If you’re looking for a dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, this recipe is made for you. Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Practically Cooks Itself is rich, juicy, aromatic, and prepared in one simple skillet. With sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and tender chicken, it’s the kind of meal that tastes gourmet without requiring hours in the kitchen. A weeknight winner, a crowd-pleaser, and endlessly versatile.

Ingredients

Below is the complete ingredient list needed to prepare Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Practically Cooks Itself. Quantities may be adjusted depending on serving size or dietary preferences.

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar if possible)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely sliced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ½ cup heavy cream (optional for a richer finish)

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1–2 teaspoons chili flakes (optional for heat)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Optional Add-Ins

• Fresh spinach

• Fresh basil leaves

• Mushrooms

• Cherry tomatoes

• A splash of white wine instead of broth

Required Kitchen Tools

You only need a few basic tools to prepare Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Practically Cooks Itself:

• 1 large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan

• Measuring spoons and cups

• A sharp chef’s knife

• A small bowl for mixing seasonings

• A wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula

This recipe is intentionally simple — no complicated cookware required.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

This is where the dish shines: every step is straightforward, fast, and designed for busy schedules. With proper seasoning and slow simmering, Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Practically Cooks Itself into a rich and flavorful meal.

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.

2. In a small bowl, mix: smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.

3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken.

4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

This step ensures that your chicken is well seasoned, aromatic, and perfectly golden once seared.

Step 2 — Sear the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil (preferably from the sun-dried tomatoes — it adds incredible flavor).

3. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.

The goal is not to fully cook the chicken here — only to give it color and seal its juices.

Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3 — Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomato Base

1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

2. Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.

3. Stir in the balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan.

4. Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine).

5. Let everything simmer for 2 minutes to combine flavors.

This creates the foundation of the sauce — rich, tangy, and deeply aromatic.

Step 4 — Build the Creamy Sauce (Optional)

This step is optional but highly recommended if you want a smoother, velvety finish.

1. Reduce the heat to medium.

2. Stir in the heavy cream.

3. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.

Allow the sauce to thicken for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5 — Add the Chicken Back to the Skillet

1. Return the seared chicken to the skillet.

2. Spoon the sun-dried tomato sauce over the top.

3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes.

The chicken will continue cooking gently in the sauce until perfectly juicy and tender.

Step 6 — Final Touches

1. Add fresh parsley and optional fresh basil.

2. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, chili flakes).

3. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken before serving.

Your Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Practically Cooks Itself is ready to enjoy.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Results

To guarantee success every time, here are pro-level tips for preparing Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Practically Cooks Itself.

Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil, Not Dry

Tomatoes packed in oil provide:

• Softer texture

• More intense flavor

• A natural seasoning oil perfect for cooking

Dry sun-dried tomatoes require rehydration and won’t release the same richness.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

For perfect tenderness:

• Pull the chicken off heat once it reaches 75°C / 165°F

• Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing

Simmering helps it stay juicy without drying out.

Add Greens at the End

If using spinach or basil:

• Add during the final 1–2 minutes of cooking

• This preserves color and freshness

Create a Creamier Sauce

To enhance richness, you can add:

• 1 extra tablespoon of Parmesan

• A splash of heavy cream

• A small knob of butter

• A spoon of the sun-dried tomato oil

Perfect Side Dish Pairings

This recipe pairs wonderfully with:

• Buttered pasta

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Rice pilaf

• Crispy roasted potatoes

• Steamed vegetables

• Creamy polenta

• Fresh crusty bread

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Values may vary depending on the ingredients used, but here is a general breakdown:

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 38g

• Carbohydrates: 9g

• Fat: 26g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 6g

• Sodium: 720mg

This makes Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Practically Cooks Itself a satisfying, high-protein meal suitable for lunch or dinner.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The magic of Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Practically Cooks Itself lies in its balance of flavors and simple technique.

1. A Flavor Bomb in One Pan

Sun-dried tomatoes bring tanginess. Garlic adds aroma. Parmesan brings depth. Balsamic gives sweetness. Cream adds luxury.

2. Minimal Effort, Maximum Reward

Once the chicken is seared and the sauce comes together, the dish simmers on its own. No difficult steps, no complicated timing.

3. Restaurant Quality at Home

The glossy, rich sauce and tender chicken feel gourmet, yet everything is made with common ingredients.

4. Easy to Customize

Make it creamy, keep it light, add vegetables, make it spicy, or serve over your favorite base.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

The sauce tastes even better the next day, making this dish ideal for batch cooking.

Conclusion

If you are craving a dish that is flavorful, elegant, and easy enough for any day of the week, Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Practically Cooks Itself is the recipe to try. With its rich sun-dried tomato sauce, perfectly seasoned chicken, and simple one-pan approach, this dish proves that great cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, a romantic meal, or a meal-prep friendly dish, this recipe delivers every time.