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

Recipe Chicken Sundried Tomatoes
recipe chicken sundried tomatoes example with annotations

This one-pan dinner transforms simple chicken into a Mediterranean masterpiece with minimal effort. The sun-dried tomatoes add concentrated sweetness and depth that elevates every bite.

The recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors using basic pantry staples. Cleanup is effortless since everything cooks together in a single pan.

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Difficulty
Medium
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Diet
Poultry
⏱️
Total Time
30 min
🔥
Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for Recipe Chicken Sundried Tomatoes

Transform simple chicken with Mediterranean flavors using these pantry staples and fresh herbs.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Chicken Thighs 🍗 1 ½ lb Boneless, skinless preferred
Sun-Dried Tomatoes 🍅 ½ cup Oil-packed, drained and chopped
Olive Oil 🫒 3 tbsp Extra-virgin for depth
Garlic Cloves 🧄 4 cloves Minced for aromatic base
Red Onion 🧅 1 whole Thinly sliced for sweetness
Fresh Basil Leaves 🌿 ¼ cup Chopped, for fresh finish
Dried Oregano 🍃 1 tsp Mediterranean variety preferred
Dried Thyme 🌿 1 tsp Rubbed between fingers to release oils
Chicken Broth 💧 ½ cup Low-sodium for control
Kalamata Olives 🫒 ¼ cup Pitted and halved
Feta Cheese 🧀 ½ cup Crumbled for salty tang
Salt 🧂 1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher preferred
Black Pepper 🌶️ ½ tsp Freshly ground for potency
Lemon Juice 🍋 1 tbsp Freshly squeezed for brightness

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The chicken thighs are critical here—boneless, skinless ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Costco offers excellent quality at a good price point, but Whole Foods has superior organic options. Sun-dried tomatoes must be oil-packed for the right texture and depth. Look for brands like Bella Sun Luci in the grocery aisle.

No fresh basil? Dried basil at one-third the amount works in a pinch, though the flavor profile shifts slightly. Feta can be swapped for goat cheese if preferred, but avoid pre-crumbled varieties—they lack moisture. Kalamata olives are non-negotiable for authenticity, but green olives can substitute if that’s all you have.

This dish reheats well for up to 4 days in the fridge. The flavors meld beautifully overnight. Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months, though the tomatoes may soften slightly upon thawing.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One Pan Magic: I toss everything—chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, onion—on a single sheet pan and let the oven do the work.
  • Rich & Tangy: The sun-dried tomatoes soak up the olive oil and garlic, giving every bite that deep, savory-sweet punch I crave.
  • Weeknight Hero: Honestly, this is my go-to for busy evenings—ready in 30 minutes and fancy enough for company.
  • Budget Stretcher: Chicken thighs stay juicy and affordable, and a little sun-dried tomato goes a long way for flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Recipe Chicken Sundried Tomatoes

Master this technique for perfectly cooked chicken with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken Thighs

Heat 2 tbsp Olive Oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke. Pat the 1.5 lb Chicken Thighs dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.

Season both sides with 1 tsp Salt and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper, then place skin-side down in the hot pan. Sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the skin develops a deep golden brown crust. The chicken should release easily from the pan when ready to flip.

Turn and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp Olive Oil. Add the 1 whole Red Onion, thinly sliced, and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and just beginning to caramelize.

Add the 4 cloves Garlic Cloves, minced, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1 tsp Dried Oregano and 1 tsp Dried Thyme, rubbing them between your fingers as you add them to release their essential oils.

This builds the flavor foundation. Watch closely—garlic burns quickly and turns bitter if overcooked.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Add the 0.5 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (chopped), 0.25 cup Kalamata Olives (halved), and 0.5 cup Chicken Broth to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is pure flavor.

Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and the sun-dried tomatoes plump up. The mixture should be fragrant and the broth just beginning to thicken.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, nestling the thighs into the sauce. Sprinkle 0.5 cup Feta Cheese over the top and cover the pan. Let it warm through for 2-3 minutes on low heat.

Remove from heat and stir in 0.25 cup Fresh Basil Leaves and 1 tbsp Lemon Juice. The basil should wilt slightly but retain its bright green color, and the lemon juice will add a final bright note.

Serve immediately, spooning the tomato-olive mixture over the chicken. Each bite should deliver tender chicken, rich sun-dried tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta.

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Pro Tips For Making Recipe Chicken Sundried Tomatoes

  • Sear Chicken First: Brown the chicken thighs skin-side down in hot olive oil for 5-6 minutes before flipping—this locks in juices and gives that crispy edge that makes the dish.
  • Soak Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, cover them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften, or they’ll stay tough and chewy in the final dish.
  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: I learned this the hard way—cooking all the thighs at once steams them instead of searing, so work in batches if needed.
  • Slice Onions Thin: Cut the red onion into thin slivers so they melt into the sauce rather than staying as crunchy chunks that overpower the chicken.

Perfect Pairings for This recipe chicken sundried tomatoes

Side Dishes

This flavorful chicken with sun-dried tomatoes pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Try a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve it over creamy polenta for a comforting, hearty base. Roasted asparagus or zucchini also complement the Mediterranean vibes perfectly.

Drink Pairings

For drinks, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio enhances the dish’s bright, tangy notes. If you prefer reds, a medium-bodied Chianti balances the sun-dried tomatoes’ intensity. Non-alcoholic? Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing touch.

Complementary Flavors

Boost the Mediterranean flair with kalamata olives or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top. Fresh basil or oregano adds a fragrant finish, while a side of garlic bread soaks up the delicious juices. These small additions elevate every bite! 🌿

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 510kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 32g41%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Cholesterol 140mg47%
Sodium 820mg36%
Total Carbohydrate 14g5%
Dietary Fiber 4g14%
Sugars 6g
Protein 38g76%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
★★★★★4.7(11 reviews)
Tyler Parker