Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bake: Elegant & Easy Dinner

Transport your senses to the sun-drenched hills of the Mediterranean with a dish that is the very essence of rustic elegance and profound comfort. The Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bake is a culinary masterpiece that marries the tender, succulent qualities of perfectly cooked chicken with the intense, sweet-tart, and deeply savory punch of sun-dried tomatoes, all swathed in a luxuriously creamy, herb-infused sauce. This is not merely a casserole; it is a one-pan symphony of bold, concentrated flavors and sumptuous textures. Imagine golden-brown chicken thighs or breasts nestled in a baking dish, surrounded by a velvety sauce where the rich, caramelized essence of sun-dried tomatoes melds with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream.

Why Is This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bake So Popular?

The widespread adoration for this bake stems from its masterful combination of vibrant, restaurant-quality flavor and effortless, one-dish preparation. Its popularity is built on a foundation of taste, convenience, and visual appeal.

First and foremost is its explosive and sophisticated flavor profile. Sun-dried tomatoes are a powerhouse ingredient. Through the drying process, their tomato flavor becomes concentrated, developing a complex sweetness, tanginess, and umami depth that fresh tomatoes cannot match. When rehydrated and simmered in a creamy sauce, they create a flavor base that is incredibly rich and complex, reminiscent of a gourmet Italian restaurant sauce, yet achievable in any home kitchen. This depth makes the dish feel special and indulgent.

Secondly, it is the epitome of a streamlined, one-pan wonder. The entire dish, from searing to saucing to baking, can often be completed in a single oven-safe skillet or baking dish. This method not only minimizes cleanup but also allows for maximum flavor development. The fond (the browned bits left from searing the chicken) becomes the foundation of the sauce, ensuring no deliciousness is left behind. The hands-off baking time frees you to prepare sides or simply relax, filling your home with an incredible, mouthwatering aroma.

Furthermore, its incredible versatility and adaptability make it a kitchen staple. It works beautifully with both bone-in or boneless chicken, thighs or breasts. The creamy base can be adapted with additions like spinach, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, or capers. You can adjust the creaminess with more or less broth and cream, and the herb profile can shift from Italian to Provençal. This flexibility ensures it can be tailored to personal taste and ingredient availability.

Finally, its stunning presentation and make-ahead potential solidify its place as an entertainer’s secret weapon. The chicken emerges from the oven glistening with a rich, red-tinged sauce, speckled with herbs and flecks of tomato. It looks as beautiful as it tastes. Furthermore, you can sear the chicken and prepare the sauce base ahead of time, needing only to combine and bake before serving—making it a stress-free choice for dinner parties.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bake:

• Gourmet Flavor, Simple Execution: You will love the deep, restaurant-quality taste achieved with straightforward techniques and accessible ingredients.
• One-Pan Elegance: This dish delivers a stunning meal with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for both busy nights and entertaining.
• Juicy, Flavor-Packed Chicken: The baking method ensures the chicken remains incredibly moist and infused with the savory, tangy sauce.
• Impressively Versatile: You will appreciate how easily you can adapt the recipe with different proteins, vegetables, and herbs to keep it exciting.
• Amazing Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, and the sauce thickens, making the next day’s meal arguably even better.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Achieving the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory requires quality ingredients, with the sun-dried tomatoes being the star.

For the Chicken and Sear:

• 2 lbs Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs (or 4 Boneless, Skinless Breasts): Thighs are highly recommended for their juiciness and flavor, which stands up to the bold sauce.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• ½ tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning or Herbes de Provence

For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:

• 1 cup (about 5-6 oz) Sun-Dried Tomatoes, preferably oil-packed, thinly sliced (reserve 3 tbsp of the oil from the jar)
• 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
• 5-6 cloves Garlic, minced
• ½ cup Dry White Wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or additional chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• ½ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a subtle heat)
• 2 cups Fresh Spinach (optional, but adds color and nutrients)
• ¼ cup Fresh Basil, chopped (for garnish)

For the Final Touch:

• ½ cup Shredded Mozzarella or Italian Cheese Blend (optional, for a bubbly top)
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bake:

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bake. It’s as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary superstar!

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear without moving for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate. It will not be cooked through.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet with the chicken drippings, add the 3 tablespoons of reserved sun-dried tomato oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze and Create the Sauce Base
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the glorious browned bits (the fond) from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half. This step adds incredible depth. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Incorporate the Parmesan and Spinach
Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If using, stir in the fresh spinach until it just begins to wilt.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, submerging it partially in the sauce. If your skillet isn’t large enough, transfer the sauce and chicken to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the optional mozzarella cheese over the chicken and sauce.

Step 6: Bake to Juicy, Bubbly Perfection
Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes (for thighs) or 20-25 minutes (for breasts), or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F for breasts, 175°F for thighs) and the sauce is bubbly and slightly reduced around the edges. If using cheese, it should be melted and golden in spots.

Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken and the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish generously with fresh chopped basil and parsley. Serve directly from the skillet or dish, spooning plenty of the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over each portion of chicken.

Tips for Success:

• Use Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They are more tender and flavorful than dry-packed. The infused oil is also a key ingredient for sautéing.
• Pat the Chicken Dry: This is the single most important step for achieving crispy, golden skin instead of steamed, rubbery skin.
• Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing creates the fond (browned bits) that forms the flavor foundation of your entire sauce. It’s non-negotiable for depth.
• Freshly Grate Your Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly and can make your sauce grainy.
• Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thin after baking, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce. If it’s too thick, whisk in a splash of broth or cream.

Equipment Needed:

• Large Oven-Safe Skillet or Dutch Oven (or a 9×13 inch Baking Dish)
• Tongs
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Box Grater (for Parmesan)

Variations of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bake:

• Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake: Stir 2 cups of cooked pasta (like penne or rigatoni) into the sauce before topping with cheese and baking.
• Artichoke and Spinach Addition: Add 1 cup of quartered marinated artichoke hearts with the spinach.
• Mushroom Lover’s Version: Sauté 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions for an earthy depth.
• Creamy Tomato Chicken with Bacon: Top the finished bake with ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon for a salty, smoky crunch.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan Version: Use coconut cream, nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan, and chicken-style seitan or tofu. Use olive oil instead of butter.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bake:

This rich dish pairs wonderfully with simple, carb-based sides to soak up the incredible sauce.

• Perfect Pairings: Serve over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, soft polenta, or cauliflower mash. It’s also exquisite with pasta, orzo, or crusty bread for dipping.
• For a Lighter Meal: Pair with roasted asparagus, green beans almondine, or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
• Wine Pairing: The same dry white wine used in the sauce (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio) or a light-bodied Chardonnay would be a perfect match.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

40-45 minutes

Total Time:

55 minutes – 1 hour

Nutritional Information (Approximate per chicken thigh with sauce):

• Calories: ~550-650 kcal
• Protein: 35 g
• Sodium: ~900 mg
• Sugar: 8 g
• Fat: 40 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g

Please note: This is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the specific brands and proportions of ingredients you use.

FAQs about Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bake:

Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely. Reduce the initial sear time to 3-4 minutes per side and the bake time to 20-25 minutes to prevent drying out. They will be leaner but still flavorful.

Q: I only have dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes. What do I do?
A: Rehydrate them first by soaking in hot water (or hot broth for more flavor) for 15-20 minutes until plump. Drain and slice. Use regular olive oil for the recipe instead of the packing oil.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can complete through Step 4 (making the sauce) and sear the chicken. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready, combine in the skillet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Q: Is the white wine necessary?
A: It is highly recommended for flavor complexity, but you can substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth. Add a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice at the end to mimic the acidity.

Final Thoughts:

The Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bake is a testament to the power of a few high-quality ingredients combined with simple, confident technique. It is a dish that feels luxurious and special, yet its preparation is reassuringly straightforward. From the moment you sear the chicken to the moment you pull the bubbling, aromatic dish from the oven, the process is filled with anticipation and reward. It’s a recipe that will build your culinary confidence and become a cherished, go-to meal for any occasion that calls for something truly delicious. So, preheat your oven, slice those sun-dried tomatoes, and get ready to create a creamy, tangy, unforgettable masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe. It’s a taste of Mediterranean sunshine, baked to perfection.

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