Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet Recipe

The Juiciest Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet Recipe Ever

Sun-dried tomato chicken skillet elevates ordinary weeknight meals into a culinary adventure that sparks immediate hunger and excitement.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this vibrant dish, promising a delightful blend of robust ingredients and tantalizing aromas.

Rich, concentrated tomato notes mingle with tender chicken, creating a symphony of taste sensations that feel both comforting and sophisticated.

Home cooks searching for an effortless yet impressive meal will appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

The skillet method ensures maximum flavor retention and a perfectly caramelized exterior that seals in succulent juices.

Layers of complexity emerge from carefully balanced seasonings that elevate simple proteins into something extraordinary.

Quick, elegant, and deeply satisfying, this recipe promises a restaurant-quality experience right at your dining table.

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet Packed With Big Flavor

  • Unleash Flavor-Packed Chicken: This skillet recipe bursts with bold Italian seasoning that transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Each bite delivers a perfect blend of herbs and spices that dance across your taste buds.
  • Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Magic: The luxurious sauce combines rich parmesan cheese, silky milk, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes to create a velvety coating that clings beautifully to the crispy chicken. It's a texture and flavor symphony that elevates a simple weeknight meal.
  • One-Pan Wonder Convenience: Minimal cleanup meets maximum deliciousness with this cast-iron skillet recipe. From searing chicken to creating a luscious sauce, everything happens in a single pan, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality meals without the hassle.

Ingredients Checklist for Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

Meat:
  • Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful protein that absorbs seasonings well, boneless and skinless preferred for easier cooking.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic herb mixture that adds depth and traditional Italian flavors to the chicken, dried herbs work best.
Sauce Components:
  • Olive Oil: Rich base for creating smooth sauce texture, extra virgin provides best flavor.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds robust savory notes, fresh cloves recommended.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy flavor that brings Mediterranean character, packed in oil for best results.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty, sharp cheese that helps thicken and enrich sauce, freshly grated preferred.
  • Milk: Creamy liquid that creates silky sauce consistency, whole milk works best.
  • Water: Helps adjust sauce thickness and blend ingredients smoothly.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Basil: Bright herb that adds fresh flavor and green color, chopped just before serving.

Instructions for a Satisfying Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Chicken

Gather ingredients for seasoning:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Spread seasonings on a large plate. Thoroughly coat each chicken thigh with the seasoning blend, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Sear Chicken To Perfection

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if needed. Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs into the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Use tongs to check doneness and transfer chicken to a clean plate.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, combine sauce ingredients:
  • Olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Whole milk
  • Water

Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir continuously until cheese melts and ingredients blend smoothly.

Step 4: Simmer And Infuse Flavors

Allow sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will naturally thicken and develop rich flavors. Gently return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the chicken. Transfer skillet directly to the dining table for a rustic, appetizing presentation. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Enjoy your delicious Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet!

Smart Cooking Tips for Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

  • Sear Strategically: Use a cast iron skillet for the best golden-brown chicken crust, ensuring even heat distribution and maximum flavor development.
  • Season Generously: Create a robust seasoning blend by mixing Italian herbs thoroughly, coating each chicken thigh completely for maximum taste in every bite.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Stir the parmesan slowly and consistently to prevent clumping, allowing it to smoothly incorporate into the sauce for a creamy texture.
  • Tomato Timing: Chop sun-dried tomatoes finely to help them blend seamlessly into the sauce, releasing their intense, concentrated flavor throughout the dish.
  • Fresh Finish: Add fresh basil leaves just before serving to preserve their vibrant color and release a burst of aromatic herbaceousness that elevates the entire skillet.

Keeping Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet Fresh and Delicious

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover sun-dried tomato chicken skillet in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing: Carefully transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain sauce consistency. Alternatively, microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.

Sides That Match Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet Beautifully

  • Elevate with Crisp Chardonnay: This buttery white wine complements the rich sun-dried tomato sauce, cutting through the creamy parmesan and balancing the savory chicken perfectly.
  • Pair with Rustic Focaccia Bread: Grab a slice of warm, herbed focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce, adding a delightful texture contrast to the tender chicken.
  • Match with Zesty Arugula Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the hearty skillet dish, creating a balanced meal that tingles your taste buds.
  • Complement with Roasted Garlic Asparagus: Roast asparagus spears with a touch of garlic to echo the skillet's flavors while adding a vibrant green vegetable side that enhances the overall dining experience.

New Twists on Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet to Try

  • Mediterranean Magic: Swap chicken thighs with tender lamb chops, using similar seasoning blend. Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin. Incorporate diced jalapeños and substitute sun-dried tomatoes with roasted green chiles. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
  • Creamy Herb Garden: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Blend fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme into the sauce. Add light cream cheese for extra richness and include chopped spinach for added nutrition and color.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms. Keep the sun-dried tomato sauce and adjust cooking time to ensure protein is heated through and seasoned perfectly.
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Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet Recipe

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired sun-dried tomato chicken skillet brings zesty flavors straight from Italy’s rustic kitchens. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs meld together, delivering a quick weeknight dinner that transports you to coastal Italian charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) chicken thighs

Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoons salt
  • 0.5 teaspoons black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 0.25 cups California Sun Dry sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
  • 0.75 cups parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup milk of choice
  • 0.5 cups water

Garnish:

  • Fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Create a zesty seasoning blend by combining Italian herbs, salt, and pepper on a wide plate. Thoroughly dredge each chicken thigh in the aromatic mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium flame, allowing it to warm evenly. Drizzle a touch of olive oil if needed, then carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the pan. Sear each side for 6-7 minutes, cooking until the meat reaches a perfect golden-brown exterior and is completely cooked through.
  3. Without cleaning the skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and introduce minced garlic, creating a fragrant base. Quickly add sun-dried tomatoes, creating a vibrant landscape of color and texture.
  4. Pour in milk and water, creating a silky liquid foundation. Gradually sprinkle parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to encourage smooth melting and prevent any clumping.
  5. Allow the sauce to gently simmer and thicken, developing deep, rich flavors for approximately 5 minutes. The consistency should become luxuriously creamy and slightly reduced.
  6. Reintroduce the perfectly cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them into the luscious sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves, adding a bright, herbaceous finish.
  7. Transfer to serving plates, ensuring each portion receives an equal distribution of sauce and herbs. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and aromatic.

Notes

  • Perfectly sear chicken by using a cast iron skillet to lock in maximum flavor and achieve a golden-brown exterior.
  • Elevate the dish’s richness by creating a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-quality meal.
  • Choose bone-in chicken thighs for juicier meat that remains tender and absorbs the delicious parmesan and garlic sauce.
  • Reduce sauce on medium-low heat to develop deep, concentrated flavors without burning delicate ingredients like garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish that cuts through the sauce’s richness and provides a beautiful green contrast.
  • Quickly prepare this one-pan meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 452
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 612mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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