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Quick Skillet Chicken Breast Recipe with Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

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A quick and easy skillet chicken breast recipe featuring a rich and velvety sun-dried tomato cream sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 68 oz / 170225 g each), pounded to even thickness
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, preferably packed in oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup heavy cream (180 ml) (can substitute half-and-half for lighter option)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (120 ml), homemade or low sodium
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 g)
  • A handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place each between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound to about ½-inch (1.3 cm) thickness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook another 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from pan and set aside, tented with foil to keep warm.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter (if using), then add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  5. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and ¾ cup heavy cream. Stir gently, scraping browned bits from the pan. Let sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
  6. Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Return chicken breasts to skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and let warm together for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Serve chicken with a generous ladle of sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Garnish with extra herbs or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature chicken breasts for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to get a good sear. Deglaze pan with broth before adding cream to capture browned bits. Add garlic last and watch carefully to avoid burning. Adjust sauce thickness by adding more broth or cream if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick chicken recipe, skillet chicken breast, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, easy dinner, creamy chicken, weeknight meal