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+ servings

California Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Tender, juicy chicken breasts in a rich, herby cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and basil. Ready in 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Chicken, Creamy Sauces, dinner, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) patted dry with paper towels
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided, or use oil from sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth low-sodium
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/3 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained from oil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped, plus more for garnish

Method
 

Sear the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Build the Cream Sauce
  1. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet (or use 1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar). Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan and chopped basil until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Finish and Serve
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover and let simmer over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  2. Garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 42gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 720mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

For even cooking, you can slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Do not substitute heavy cream with milk or half-and-half—the sauce needs the fat to stay creamy and thick. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded. If using jarred sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, a splash of that oil adds extra depth. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

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