Sautéed Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Sauce
Tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, dairy-free sauce featuring sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (whole30, paleo) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup, chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then add to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes to release their flavor.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Cook for 2 more minutes to meld flavors before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Sauce?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil 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 Sautéed Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Sautéed Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Sauce whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, paleo, dairy-free, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So flavorful and easy to make.
- ★★★★★
This was a hit at my dinner party! The sauce was perfect with the chicken.
- ★★★★☆
The chicken was delicious, but the sauce was a bit bland for my taste. Maybe add more garlic next time.