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This rich, creamy skillet chicken in a sundried tomato parmesan cream sauce has earned its name for good reason. The combination of tender chicken, savory sauce, and fresh basil creates a restaurant-quality dish that will definitely impress at the dinner table.
I first made this for my partner on our anniversary, and now it's our go-to special occasion meal. Something about the rich sauce and tender chicken feels luxurious without requiring professional chef skills.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Large ones provide the perfect portion size and stay juicy when seared properly
- Garlic: Fresh cloves provide much better flavor than pre-minced versions
- Thyme: Adds an earthy herbal note that complements the cream beautifully
- Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a gentle heat that balances the richness of the sauce
- Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful base of the sauce; use low sodium if possible
- Heavy Cream: Creates that luxurious texture that makes this dish special
- Sundried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet tangy flavor is essential to this dish
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated melts better and has superior flavor to pre-grated
- Fresh Basil: The bright finishing touch that elevates the entire dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Place chicken in the hot skillet and sear until deeply golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. The chicken should release easily from the pan when properly seared. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Create the Sauce Base:
- Return the same skillet to medium heat, maintaining all those flavorful browned bits. Add minced garlic and cook for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown.
- Build the Cream Sauce:
- Add thyme and red pepper flakes to the garlic, stirring quickly to bloom their flavors. Immediately pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the browned bits. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally as it begins to thicken.
- Enrich the Sauce:
- Add chopped sundried tomatoes and freshly grated parmesan cheese to the simmering sauce. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth. The sundried tomatoes will begin releasing their rich flavor into the sauce.
- Finish in the Oven:
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over each chicken breast to coat completely. Transfer the skillet to your preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh torn basil over the top and add additional grated parmesan if desired. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation or plate individually with plenty of sauce.
I absolutely love how the sundried tomatoes transform in this dish. Their intense umami flavor mellows in the cream sauce while still providing these delicious bursts of tangy sweetness. My family jokes that this dish should come with a warning label because it's impossible to stop eating!
Make-Ahead Options
This chicken reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Prepare the entire dish up to two days ahead, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently in the oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making this an excellent option for entertaining.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this creamy chicken with a simple side of roasted asparagus or a light arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. The fresh, bright flavors provide perfect balance to the rich sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving over angel hair pasta or alongside crusty Italian bread to soak up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
Recipe Origins
This recipe has taken social media by storm in recent years, but it's actually a variation of an Italian-American classic. Similar to chicken piccata or marsala, it follows the tradition of searing chicken and creating a flavorful pan sauce. The addition of sundried tomatoes gives it a modern twist that's become incredibly popular for good reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Large chicken breasts are recommended, but you can also use chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful option.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can reduce the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or omit them entirely for a milder version of the dish.
- → What can I use instead of sundried tomatoes?
Fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers can be used as substitutes, but they may alter the flavor slightly.
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately and combine when you’re ready to bake and serve.
- → What side dishes pair well with this?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.