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Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken is the perfect easy, summer dinner. This paleo chicken dinner comes together in under 20 minutes! Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your favorite low carb chicken skillet recipes… ever.
Have you ever had one of those days when you don’t feel like cooking? That’s what inspired this easy paleo chicken dinner. Sometimes you want something simple that doesn’t taste like it’s simple.
This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken recipe is perfect for those days when you just don’t feel like cooking, but want to indulge your taste buds with light yet decadent flavors.
This is especially true in the warm summer months. The days are long and warm, the sun shines late into the evening, and the last thing you want to think about is turning on your oven. But you still want a nice dinner.
Who wants to spend time slaving away in the kitchen when you can be outside enjoying the nice weather? It’s really perfect grilling weather, isn’t it?
However, most of us don’t grill every day and that begs the question: What do you do for dinner on a busy weeknight when you don’t want to heat up the house or slave over the stove for an hour?
Summer or not, a skillet paleo chicken dinner is my answer. And it can be your answer, too.
And more specifically, it should be this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken skillet dinner.
Not all sun-dried tomato chicken recipes are low carb or paleo, so this is a special treat. The sauce is a decadent combination of coconut cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic that you’ll pour over golden seared chicken.
Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is. Let’s get cooking!
How To Make Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Breast
One of the best things about this chicken with sun-dried tomato cream sauce is that while it sounds like a decadent, gourmet treat that would be very involved to make, it really comes together so simply.
The chicken is perfectly seared until it’s golden brown and then you add the ingredients to make the creamy sauce. So quick and easy. I cut my chicken into strips to have more flexible serving sizes, but you can make it with whole chicken breasts, too.
Chicken and sun-dried tomatoes are a classic pairing, but this low carb chicken dinner is even better because it’s healthy!
Coconut cream replaces traditional heavy cream to make it paleo and to incorporate all the benefits of coconut. Since you’re adding chicken broth, a little arrowroot powder thickens the sauce to a creamy consistency.
You can also use xanthan gum if cutting carbs further is important to you, but I chose the arrowroot powder as a more natural option. Tip: Make sure you whisk it thoroughly in the broth before adding it to the pan to avoid lumps. The same is true if you choose to use xanthan gum as well, except you’d need a lot less.
Of course, I had to add fresh basil to the sauce. After all, it’s summertime! Why wouldn’tyou throw fresh basil into everything you can?
(And honestly, I love to cook with fresh herbs anytime I can! I’ve been making low carb chicken salad and homemade salsa with fresh tomatoes a lot lately, too.)
If you do want to make this in the winter, though, don’t despair. It’s actually an excellent year-round dish and you can always substitute dried basil if that’s what you have. Another option I like is to use spinach in the cooler months, since that fares better all year round, compared to basil.
But if you’re making this sun-dried tomato chicken recipe in the summer months, you’d better grab that fresh basil while it’s around! It’s so worth it.
Options For A Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe
If you’re simply looking for a low carb dinner idea, but you’re not worried about paleo guidelines, you can use heavy cream for the sauce. (It’s totally fine for low carb or keto.)
However, if you want to make this a keto or paleo chicken dinner, simply use coconut cream. Both give the recipe the smooth, creamy texture you’re going for and both taste great.
Also, you can use xanthan gum instead of arrowroot powder if you would prefer. If you do choose to do that, you’ll need a lot less so be careful not to overdo it and simply add in a little at a time. If you use too much xanthan gum, your texture will get slimy and that’s definitely not what you’re going for.
And this sun-dried tomato chicken recipe can be even more versatile! Go ahead and add in some spinach and/or some onions.
You can caramelize the onions to add a smoky, sweet flavor as you add them, or simply cook until translucent. It’s a tradeoff between taste and time savings. I went with a quicker time on the recipe card, but it’s up to you!
The basil will add a lovely pop of color and some added flavor, plus make this healthy sun-dried tomato chicken even healthier. It wilts quickly, so we add it toward the end.
And even with these additions, it’s still a one skillet dinner. How awesome is that? Just one more reason to add this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken to your healthy low carb or keto diet plan!
How To Store Chicken With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
This easy sun-dried tomato chicken dinner goes from preparation to table in under 20 minutes. Round it out by adding a salad or just some raw veggies to munch on, and you have a complete meal. No muss, no fuss… just simple, indulgent flavors everyone will enjoy.
Even better, the only dishes to wash afterward are a single skillet and a cutting board. When all you want to do is finish dinner so that you can get back outside, this is the kind of time saver you need.
One skillet wonders are a busy girl’s best friend!
If by chance you have leftovers (and let’s admit it… this is so yummy, that’s really unlikely!), just put your chicken with sun-dried tomato cream sauce in an airtight container and store it in your fridge.
It will keep for a few days and you’ll have the added bonus of enjoying some pale sun-dried tomato chicken for lunch one day!
This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken recipe won’t freeze well, but that’s okay because of how fast it comes together. Remember, all you need is twenty minutes to make it… so Bon Appétit, friends!
Tools To Make Low Carb Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
Tap the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.
- Large Skillet – These nonstick skillets are perfect for making this delicious keto chicken dish.
- Garlic Press – This garlic press makes it a breeze to mince the garlic for this recipe.
- Small Bowl – This set of stainless steel bowls has several different sizes so you have the perfect sized small bowl to make this dinner recipe.
Paleo Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Recipe:
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Paleo Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Recipe (Low Carb)
This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken skillet recipe makes a delicious and QUICK low carb, paleo chicken dinner. It's on the table in under 20 minutes - and made with common ingredients!
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with sea salt and black pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear on both sides until golden (about 3 minutes on each side). Remove, cover with foil to keep warm, and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, vigorously whisk the arrowroot powder into the chicken broth. (Sprinkle it evenly on top, then whisk fast - don't just dump it in.)
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Add the minced garlic to the skillet (add a little more oil if it's dry). Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the arrowroot/broth mixture, coconut cream, sun dried tomatoes, and half of the fresh basil. Increase the heat to bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
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Add the chicken back to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Cook for about 1 minute. Top with the remaining fresh basil before serving.
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Recipe Notes
One serving is a large chicken breast (6 oz), but you can easily halve the serving size depending on what you serve it with.
Serving size: 1 large chicken breast (6 oz)
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48 Comments
Dawn Mannion
When using the coconut cream in this recipe should you use canned and only use the top of the cram that is thick or all of it and does it need to be refrigerated?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Dawn, Yes, you are correct. Only use the thick portion of the coconut cream. The rest of the can is coconut water, you can save this for other applications (like a smoothie) or throw the excess liquid out. If you decide to save it for later, it will need to be refrigerated.
Dawn Mannion
Thank you. I made it tonight and it was a hit! My husband went back for seconds.
Connie
Hi Maya, This sounds really good. My question is how long do you cook it It says sear on both sides for 3 minutes, so that is 6 minutes and then after you make the sauce it says cook for 1 minute more. So cook time seems to be 7 minutes total. Is that correct? I have made several of your recipes and have enjoyed them all. Thank You
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Connie, Please keep in mind that cook times will be approximate. I used chicken strips and that was the timing I used, it will need to increase a bit if you are using whole breasts. The best way to know if your chicken is done would be to test it with an internal thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked at 165 degrees F. I hope this helps.
Debra Betz
Love your recipes but CAN’T always print them. Any suggestions?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Debra, There is a ‘Print It’ button in the recipe card. That is the easiest way to print out the recipes. I hope this helps!
Mary Alice Stopyra
Thank you for this great recipe. This was delicious! The delicate sweetness of the sun dried tomatoes and the creaminess of the coconut cream made this super tasty. I ended up using 6 oz of the coconut cream in stead of 4 oz and it didn’t harm the ratio of the sauce thickness.. I did chicken strips instead of of whole chicken breast and I would do it again that way. Cooked even faster and every bite was covered in that delicious sauce. I was trying to determine if I could taste coconut (because no one in my familiar likes that flavor except me) and other than the first bite where there was a slight taste, I couldn’t taste it at all. I’ll be trying it on the rest of my family next time. Also note that this did great reheating in the microwave the next day. I used 70 and 80 percentage power and stirred in between until it was hot.
Dawn Bieschke
This is one of the best chicken recipe’s EVER healthy or nonhealthy, one of the best!!!!!!! Everyone loved it!!!!!!!!!!! Dishes like this make it easy to be healthier thank you!!!!
Eva
Could I substitute almond flour for the arrowroot powder? If so, will it be the same amount?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Eva, Sorry, no. Almond flour does not work to thicken. You can use xanthan gum instead if you prefer, but you’d need much less – about 1/4 to 1/2 tsp, and whisk it in a little water or almond milk before adding to the pan.
Melissa
Just curious if it tastes anything like coconut with the coconut cream? I’m not a huge fan of coconut flavor.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Melissa, I don’t detect it but depending on how sensitive you are to the coconut taste, there might be a very slight hint of it. If you aren’t dairy-free, you can also use heavy cream instead.
Olivia
Hello Maya,
I made this recipe for myself and my parents (they do not follow a paleo diet) the other night, and we were all completely wowed by it. My mom made mashed potatoes (with chicken stock and lard) to go with it, and the meal reminded me of chicken marsala from the Italian restaurants I used to eat at before going paleo. Thank you so much for this recipe, it is truly scrumptious! We have added it to our selection of favorite recipes to revisit again!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you so much, Olivia! I’m honored that the whole family was wowed by it.
Dan
Simple, delicious an quick to make. A hit! All the best from New Zealand
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Dan! I love to hear that! Thank you!
Stefanie Krause
I made this tonight and it was delicious!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy to hear that, Stefanie! Have a great day!
Emily McCombs
Made this for dinner tonight. I added mushrooms and spinach. It was delicious!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I love that you added mushrooms and spinach, Emily! YUM!
Melinda
What’s a good paleo substitute for arrowroot powder?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Melinda, Arrowroot powder is paleo. Is there some other reason you don’t want to use it?
Dawn Mannion
Can you use tapioca starch instead?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Dawn, Tapioca isn’t strictly keto, but it will thicken this dish in place of arrowroot or xanthan gum.
Dawn Mannion
Thank you. I am not keto so that is good to know for the future. I made this tonight and used corn starch since I did not have arrowroot. It was a bit thicker than I would have liked even though I used much less so I added a little more broth and coconut cream and it was a hit. My husband went back for seconds. I also added some sautéed onions which added some extra flavor and crunch. I will be making this again.
Museurbaine
I am so glad I cam across this recipe! I have to follow a special diet for 3 weeks in order to investigate potential intolerances…this dinner was just perfect ! (Gluten and Lactose free!) Thank you!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you! I’m glad that you liked it and found it helpful with your special diet!
Julianne
I don’t have arrowroot on hand. Can I sub with tapioca flour?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Julianne, Yes, that should work. I’m not sure if the amount would be exactly the same, you can start with a little and add more as needed.
Susan
I made it with shrimp. Delicious!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Susan!
Lisa Ann Peters
I made this last night. Super easy and delicious. This will be a repeat for sure. Also, I added fresh spinach.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Lisa! I’ll need to try fresh spinach next time, too.
Amanda
I don’t know what I did wrong to this, but it definitely did not turn out creamy. It’s more of gelled, oily mess in the pan. I only used about a tablespoon of oil plus a little extra when I started the garlic. The arrowroot powder seemed to make everything gooey and slimy, and the sundried tomatoes and basil are all clumped together. I’m sure it’s a great dish when done right, so I’ll have to give it another try sometime. Any ideas as to what might have gone wrong?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Amanda, Sorry that I missed your comment until now, and that it didn’t work out for you! It’s hard to know what went wrong without being in the kitchen with you, but most likely the arrowroot powder didn’t mix well enough with the chicken broth in step 3. There shouldn’t be any clumps at that point (or at all, really). Then, make sure to mix well again when adding the slurry (arrowroot/broth mixture) to the pan in step 4. I haven’t had an issue with gelling or clumping when doing it this way, but if you do, you could try adding the coconut cream and slurry first and mix those together well before adding the sun-dried tomatoes and basil. I hope you’ll get the chance to try it again!
Julianne D
Mine gelled too. I think the heat in the pan might have been too hot when I added the mix. I whisked cornstarch with the broth, it wasn’t clumpy going in and whisked once added. I did think I should’ve added the coconut to the mix, there was a delay adding it. It was a good flavor, despite my goof! My husband said it’s one of the better diet dinners we’ve had!
Jody
I’ve tried it twice now and both times it works perfectly.
Amy Stevens
Can you use gluten free cornstarch instead of arrowroot powder in this recipe?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I haven’t tried it, but you probably can. Cornstarch does sometimes thicken a little less in acidic preparations (the tomatoes in this case), but the result should still be close. Let me know how it turns out!
Barbara
What is coconut cream, and where do you get it?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Barbara, Coconut cream is made from shredded coconut and comes in a can. I like to use the kind without preservatives, as they are not necessary. You can purchase it here, or your local grocery store may also have it.
Judy
This is absolutely delicious, Maya. I made this dish for dinner this evening with boneless, skinless chicken thighs and made more sauce by adding more coconut milk. With this dish I also made coconut lime jasmine rice, and a crunchy simple green salad with a light lime honey dressing. I will definitely make this again and again. Thank you Maya for a beautiful thing.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Judy! That sounds like a delicious combination!
Kim | Low Carb Maven
I love dishes like this. I think you hit it out of the park with this one. I like that you used coconut milk instead of the traditional cream. I admit that we have been riding the dairy train a little too long and need to start swapping in some other choices. I bet it gives the dish a nice flavor…Pinned!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you so much, Kim! We eat a lot of dairy at our house too, but I also like to make paleo low carb dishes. The coconut cream works really well to replace traditional cream, but you could definitely use regular cream if you wanted to. Thanks for pinning!
Carol@studiobotanica
Looks SO good, Maya!! Love creamy chicken recipes with the sharp acidic sun dried tomatoes. May need to add olives!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Carol! Olives sound like a wonderful addition, too!