chicken and sun dried tomato recipe

The Best chicken and sun dried tomato recipe

Chicken and sun-dried tomato sauce is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug for my whole family. There’s something about the rich, tangy depth of sun-dried tomatoes that makes every bite feel special, whether it’s on pasta, in a bowl of rice, or even just as a simple side. I first fell in love with it years ago when I was looking for a way to use up those little jars of sun-dried tomatoes that always ended up in the back of the pantry. They’re so concentrated and flavorful that a little goes a long way, and when you combine them with tender chicken, you get something that’s both satisfying and surprisingly light. My kids—especially my teenage son who’s always picky about his meals—will eat it straight from the bowl with a side of crusty bread, and honestly, I don’t even try to hide how much I enjoy it myself. It’s that kind of recipe that feels like a no-brainer for everyday cooking, but it also works perfectly for a dinner party or a weekend meal when you want something hearty but not too heavy.

I love this recipe because it’s so versatile. You can make it with just a few ingredients and still have something that tastes like it was made with love. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweetness and smokiness that cuts through the richness of the chicken, and the garlic and herbs keep it fresh and aromatic. My husband says it’s the kind of dish that makes him feel like he’s eating something restaurant-quality at home, and my kids swear by it for school lunches—it’s packed with protein and healthy fats from the olive oil and tomatoes, which makes it great for keeping them full and energized. Plus, it’s easy to customize. If you want to make it lighter, you can swap out the cream for a splash of coconut milk or even skip it altogether. If you’re serving it for a special occasion, you can add a sprinkle of fresh basil or a dollop of crème fraîche on top. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration, even on a regular night. And honestly, the health benefits are pretty impressive too—sun-dried tomatoes are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, and chicken is a lean protein that’s easy on the joints but keeps you strong. It’s a win-win for anyone who wants to eat well without feeling like they’re missing out on flavor.

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Garlic Bread

4.8 from 1437 votes

A flavorful dish featuring succulent chicken marinated in sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, paired with a simple garlic bread. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal!

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time35 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time55 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Sun-Dried Tomato Marinade

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Bread

• 1 baguette or ciabatta bread
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2 In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. 3 In a food processor, blend sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
4. 4 Preheat a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place chicken thighs on the sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
5. 5 While chicken bakes, prepare garlic bread: Slice the baguette or ciabatta in half lengthwise. Mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt. Spread the mixture onto the bread slices and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until golden.
6. 6 Once chicken is done, pour the sun-dried tomato marinade over it and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to absorb flavors. Serve chicken with garlic bread.

🔧Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Food processor or mortar and pestle
• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Mixing spoon
• Plates

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22💛Saturated Fat: 8❤️Cholesterol: 100🧂Sodium: 750🌾Total Carbs: 35🥦Dietary Fiber: 6🍬Sugars: 8🥩Protein: 35

📝Notes

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This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser because it’s simple, flavorful, and always feels special—whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight dinner or a light meal for a family get-together. The bright, tangy sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of freshness that makes every bite feel like a little extra effort, and it’s easy to adjust the seasoning to suit everyone’s tastes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken or tomatoes, so there’s no waste and no stress.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Garlic Bread

1. What ingredients are typically used in a chicken and sun-dried tomato recipe?

The classic ingredients for a chicken and sun-dried tomato dish usually include boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sun-dried tomatoes (in oil or oil-free), olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, fresh herbs like parsley or basil, salt, and pepper. Some variations may also include onions, capers, pine nuts, or a creamy sauce like béchamel or a yogurt-based dressing.

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2. How do I prepare the chicken before cooking to ensure it’s tender and flavorful?

To prepare chicken for a sun-dried tomato dish, start by marinating it in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs (like parsley or basil). Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor. Before cooking, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from steaming the dish instead of searing it. You can also lightly coat it with oil for extra crispiness if grilling or pan-searing.

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3. Should I use fresh or dried sun-dried tomatoes in this recipe?

You can use either fresh sun-dried tomatoes or the dried kind, but they require different preparation methods. Fresh sun-dried tomatoes (often sold in jars) can be rinsed, drained, and chopped directly into the dish. Dried sun-dried tomatoes (like those sold in oil) should be soaked in warm water for 10–15 minutes to rehydrate, then squeezed dry before adding to the recipe. Some recipes prefer dried tomatoes for a stronger, more concentrated flavor, while fresh ones add a juicier texture.

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4. How do I cook chicken in a sun-dried tomato dish to avoid it becoming dry?

To keep chicken moist in a sun-dried tomato dish, start by searing it first (either in a pan or on a grill) to develop flavor, then remove it and cook the remaining ingredients separately. Afterward, gently reheat the chicken in the sauce with a splash of broth, lemon juice, or a little water to restore moisture. Avoid overcooking—chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For extra tenderness, you can also poach it briefly before adding to the dish.

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5. Can I make this dish ahead of time, and if so, how should I store it?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored well! For best results, prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then combine them just before serving. Store the components in airtight containers—chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the sauce for up to 2 days. When reheating, gently warm the sauce and chicken together (without overcooking) to maintain texture. For longer storage, freeze the sauce separately and reheat it before combining with chicken.