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. Stir until everything melds together beautifully.
Serve It Up!: Plate your sun dried tomato chicken over pasta or rice, drizzling some of that glorious sauce over top. Garnish with more basil if you’re feeling fancy!
This recipe not only fills your belly but warms your heart too—perfect for creating wonderful memories around your dining table!
You Must Know
- Sun dried tomato chicken is not just delicious; it’s a culinary adventure
- The flavor explosion from sun-dried tomatoes, paired with tender chicken, creates a dish that is both comforting and elegant
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by searing the chicken to lock in juices, then prepare your sauce while it cooks. This sequence ensures maximum flavor without overcooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers or add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor; they make a major difference
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing chicken, as this leads to steaming instead of browning
- Let the chicken rest after cooking; this ensures juiciness with each bite
Sharing my first attempt at sun dried tomato chicken brings back memories of my friends’ ecstatic reactions—it turned into our go-to dinner party dish!
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated flavor that’s hard to replicate.
What side dishes pair well with sun dried tomato chicken?
Serve with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for delightful balance.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
Indulge in the Mediterranean delight of Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken, featuring tender chicken breasts enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. This comforting dish is not only easy to prepare but also impressively vibrant, making it perfect for both cozy family dinners and elegant gatherings. With each bite, savor the juicy chicken paired with aromatic herbs that transport you to sun-soaked terraces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Gather and chop sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown on both sides (about 5 minutes per side).
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in Chicken Broth: Add chicken broth to the skillet, scraping any browned bits off the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Fresh Basil and Cheese: Stir in chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Serve It Up: Plate your dish over pasta or rice, drizzling with sauce and garnishing with additional basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
