Creamy Chicken with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes 🍗🍅
If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight, this Creamy Chicken with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes will become your new favorite. Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with tender marinated artichokes and tangy sun-dried tomatoes — every bite bursts with Mediterranean flavor. 🇮🇹✨
This one-pan recipe combines elegance and ease, perfect for busy nights when you still want something special on the table. Serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a cozy, satisfying meal that everyone will rave about. 🍝
When I made this dish for dinner last week, the aroma alone drew everyone to the kitchen. My family went silent after the first bite — the ultimate compliment! Even my mother-in-law (who’s famously picky about chicken) asked for the recipe. That’s when I knew I had a winner. 😉
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- 🍗 Restaurant Flavor at Home: Creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned.
- 🍅 One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- 🌿 Balanced & Elegant: The creaminess of the sauce meets the brightness of artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes — ideal for weeknights or dinner parties.
- 🥖 Versatile: Delicious over pasta, rice, or even with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
Chef Ina Garten says: “When a dish uses just a few simple ingredients but delivers bold, complex flavor — that’s when you know it’s special.”
Ingredients You’ll Need 📝
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 200g marinated artichokes (quartered)
- 100g sun-dried tomatoes (drained and sliced)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500ml heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh basil for extra aroma 🌿
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for richness 🧀
- 1 splash of white wine for depth
- Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat 🌶️
Chef Bobby Flay recommends: “Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil — they blend beautifully into creamy sauces and add a subtle smokiness.”
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it — golden, not brown!
3. Add Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the marinated artichokes and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Pour in the Cream
Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom — that’s pure flavor!
5. Simmer and Combine
Return the chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer in the sauce for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and the sauce thickens beautifully.
6. Taste and Serve
Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or a slice of warm bread to soak up every drop of that luxurious sauce. 🍞🍗
Chef’s Pro Tips 👨🍳
Chef Gordon Ramsay: “Always let your sauce simmer gently — high heat can cause the cream to split. Patience equals silkiness.”
Chef Ina Garten: “Add a splash of white wine before the cream to deglaze the pan — it lifts all those caramelized flavors.”
Chef Ree Drummond: “If you love extra sauce, double the cream and add a handful of spinach — it’s divine.”
Chef Bobby Flay: “A squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens up the richness perfectly.”
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) 📊
| Nutrient | Amount | Health Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 500 kcal | Balanced, filling main course |
| Protein | 30g | Builds and repairs muscle |
| Fat | 35g | Healthy fats from cream and olive oil |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | Low-carb and keto-friendly |
| Vitamin C | 10% | Supports immunity from artichokes and tomatoes |
| Iron | 12% | Boosts energy and oxygen transport |
Health Tip: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, or swap in coconut cream for a dairy-free twist. 🌿
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- 🍝 Over Pasta: Linguine or fettuccine soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 🍚 With Rice: Basmati or jasmine rice balances the richness.
- 🥖 With Bread: Crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
- 🥗 Light Side: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted asparagus.
- 🍷 Wine Pairing: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, tangy flavors.
Explore more pairing ideas on FreshTonerHungar’s dinner pairing guide.
Storage & Reheating Tips 🧊
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
For more storage advice, visit Freezer-Friendly Dinner Tips.
Variations & Add-Ons 🌈
- 🥬 Spinach Cream Chicken: Stir in a handful of baby spinach for color and nutrients.
- 🍄 Mushroom Lovers: Add sliced mushrooms for earthy flavor.
- 🧀 Parmesan Finish: Stir in grated Parmesan for a thicker, richer sauce.
- 🍋 Lemon Cream Version: Add lemon zest and juice for brightness.
- 🌶️ Spicy Mediterranean: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil for heat.
Discover more Mediterranean favorites at FreshTonerHungar’s Mediterranean Recipe Collection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid ⚠️
- ❌ Don’t cook cream over high heat — it can curdle.
- ❌ Avoid overcrowding the skillet — it prevents browning.
- ❌ Don’t skip seasoning — salt and pepper enhance every layer of flavor.
- ✅ Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking.
FAQs About Chicken with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes ❓
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs stay juicy and add even more flavor. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. - What can I use instead of artichokes?
Try roasted red peppers or spinach for a similar texture. - Can I make this ahead?
Yes — make the sauce and chicken separately, then combine before serving. - Can I bake it instead of simmering?
Yes — after adding cream, transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. - What pasta works best?
Linguine, fettuccine, or penne hold up perfectly with the creamy sauce. - Can I make it low-carb?
Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. - How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer a few minutes longer or stir in 1 tsp of cornstarch mixed with water. - Can I add cheese?
Absolutely — Parmesan or mozzarella melt beautifully into the sauce. - Can I serve it cold?
This dish is best enjoyed warm, when the sauce is silky and smooth.
Chef’s Finishing Touches ✨
Chef Gordon Ramsay: “A drizzle of quality olive oil before serving adds shine and flavor.”
Chef Ina Garten: “Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil for color and freshness.”
Chef Ree Drummond: “Add a handful of spinach or kale to make it heartier without changing the flavor.”
Chef Bobby Flay: “Serve with lemon wedges for that final zesty contrast.”
Final Thoughts: Creamy, Tangy, and Irresistible 🍗🍅
This Creamy Chicken with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is comfort food meets gourmet elegance — easy to prepare, deeply flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Each bite combines the tenderness of chicken, the tang of tomatoes, and the subtle bite of artichokes in a luscious cream sauce that’s simply unforgettable.
As Chef Ina Garten would say, “Cooking is about connection — and when everyone goes quiet at the table, that’s when you know you’ve done something right.” ❤️
For more easy yet elegant dinners, explore:
So grab your skillet, pour that cream, and let the magic happen — because dinner just got a delicious Mediterranean upgrade. 🇮🇹🍗🍅✨
