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Olive Garden Sicilian Sunset

Helen T. Patterson
The Olive Garden Sicilian Sunset is a delightful dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, tangy sun-dried tomato sauce. This recipe blends rich flavors from the Mediterranean, with sweet and savory notes from sun-dried tomatoes, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings, this dish is as impressive as it is delicious.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 meat thermometer
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 sharp knife
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 spoon for tasting
  • 1 citrus zester (for lemon zest)

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Lemon zest for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the chicken:

  • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the sauce:

  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Finish the sauce:

  • Add lemon juice and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

Combine chicken and sauce:

  • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer in the sauce for an additional 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors together.

Serve:

  • Plate the chicken and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Chicken options: You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
  • Sauce consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes to reduce. For a lighter sauce, add a little more chicken broth or reduce the heavy cream.
  • Diet modifications: This recipe can be made dairy-free by using a plant-based cream alternative and omitting the Parmesan cheese.
  • Serving ideas: Pair with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Keyword Olive Garden Sicilian Sunset