Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Garlic Sauce
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a rich sun-dried tomato and garlic sauce perfect for a quick dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 30 minutes blends salt, black pepper, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup, chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the garlic is soft but not browned.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the browned bits off the pan bottom. Cook for 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Heat through for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Garlic Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Garlic Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Garlic Sauce?
Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.