This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Makes Clean Eating Simple

If you’ve been searching for a flavorful, nutritious, and fuss-free dish, This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Makes Clean Eating Simple is exactly what you need. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a creamy coconut milk base, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that feels indulgent without any guilt. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick dinner idea, this dish delivers comfort and health in every bite.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: The recipe calls for pantry staples and fresh produce that you likely already have on hand, making it easy to whip up anytime.
• Rich, creamy sauce: The combination of light coconut milk and chicken broth melds perfectly with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning for a luscious sauce that isn’t heavy.
• One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup is required, so you can spend more time enjoying your food and less time scrubbing dishes.
• Protein-packed: With four chicken breasts, this dish is satisfying and great for fueling your day.
• Fresh herb flavor: The addition of fresh basil adds brightness and a subtle peppery note, elevating the entire meal.
• Clean eating made easy: No processed ingredients or unnecessary additives — just wholesome, natural foods.

What to Buy

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and vegetables, choose extra virgin for the best flavor.
• 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts – Look for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat.
• 1 medium yellow onion – Sliced thin to soften and add sweetness to the sauce.
• 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes – Be sure to use the dry-packed variety, not oil-packed, to keep the dish light.
• 2 garlic cloves – Minced for that aromatic punch.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that perfectly complements the tomatoes and chicken.
• 1 1/2 cups light coconut milk – Adds creaminess while keeping the recipe dairy-free.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Use low-sodium for better control over saltiness.
• 1/4 cup fresh basil – Roughly chopped to finish the dish with a fresh herbal note.

Equipment at a Glance

• Large skillet or sauté pan: Wide enough to comfortably cook the chicken breasts and sauce together.
• Sharp knife: For slicing the onion and chopping basil and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for all your prep.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise ingredient amounts.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the sauce without scratching your pan.

Build This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Makes Clean Eating Simple Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the sliced yellow onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir in the roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let them cook together for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors into the oil and onions.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in 1 1/2 cups of light coconut milk and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Pan

Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken. Let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil

Turn off the heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil over the dish. Give it a gentle stir to combine. The basil adds a fresh brightness that balances the richness of the sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken breasts and generously ladle the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce on top. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a crisp green salad for a balanced, nourishing meal.

If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy the Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken or the Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Cutlets for more ways to savor these flavors.

Better-for-You Options

• Swap olive oil for avocado oil if you’re looking for a higher smoke point and subtle flavor.
• Use homemade chicken broth to reduce sodium and control ingredients.
• Try fresh sun-dried tomatoes if available for an even more vibrant flavor.
• Serve with sautéed greens or Creamy Spinach Sun Dried Tomato Orzo for a wholesome side packed with nutrients.
• For a lower-fat version, use light coconut milk or reduce to 1 cup and add more broth.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

• Overcooking chicken: To avoid dry chicken breasts, sear over medium-high heat and finish simmering gently in the sauce.
• Using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: These can make the sauce greasy. Stick to dry-packed for the best texture and flavor.
• Not stirring the sauce: Scrape the pan’s bottom to incorporate all those flavorful browned bits into the sauce.
• Skipping fresh basil: The fresh herb is key to balancing the richness. Don’t substitute dried basil here.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can prep the chicken breasts and slice the onions and sun-dried tomatoes a day ahead to save time. Store the prepped ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Once cooked, this dish keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the coconut milk from curdling.

This recipe also freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Popular Questions

Can I use heavy cream instead of coconut milk?

Yes! Heavy cream can be used if you prefer a traditional creamy texture. However, coconut milk adds a subtle tropical note and keeps the dish dairy-free, which some find lighter on the stomach.

What can I serve with This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Makes Clean Eating Simple?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad. For a comforting meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes or whole-grain pasta.

Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick that complements the sun-dried tomatoes beautifully.

How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?

Make sure not to overcook the chicken during the initial sear and allow it to simmer gently in the sauce. Using a meat thermometer helps; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

One Pan, More Ideas

• Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken – Another luscious recipe with similar flavors and a creamy sauce.
• Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Cutlets – A quicker, cutlet-style version that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Creamy Spinach Sun Dried Tomato Orzo – A fantastic side dish to pair with your chicken, loaded with greens and creamy goodness.

The Takeaway

This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Makes Clean Eating Simple by combining accessible ingredients with straightforward steps to create a dish that’s both nourishing and delicious. Its creamy, herbaceous sauce and tender chicken make it a standout meal that’s perfect for busy weeks or special dinners. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite go-to in your kitchen rotation.

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this recipe and explore the linked dishes for a full menu that celebrates clean, wholesome ingredients without sacrificing taste.

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