Skillet Creamy Chicken with Garlic Mozzarella Sun-Dried Tomato

This Skillet Creamy Chicken with Garlic Mozzarella Sun-Dried Tomato is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, savory garlic, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious creamy sauce. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor, and it’s perfect for cozy nights when you want something comforting yet light.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken dish is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and tangy flavors. The combination of garlic, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich, mouthwatering sauce that coats the tender chicken perfectly. Whether served over pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash, this meal is versatile and will easily become a weeknight favorite. Plus, it’s ready in just 25 minutes!

Ingredients

• 3 large garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small jar (3-4 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped (reserve 2 tablespoons of oil)

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts, cut into strips)

• 1 cup (250ml) half and half

• 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped

• Crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes in 2 tablespoons of the reserved oil for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.

2. Remove the mixture from the pan, keeping the oil in the skillet.

Cook the Chicken:

3. In the same skillet, add the chicken tenders (or strips) and cook on high for 1-2 minutes on each side, sprinkling with salt and red chili pepper flakes.

4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

5. Add the garlic and sun-dried tomato mixture back into the skillet with the chicken.

6. Pour in the half and half and chicken broth. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens.

Adjust the Sauce:

7. Add more chicken broth if you prefer a thinner sauce, or let it simmer a little longer for a thicker consistency. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped basil and additional red pepper flakes if you like some extra heat.

Simmer and Season:

8. Allow the sauce to simmer for another couple of minutes, adjusting the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Serve:

9. Serve the creamy chicken over pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash for a light yet flavorful meal. Garnish with additional chopped basil for a fresh finish.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 2-3 servings

Variations

• Add Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Use Different Cheese: Try adding Parmesan or goat cheese for a different twist on the sauce.

• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.

• Make it Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or half and half to loosen up the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may need to cook a bit longer depending on their thickness. Cut them into strips to help them cook faster and more evenly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat and combine.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

While sun-dried tomatoes bring a unique depth of flavor, fresh tomatoes can be used in a pinch. Just sauté them in the garlic and oil, but note the flavor will be a bit different.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer or slice the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.

Can I use heavy cream instead of half and half?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream for half and half if you prefer a richer, creamier sauce. Just be mindful of the extra calories and richness!

Conclusion

Skillet Creamy Chicken with Garlic Mozzarella Sun-Dried Tomato is a flavorful, satisfying, and quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy, cheesy sauce pairs beautifully with the tender chicken, and the sun-dried tomatoes add a wonderful tang that brings everything together. Serve it over your favorite base, and you’ve got a delicious, restaurant-quality meal made in the comfort of your home!

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