Sun-Drenched Mediterranean Chicken in Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
Description
This Sun-Drenched Mediterranean Chicken is everything you want in a cozy yet elegant meal. Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts are bathed in a luxuriously creamy garlic herb sauce, bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a touch of Parmesan. It’s rich but balanced, rustic yet refined—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without stress. Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that golden sauce.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, sliced)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 cup fresh spinach (optional but lovely)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Build the Sauce
Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
4. Make It Creamy
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
Add cream, Italian seasoning, thyme, and chili flakes. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Finish the Sauce
Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add spinach (if using) and let it wilt.
6. Bring It Together
Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and simmer 5 minutes until juicy and coated.
7. Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
pasta or orzo
With garlic rice or mashed potatoes
Alongside crusty bread or warm focaccia
Pair with a fresh Greek salad
Questions & Answers
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute coconut cream and skip the Parmesan—flavor will change slightly but still delicious.
Q: Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?
They’re key to the “sun-drenched” flavor, but roasted cherry tomatoes can be used in a pinch.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Cream sauces don’t freeze perfectly, but it can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat gently.