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Super easy and speedy, yet perfectly rich and delicious, this oven baked Sun Dried Tomato Chicken recipe is the fuss-free, flavorful dinner you’ve been searching for. Featuring juicy chicken breasts with sundried tomatoes, robust Italian seasonings, and plenty of melty cheese—all nestled in a rich and creamy sauce, it’s a weeknight hero. And, you’ll need just 7 simple ingredients and 30 minutes to make it.

“Hello comfort food! This was the perfect chicken dinner for the weather we’re having. I needed something cheesy and comforting, this was superb!”

– Stacey
Overhead photo of creamy chicken with sun dried tomatoes in a large baking dish.

Update: This recipe was originally published in November 2017. I made updates to the article below to include more information about making chicken breasts with sun dried tomatoes.

Hi, friends! If you love the decadent Italian dish, Marry Me Chicken, you’re going to flip for this super-simple, hands-off, completely-oven-baked version:

Table of Contents

About this sun dried tomato chicken recipe

Imagine: juicy, tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, velvety cream sauce speckled with sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, infused with punchy garlic and kissed with robust Italian seasonings. Smothered and covered in a blanket of freshly grated parmesan cheese and melty mozzarella, then baked in the oven to golden perfection, this sun dried tomato chicken recipe is straight-up Italian comfort. 

And, best of all, you’ll need just 7 basic ingredients and 30 minutes to make this creamy chicken with sun dried tomatoes recipe. It’s approachable, family-friendly and perfect for serving at holidays, date nights, or just because you want to eat something delicious.

If you’re looking for more quick and easy oven-baked chicken dinners, try these next: fig balsamic chicken, pomegranate and chicken, balsamic chicken with brussels sprouts, and cranberry baked chicken and rice.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Seriously Delicious Flavor. Savory chicken, intensely sweet sun-dried tomatoes, punchy garlic, and tangy sour cream harmonize perfectly with the richness of the heavy cream, while a flurry of fresh basil lends beautiful brightness.
  • Wonderful Texture. Oven baking the chicken right in the creamy sun dried tomato sauce keeps the chicken juicy while the sauce is light and silky.
  • Pantry Friendly. This chicken breast recipe with sun-dried tomato cream sauce uses 7 everyday staples, like garlic, cream, and dried herbs.
  • Hands-Off Cooking. One baking pan. Minimal fuss. Maximum flavor.  
  • 30 Minute Meal. You can have this entire dish prepped, baked, and on the dinner table in 30 minutes, flat.
  • Anytime, All-Season. Cozy enough for winter, fresh enough for summer—timeless 24/7.

Recipe testimonials!

Here’s what readers have to say about this chicken with creamy sun dried tomato sauce recipe:

  • “I had to work a bit late tonight so I prepped everything for this dish yesterday, assembled it tonight and baked. I served it with fettuccini and it was wonderful. Thank you for your great recipes. This one is a definite keeper.” – Becky
  • “Wonderful, flavorful and so easy. My husband said he didn’t want to stop eating long enough to breathe! I for one loved the thinner sauce, much lighter for a spring supper. I did use the dry sun-dried tomatoes as that’s what I had on hand. The fresh cherry tomatoes on top really brightened it up. Thank you.” –Robin
  • “I accidentally mixed all the cheese into the sour cream/heavy cream mix. It came out really nice! The top got browned and the sauce was fairly thick. We both think this recipe is a keeper!” – Susan
Action photo of heavy cream being poured over three raw chicken breasts in a baking dish.

Ingredients for creamy chicken with sun dried tomatoes

As promised, you’ll just need easy to find ingredients to make this recipe. Here’s what to grab:

  • Chicken Breasts. Lean and tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for oven baking. Swap: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs for richer flavor. 
  • Heavy Cream. For the silky, indulgent cream sauce. 
  • Sour Cream. Lends tangy richness to the creamy sauce.
  • Garlic. Lends a punch of aromatic flavor.
  • Sun Dried Tomatoes. Use oil-packed for best texture and richest flavor.
  • Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheeses. Parmesan cheese lends slight salty, umami flavor, while melty mozzarella lends mild tangy flavor. Be sure to purchase blocks of cheese and grate/shred them yourself for the best melting properties.
  • Italian Seasoning. For robust Italian flavor. Swap: Use a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper. For overall flavor. 

Recipe variations

  • Spicy Version. Add crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of Calabrian pepper sauce, or your favorite hot sauce for a fiery twist.
  • Three Cheese Twist. Add crumbled goat cheese before baking or top the sun dried tomato chicken with torn burrata for an ultra-cheesy, decadent version.
  • Crunchy Finish. If crispity-crunchity is your favorite texture (mine too!) top the creamy chicken breasts with a flurry of toasted pine nuts or toasted panko bread crumbs.

Leftover sundried tomatoes? Put any leftover sun dried tomatoes to good use by making Sun Dried Pesto Recipe, Goat Cheese Dip with Dried Tomatoes, and Italian Tomato Soup!

Action photo of grated cheese being sprinkled over chicken with sundried tomatoes and cream sauce in a casserole dish.

Chef expert tips for perfect results every time

  • Oil-Packed Chopped Tomatoes. Sundried tomatoes in oil are superior in flavor and texture. And, look for julienne- cut (versus whole or halves) to save prep time. 
  • Use Blocks of Cheese. While those packages of shredded mozzarella and jar of grated parmesan sure are convenient, they don’t melt properly. For the best results, grab blocks of cheese and shred / grate them yourself.
  • Pound Chicken. Be sure to pound the chicken breasts out to an even thickness for uniform cooking and juicy results.
  • Broil for Golden Top. During the last few minutes of baking, switch the oven to broil to take the top of the cheesy, creamy chicken from blonde to gorgeously brown. 
  • But, Don’t Overbake. Use a meat thermometer for no guessing, just juicy results. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165-degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let it Rest. To ensure juicy, tender chicken breasts, let them rest for at least 3-5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish Before Serving. Remember, you eat with your eyes first. A flurry of fresh basil, a scattering of halved cherry tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese brings everything to life.

Step-by-step photos: making this recipe at home

Below you will find a picture collage showing you exactly how to make this creamy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, step-by-step! You can find the full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!

Step-by-step photo collage showing how to make sundried tomato chicken recipe with written instructions on each step.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

Below you’ll find the most common questions and answers about making this recipe. If you have a question you’d like answered, please drop it in the comments section below!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? 

Yes, you can. If you prefer richer dark meat, boneless, skinless thighs are delicious and work great here. Just note, you’ll need to increase the baking time.

Where to buy sun-dried tomatoes?

You can purchase sun-dried tomatoes in most major grocery stores or from an online retailer:

  • Typically, you can find sun dried tomatoes in either a jar or sealed bag in the canned vegetable aisle, near the artichokes and olives. 
  • However, I have also seen them located in the pasta aisle, next to the prepared tomato sauces!

Can I use dry sun‑dried tomatoes?

While oil-packed dried tomatoes lend the best flavor and texture, you can use dry-packed tomatoes. Just rehydrate them in hot water for 10 minutes and then drain well before using

Do I need to drain the oil from sun dried tomatoes?

Yes! Be sure to drain the oil from the sun dried tomatoes before using to prevent a greasy cream sauce.

Chef tip: Don’t discard that tomato oil! Save it and use it to make vinaigrette salad dressings, for sautéing, or anywhere you’d use regular olive oil or extra virgin olive oil.

Can I use milk instead of cream? 

You’re always welcome to try whatever you’d like. However, since this sauce is alright on the thin side, I recommend sticking to heavy cream. 

Can this be made dairy-free?

While I have only tested the recipe as instructed, you can try using coconut cream or a non-dairy cooking cream for a dairy-free twist.

Can I make this chicken and sundried tomato recipe ahead of time? 

If you like leftovers, absolutely. 

However, if you’re looking to save time, I recommend pounding the chicken breasts and whisking the sauce in advance. Then when ready to enjoy, just dump everything into a baking dish and cook according to the recipe instructions.

Serving chicken and sundried tomato cream sauce

This cheesy chicken bake goes well with pretty much anything! Below are some serving ideas to inspire:

  • With Bread. A side of crunchy roasted garlic bread, cheese pesto bread, or a rustic baguette is perfect for mopping up the creamy dried tomato sauce.
  • Over Pasta. Serve over twirls or spaghetti or fettuccine for an easy pasta night.
  • Piled on Mash. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery cauliflower mash, silky whipped sweet potatoes, or orange-hued mashed butternut squash for an ultra cozy meal.
  • Go Green. Serve atop a bed of garlicky sauteed spinach or kale for a dreamy Italian dinner. 

Unique serving ideas

  • Alongside Gnocchi. Spoon the chicken and sauce over plump potato gnocchi or ricotta gnudi and dust with plenty of parmesan cheese for a filling dinner.
  • Spoon over Polenta. Serve sundried chicken over cheesy polenta to soak up every last drop of sauce.
  • Low Carb Twist. Make it a low-carb dinner by pairing the chicken breasts and sun-dried tomatoes with zoodles, spaghetti squash, cauliflower rice, or broccoli rice.

Chef’s recommendation: I like to keep this chicken dinner simple and delicious by serving with a hearty chopped Italian Salad and fluffy 1-Hour Dinner Rolls.

Close-up photo of baked chicken breasts and sun dried tomatoes in cream sauce.

Storing leftovers

  • Refrigerator Storage. Allow the leftover creamy chicken breasts with sun dried tomatoes to cool completely to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating Leftovers: You can reheat this recipe for chicken breasts with dried tomato cream sauce one of two different ways:
    • Oven: Place leftover creamy chicken into a baking dish and tent the top lightly with foil. Reheat in the oven until warm throughout.
    • Microwave: Add the baked chicken leftovers to a microwave-safe container. Place a microwave-safe lid on top of the container, leaving the lid slightly cracked at the side (forming a vent). Reheat at 50% power, stirring and flipping the chicken breasts every 60 seconds, until the dish is warm throughout.
Overhead photo of a chicken breast baked with sun dried tomato cream sauce on a bed of pasta.

This sun dried tomato chicken recipe is everything you could want in a weeknight dinner—easy, elegant, and bursting with delicious flavor. Between the creamy sauce, the juicy chicken, the chewy dried tomatoes, and the effortless cooking… it’s a symphony of scrumptiousness that’s sure to become a weeknight staple in your kitchen.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to come back and share your results below or tag me on social: I LOVE watching you win in the kitchen!

Until next time, cheers,

Cheyanne

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More one pan Italian chicken dinners!

Are you looking for more easy, restaurant-quality chicken recipes? Try these family favorites next!

Overhead photo of baked sun dried tomato chicken garnished with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe

5 from 11 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Super easy and speedy, yet flavor-packed and perfectly cozy, this oven baked Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is the fuss-free, flavorful dinner recipe you've been searching for. Featuring juicy chicken breasts nestled in a rich and creamy sauce studded with chewy-sweet sun-dried tomatoes and smothered with plenty of melty cheese, it's a comfort food weeknight hero. And, you'll need just 7 basic ingredients and 30 minutes to make it.

Equipment

  • 1 Large Measuring Cup with Whisk (for whisking together the sun dried tomato cream sauce)
  • 1 8×11-inch Baking Dish (for baking the tomato chicken)

Ingredients 

  • 4 whole Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (SEE NOTES)
  • 1 Cup Heavy Cream
  • ¾ Cup Sour Cream
  • 3 large Cloves Garlic – finely chopped
  • ½ Cup Sundried Tomatoes in Oil – drained and thinly sliced (about 6 large tomatoes) (SEE NOTES)
  • 1 Cup Parmesan – freshly grated, plus more for topping
  • 1 ½ Cups Mozzarella – freshly shredded
  • 2 tsp Italian Seasoning Mix – (substitute: 3/4 tsp dried oregano, 3/4 tsp dried basil, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
  • to taste Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper
  • Optional Garnishes: Marinated Cherry Tomatoes Fresh Basil, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes,

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Pan: Arrange the oven rack to the center position and then preheat the oven to 400-degrees F.
    Spray the inside of an 8×11-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and then set aside.
  • Season Chicken Breasts: Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
  • Whisk Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce: In a large measuring cup, stir together the cream, sour cream, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian spice mix.
  • Pour Sauce Over Chicken, Add Cheese: Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over top.
  • Bake Chicken Breasts with Sun Dried Tomatoes: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 22-30 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the middle of one of the chicken breasts reads 165-degrees Fahrenheit.
    OPTIONAL- for more golden brown top:  Switch the oven to broil during the last few minutes of baking, and broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is golden. Make sure you watch closely as the dish can go from golden to burned very quickly!
  • Rest Sun Dried Tomato Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10.
  • Serve Creamy Chicken with Sun Dried Tomatoes: Remove the foil and discard.
    Garnish the top of the chicken with fresh basil, grated parmesan and crushed flakes if using. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • For best results, lightly pound out chicken: For even cooking, I highly suggest you very lightly pound your chicken breasts out to an even ¾-1’’ thickness. It takes about 2 minutes to do, but it makes a world of difference and your chicken will be much juicier! You can use the flat side of a meat mallet, a rolling pin, the backside of a small flat skillet, or even an empty wine bottle to pound the chicken out!! Just make sure you cover the chicken with plastic wrap, or put it in a zip-closure bag, and work from the center, out towards the edges of the breast, pounding gently in a downward and outward motion.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: I recommend using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, because they have so much more flavor! You can purchase either whole sun-dried tomatoes or save yourself a little prep time and purchase julienned sun-dried tomatoes. Just make sure you drain the tomatoes and pat them thoroughly dry to remove excess oil before proceeding with the recipe.
  • Bake time: The amount of time needed to bake the chicken will depend on how thin you pounded your chicken and the strength of your oven. I pounded mine to about ¾’’ thick and they took approximately 23 minutes to cook (my oven is brand new and properly calibrated).
  • For golden color: If you want your cheesy baked chicken to have a more golden top, switch the oven to broil during the last 2-4 minutes. Just make sure you keep a close eye on the oven as the dish can go from golden brown and delicious to burnt pretty quickly.
  • The sauce: If you are looking for a super thick sauce alfredo-like sauce, this Chicken isn’t it. Since this is a quick and easy dish make entirely in the oven, there is no roux or thickener in the sauce. The sauce is silky and smooth, but it is on the thinner side.
  • Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
     
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 4 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 519kcal    Carbohydrates: 11g    Protein: 23g    Fat: 44g    Saturated Fat: 26g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g    Monounsaturated Fat: 13g    Cholesterol: 133mg    Sodium: 754mg    Potassium: 432mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 2g    Vitamin A: 1677IU    Vitamin C: 16mg    Calcium: 621mg    Iron: 1mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian

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