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Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

The most delicious creamy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes you will ever taste! This easy recipe has just a few ingredients, is made on the stove-top, and so much fresh, amazing flavor. Give it a try for dinner!

This recipe is made in one skillet on the stovetop, but I also include Instant Pot instructions in the recipe card below!

spooning creamy sauce with sundried tomatoes over chicken

Pro tip: spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the chicken and pasta!

Sun dried tomato chicken

Y'all. We are OBSESSED with this creamy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes. Legit obsessed.

Tender, seasoned chicken thighs in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with lots of fresh herbs and flavor. The chicken tastes FANTASTIC, and the extra sun-dried tomato sauce is AMAZING spooned over pasta, or for dipping a nice crusty baguette.

We make this with either boneless or bone-in chicken thighs, we don't discriminate! We do, however, remove the skip from the chicken thighs to make this dish juuust a little healthier and because we love spooning the sauce over the chicken, which would mean that the chicken skin doesn't stay too crispy.

So we ditch the skin.

chicken thighs with sun dried tomato sauce on a plate of pasta

Not a fan of chicken thighs? Make this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken with chicken breasts instead. It will be almost as good (we are HUGE fans of chicken thighs), but it will still be great!

We make this creamy chicken on the stove-top in one skillet, so there's no need to get extra dishes dirty or turn on the oven! And it comes out perfectly tender and delicious every time. And if you prefer to use the Instant Pot, I have Instant Pot creamy sun dried tomato chicken thighs instructions for you as well!

This creamy chicken thighs recipe is low carb on its own (and can be keto if you omit the cornstarch!), but I have to admit we do like serving it over pasta.

Ready to get started??

Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients

  • 4-6 chicken thighs (boneless, skins removed) (2-3 lb)
  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves 
ingredients to make sun dried tomato creamy chicken thighs

Just a few ingredients

Related recipe: Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Ingredient notes and tips

→ Chicken thighs: feel free to use bone-in chicken thighs if you prefer, they might take a few minutes longer to cook! Or use chicken breast if you want a leaner chicken recipe.

→ Sun-dried tomatoes: I used sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. If yours are dry, just soak them in warm water for a minute or two to soften them while you brown the chicken thighs. You'll need to julienne, or thinly slice your sun-dried tomatoes if they aren't sliced already. I use these julienned sun-dried tomatoes from Bella Sun Luci and I absolutely love their flavor and the convenience. The one jar lasts a while in the fridge!

→ Heavy cream: Make this dairy-free by using half a cup of canned coconut milk (unsweetened) and either skipping the Parmesan, or using your favorite vegan Parmesan cheese.

→ Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or buy grated Parmesan cheese in the refrigerated cheese section of the grocery store. Don't use the packaged stuff that is sold in the non-refrigerated aisles, it won't melt as nicely into the sauce! I love using this microplane zester to grate Parmesan cheese (and I use it to grate garlic instead of mincing it, too! Huge time saving tip!)

→ Cornstarch: The cornstarch is somewhat optional. It helps thicken the sauce so it really sticks to the chicken. You can skip it if you like a runnier sauce, or use tapioca starch if you're avoiding corn. 

→ Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a really nice flavor to this recipe! You can also add a little fresh parsley or thyme if you like. 

creamy sun dried tomato chicken thighs in a skillet

One-pan chicken!

More chicken thighs recipes: Tandoori Chicken Kebabs in the Air Fryer

Equipment

→ Skillet: You'll need a large skillet with a lid. I LOVE using my 12 inch cast iron skillet for cooking chicken! The lid is ESSENTIAL for this recipe, to keep the heat in and fully cook the chicken without evaporating the sauce.

If you don't have a lid for your large skillet, you can get a universal lid to fit ALL your pans! This thing is pretty brilliant.

→ Meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is crucial for this recipe, so you can tell when the chicken is cooked and not overcook it. I have this little one and I love it and use it almost daily!

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment, let's get cooking!

More creamy chicken recipes to try: Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo

How to make creamy sun dried tomato chicken thighs

Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides, and brown the chicken on both sides over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Set the chicken aside on a plate. It won't be fully cooked yet, and that's OK! 

chicken thighs in a skillet

Step 2: Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and saute for about 2 minutes. 

sauteing garlic, oregano, and sun dried tomatoes

Step 3: Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan. Add the cornstarch and whisk immediately to make sure it does not clump up.

adding cornstarch to thicken the sun dried tomato sauce

Have that whisk ready to whisk in the cornstarch!

Step 4: Place the chicken thighs back into the sauce, bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and cover with a lid. Allow the sauce and the chicken to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, stirring every few minutes to make sure the chicken does not burn. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer!!

Stir in the fresh basil and remove from heat.

Serve warm, spooning the extra sauce over the chicken and over pasta or rice. Add a side of pan fried Brussels sprouts with turkey bacon.

spooning creamy sun dried tomato sauce over chicken

I hope you get a chance to make this creamy chicken, I know you will love it as much as we do! If you end up making it, please take a picture and tag me on INSTAGRAM or FACEBOOK. You can find me at @babaganoshblog on both. I love seeing your creations!

If you enjoyed this recipe, let me know with a comment and a star rating below. And don't forget to share it on Facebook and save it on Pinterest for later!

pinnable image of creamy sun dried tomato chicken skillet

creamy sun dried tomato chicken thighs close up to see the sun dried tomato sauce
Print Recipe
4.95 from 19 votes

Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Thighs

The most delicious creamy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes you will ever taste! This easy recipe has just a few ingredients, is made on the stove-top, and so much fresh, amazing flavor. Give it a try for dinner!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Author: Kate

Ingredients

  • 4-6 skinless chicken thighs - boneless, skin removed
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic - minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano - or Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes - or to taste (optional)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes - thinly sliced, dry or packed in olive oil (drain first if packed in oil!)
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch - or tapioca starch
  • ¼ fresh basil leaves - chopped

Instructions

  • Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken thighs on both sides for 2-3 minutes each, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and set aside. They will not be full cooked yet - that's OK!
    chicken thighs in a skillet
  • Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes (save some for garnish, if you like) to the same skillet and saute for 2-3 minutes.
    sauteing garlic, oregano, and sun dried tomatoes
  • Add the chicken stock, heavy cream, and grated parmesan. Add the cornstarch and whisk immediately to make sure it dissolves and does not clump up.
    adding cornstarch to thicken the sun dried tomato sauce
  • Gently add the chicken thighs back to the skillet, placing them into the sauce. Lower the heat and cover with a lid.
    Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are fully cooked (165F when measured with meat thermometer), stirring gently between the chicken thighs every few minutes to ensure the sauce does not burn to the bottom of the skillet. Stir in fresh basil and remove from heat. Serve warm, spooning the sauce over pasta or rice and garnishing with fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan.
    creamy sun dried tomato chicken thighs in a skillet

Notes

  • Cornstarch: it's optional but it helps thicken the sauce so it really coats the chicken (and pasta well). Make sure to whisk it in immediately when adding the broth and cream, so that it doesn't form clumps.
  • Optional add-in: Add some fresh or frozen baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking and let it wilt.
  • Skillet: You'll need a large skillet (10-12 inches) with a lid! The lid helps seal the heat in so the chicken can cook faster. If your large skillet doesn't have a lid, you can get a universal lid!
Instant Pot instructions
  1. Saute the chicken thighs in olive oil for 2-3 minutes to brown on both sides. Remove from Instant Pot.
  2. Saute the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano for 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken stock, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add the chicken thighs back in. Cook on high pressure manual setting for 5 minutes. Natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then manually release pressure.
  3. Set to saute, then carefully whisk in cornstarch and grated Parmesan. Saute for 2-3 minutes, or until sauce thickens. Garnish with fresh basil to serve. 

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcal (17%) | Carbohydrates: 13g (4%) | Protein: 26g (52%) | Fat: 20g (31%) | Saturated Fat: 9g (45%) | Cholesterol: 150mg (50%) | Sodium: 234mg (10%) | Potassium: 833mg (24%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 6g (7%) | Vitamin A: 622IU (12%) | Vitamin C: 6mg (7%) | Calcium: 47mg (5%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)

The nutritional information displayed is an estimate and not to be used as dietary or nutritional advice. Consult a nutritionist or dietician for nutritional info based on the exact ingredients you use.

 

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Kimmiesis

Tuesday 6th of February 2024

I made this for a friend’s family after the wife had surgery. They ranted and raved about how good it was. They said I could make it again for them anytime!

Bryana Dugger

Monday 15th of January 2024

My family LOVED this recipe! Quick and easy too! I used chicken breasts cut into two instead of thighs.

jill

Monday 11th of September 2023

This recipe was so good. It tasted better than anything you can get at a restaurant. I served it with zucchini noodles and a mixed greens salad.

Laurie

Sunday 9th of August 2015

I followed the recipe to the letter. It was super easy to whip up and the taste was fabulous. Thank you so much for a quick weeknight meal. This will go into regular rotation at our house.

Little Cooking Tips

Tuesday 28th of July 2015

That is so delicious Kate! And the timing is perfect as we have some boneless thighs in the freezer and wanted to try something different these days. This recipe has simple, Mediterranean tastes and it's paired with cream (French/Northern European cuisine) to create a seriously deee-licious dish!:) Thanx so much for another wonderful idea!

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