01 -
Pat those chicken breasts super dry with paper towels – this is key for a good sear, trust me! Season generously with salt and pepper. I always forget to season enough at this stage, so don't be shy! You want that golden crust.
02 -
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil (or that sun-dried tomato oil!). Sear the chicken for about 3-5 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown. Don't overcrowd the pan, or it'll steam instead of sear, and we don't want that! Remove the chicken and set it aside.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in your chopped onion. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Now, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Oh, the smell at this point is just divine, honestly! Don't let the garlic burn!
04 -
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's pure flavor right there! Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to let those flavors meld. This is where the magic starts to happen!
05 -
Reduce the heat to low, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese. Whisk gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
06 -
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil and parsley. Give it a taste – does it need more salt? A little more pepper? Honestly, sometimes I get so excited I forget to taste until it's on the plate, oops! Serve immediately, maybe with a sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan. It should look rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible.