Recipe Chicken Sundried Tomatoes: Mediterranean-Inspired One-Pan Dinner

Recipe Chicken Sundried Tomatoes: Mediterranean-Inspired One-Pan Dinner

This Mediterranean-inspired dish brings bold flavors to your table with minimal effort. Tender chicken pairs beautifully with sun-dried tomatoes for a satisfying one-pan dinner.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The result is a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under an hour.

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Difficulty
Medium
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Diet
Poultry
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Total Time
30 min
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Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for Recipe Chicken Sundried Tomatoes

Mediterranean flavors shine with tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in this one-pan wonder.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 🍗 1 ½ lb Pounded to even thickness
Sun-Dried Tomatoes 🍅 ¾ cup Oil-packed, drained and chopped
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil 🫒 3 tbsp Divided for cooking and finishing
Garlic Cloves 🧄 4 cloves Minced for maximum flavor
Shallot 🧅 1 whole Finely diced for subtle sweetness
Dry White Wine 🍷 ½ cup Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Chicken Broth 🥣 ½ cup Low-sodium preferred for control
Kalata Olives 🫒 ½ cup Pitted and halved for briny depth
Fresh Rosemary Sprigs 🌿 2 pieces Stems removed, leaves chopped
Fresh Thyme Sprigs 🍃 4 pieces Stems removed, leaves only
Dijon Mustard 🟡 1 tbsp Smooth variety for tangy richness
Kosher Salt 🧂 1 tsp Diamond Crystal preferred for even seasoning
Freshly Ground Black Pepper 🌶️ ½ tsp Coarse grind for texture
Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley 🌿 ¼ cup Chopped for bright finish

The chicken quality is paramount for this dish. Opt for air-chilled, free-range breasts from Whole Foods or a trusted butcher, which ensure better texture and flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes should be oil-packed—Bella Sun Luci or Colavita brands offer consistent quality. For the olives, Kalata from a Mediterranean market provides the authentic briny note that elevates the dish.

No white wine? Substitute with additional chicken broth mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice. Fresh herbs are ideal, but dried rosemary and thyme at one-third the amount work in a pinch. If sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable, roasted red peppers (jarred, drained well) offer a similar sweetness. For a richer finish, a pat of European-style butter stirred in at the end adds depth without overpowering.

This dish holds beautifully for 3-4 days refrigerated. Store in an airtight container to preserve the herbs’ aroma. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to prevent drying. For meal prep, freeze portions for up to 3 months—thaw overnight before reheating.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One Pan Wonder: I toss everything in a single skillet—chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic—then let the oven do the rest.
  • Umami Bomb: The sun-dried tomatoes and olive oil create this rich, tangy depth that makes the chicken taste like it simmered all day.
  • Weeknight Hero: I’ve served this to company and packed it for lunch the next day. Works both ways.
  • Leftovers Gold: Honestly, it tastes even better the second day—if it lasts that long.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Master this technique for a restaurant-quality dish with bold Mediterranean flavors in one pan.

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken Breasts

Begin by patting the 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a proper sear. Season both sides evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper. This creates a flavorful crust while locking in moisture.

Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil. Add the finely diced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown.

Add the 0.75 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 0.5 cup pitted and halved kalata olives, chopped leaves from 2 rosemary sprigs, and leaves from 4 thyme sprigs. Sauté for 2 minutes to meld the flavors and release the herbs’ essential oils.

Step 3: Deglaze and Finish with Wine and Broth

Pour in the 0.5 cup dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces by half. This step intensifies the depth of flavor in the sauce.

Stir in the 0.5 cup chicken broth and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, then reduce heat to low. Return the chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to harmonize. Sprinkle with 0.25 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley for a bright, fresh finish. The parsley adds a pop of color and balances the richness of the sauce.

Serve immediately, spooning the sun-dried tomato, olive, and herb pan sauce over the chicken. The sauce should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon, with the aromatics evenly distributed throughout.

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Pro Tips For Making Recipe Chicken Sundried Tomatoes

  • Pound the Chicken: Pound the boneless chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness so they cook through at the same rate—I learned this the hard way after pulling dry, overcooked edges off underdone centers more times than I care to admit.
  • Soak the Tomatoes: Cover sun-dried tomatoes in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping, especially if they’re the dry-packed kind. Sounds weird, but it works: they plump up and won’t steal all the moisture from your chicken.
  • Skip the Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if needed—cramming the pan drops the temperature and turns your sear into a sad steam. After burning three batches, I finally figured out that patience here actually changes the outcome.
  • Use the Oil: Don’t drain all that garlicky, sun-dried tomato-infused olive oil after cooking—spoon it over the chicken before serving. My grandmother swore by this, and she was right: it carries all the flavor.

Flavor Customization for This recipe chicken sundried tomatoes

Herb Variations

Swap the rosemary and thyme for 1 tbsp fresh oregano and 1 tsp dried marjoram for a Greek-inspired twist. I love how this combo adds earthy depth while keeping the Mediterranean spirit. 🌿

Spice It Up

Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle kick. For more heat, include 1 diced jalapeño with the shallots. The sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes balances the spice perfectly.

Creamy Addition

Stir in ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese at the end for a tangy, creamy element. Alternatively, 2 tbsp heavy cream creates a luxurious sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

Citrus Brightness

Finish with zest of 1 lemon and 1 tbsp lemon juice for a bright, fresh note. This cuts through the richness and adds a vibrant pop of flavor.

Extra Umami

Boost depth with 1 tbsp capers or 2 anchovy fillets (minced) added with the sun-dried tomatoes. Trust me, the anchovies melt into the sauce for incredible savory complexity. 💫

Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds over the finished dish. The crunch contrasts wonderfully with the tender chicken and soft tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of oil-packed?

Yes, but rehydrate them first in warm water for 10 minutes. Drain well before chopping, as they’ll be less tender and more concentrated in flavor.

2

What if my sauce is too thin?

Simmer uncovered for 2-3 extra minutes to reduce. For a quicker fix, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with water and stir in. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

3

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Cook and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to prevent drying. Flavors deepen overnight.

4

What sides pair well with this dish?

Try crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or roasted potatoes for heartiness. A simple green salad balances the richness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 420kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 18g23%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 125mg42%
Sodium 680mg30%
Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
Dietary Fiber 4g14%
Sugars 6g
Protein 45g90%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
★★★★★4.6(7 reviews)
Nathan Turner