This creamy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes is a delicious combination of tender chicken thighs bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, creating a dish that’s satisfying and full of depth. Whether you’re following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, or just looking for a comforting dinner, this recipe fits the bill. It’s quick to prepare and versatile, perfect for weeknight dinners. Serve it with mashed cauliflower, rice, or pasta to suit your dietary preferences and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Add chicken stock, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir well, then whisk in cornstarch to prevent clumping.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, cover with the sauce, reduce heat, and cover with a lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, stirring occasionally.
- Once cooked, stir in fresh basil leaves. Remove from heat and serve warm. Garnish with additional Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 387 kcal
Servings: 4 servings
A Rich Culinary Heritage
The creamy sauce used in this recipe is a nod to the classic Italian cooking style that blends dairy products, such as heavy cream and cheese, with flavorful seasonings. Italian cuisine often uses fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and garlic to enhance dishes with vibrant aromas. Here, sun-dried tomatoes, another staple of Mediterranean cuisine, add a unique, tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cream. They bring a concentrated tomato flavor that is hard to replicate with fresh tomatoes, making them a key ingredient in this dish.
The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and cream also speaks to the heart of comfort food, balancing savory, sweet, and creamy elements in each bite. This blend of flavors transports you to rustic Italian kitchens where meals are meant to be savored and shared with family and friends.
Health Benefits
Beyond its amazing flavor, this creamy chicken recipe packs a nutritional punch. With 33 grams of protein per serving, it provides an excellent source of lean protein, which is crucial for muscle building, immune function, and overall health. Chicken thighs, the main protein source in this dish, are often overlooked in favor of chicken breasts, but they are actually richer in flavor due to their higher fat content. This makes them ideal for creamy dishes like this one.
Moreover, the recipe is low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. With only 9 grams of net carbs per serving, it allows you to enjoy a creamy, indulgent dish without the guilt. The use of heavy cream instead of flour or thickening agents further reduces carbs, while still delivering the luxurious texture you crave in creamy dishes.
Sun-dried tomatoes, though small, are nutrient powerhouses. They are rich in vitamins C and K, iron, and antioxidants such as lycopene, which has been linked to various health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. The fresh basil adds not only a pop of color and freshness but also has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants.
Versatility and Adaptability
One of the best aspects of this creamy chicken recipe is its versatility. While it is naturally low-carb, it can easily be adapted to suit different dietary preferences. For a more indulgent version, you can serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. If you’re looking to maintain a lower-carb profile, pair it with cauliflower rice, zoodles (zucchini noodles), or a simple green salad.
For those avoiding dairy, coconut cream can be substituted for the heavy cream, and nutritional yeast can replace the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version that is still creamy and rich. Similarly, if you prefer a meat-free option, tofu or tempeh can be used in place of chicken, and the sauce will still deliver those amazing flavors.
Time-Saving and Easy to Make
Despite its gourmet flavors, this dish is surprisingly simple and quick to make. With a total cook time of just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Everything is cooked in one skillet, which means less cleanup—a major bonus for home cooks who love delicious food but hate washing dishes.
The technique is also beginner-friendly. Browning the chicken first not only locks in moisture but also adds depth of flavor when the browned bits are deglazed by the chicken stock and cream. The whole process—from sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to simmering the chicken in the creamy sauce—creates layers of flavor that are hard to beat in such a short cooking time.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This creamy chicken recipe is not just delicious on the day you cook it—it also makes for excellent leftovers. In fact, as the sauce continues to meld with the chicken in the fridge, the flavors intensify, making it even tastier the next day. This makes it a great option for meal prepping. You can prepare a batch over the weekend and have a flavorful, high-protein meal ready to go throughout the week.
The dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can also be frozen in individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, a little extra cream or chicken stock will help revive the sauce and keep it silky smooth. Reheating on the stove is the best method to maintain its creamy texture, but the microwave works too if you’re in a rush.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
What truly sets this creamy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes apart is its balance of flavor, texture, and health benefits. Many creamy dishes can be heavy and leave you feeling weighed down, but this recipe achieves a delicate balance, offering richness without excess. The sun-dried tomatoes cut through the creaminess with their bright, tangy flavor, while the fresh basil adds an herbaceous note that keeps the dish light and refreshing.
This recipe also fits perfectly into the trend of healthy indulgence—where food lovers seek dishes that satisfy their cravings without sacrificing nutritional value. By combining healthy fats from the chicken and cream with nutrient-rich tomatoes and herbs, you get a dish that feels indulgent but supports a balanced diet.
A Dish for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just cooking for your family, this creamy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes is sure to impress. It’s elegant enough for a special occasion, yet simple and approachable enough for a weeknight meal. Its versatility in pairings and substitutions ensures it can accommodate a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
For families with picky eaters, the creamy sauce is a surefire hit, and you can sneak in extra vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, to boost the dish’s nutritional profile without compromising on flavor. It’s also a great recipe for entertaining since it can be made ahead of time and reheated, allowing you to enjoy your time with guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
Conclusion
In summary, the creamy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes is an all-around winner. With its rich Italian-inspired flavors, high protein content, and low-carb profile, it ticks all the boxes for a delicious and nutritious meal. Its adaptability to various diets and ease of preparation make it a staple recipe for any home cook. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, something to meal prep for the week, or an impressive dish for a special occasion, this recipe has you covered.
