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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour in milk and water, creating a silky liquid foundation. Gradually sprinkle parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to encourage smooth melting and prevent any clumping.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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