10 Best Substitute For Sun Dried Tomatoes In Marry Me Chicken

When it comes to flavorful and satisfying dishes, Marry Me Chicken is a recipe that many people enjoy. The rich creaminess of the sauce combined with the savory, slightly tangy bite of sun-dried tomatoes creates a dish that feels luxurious but is surprisingly simple to make. However, sun-dried tomatoes can sometimes be difficult to find or maybe you’re just not a fan of their intense flavor. Whatever the reason, you may be wondering if there are alternatives that can still give your Marry Me Chicken that same burst of flavor.

Thankfully, there are several ingredients you can use in place of sun-dried tomatoes, each offering a unique twist to the dish while maintaining its delicious profile. Whether you prefer a milder flavor or need to work with what you have in your pantry, these substitutes can be just as effective in making your Marry Me Chicken a meal to remember. Let’s explore 10 great substitutes for sun-dried tomatoes that you can easily try out.

10 Best Substitute For Sun Dried Tomatoes In Marry Me Chicken

1. Fresh Tomatoes

The simplest and most readily available substitute for sun dried tomatoes in marry me chicken is fresh tomatoes. While fresh tomatoes lack the concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, they can still add a touch of acidity and juiciness to the dish. Roma or plum tomatoes are especially good for cooking because they have less water and more flesh, making them a suitable option.

To use fresh tomatoes, chop them into small pieces and sauté them with a little olive oil. You might need to cook them down slightly to reduce some of the moisture before adding them to your sauce. Though fresh tomatoes won’t have the same sweet and tangy punch, they can still offer a light and refreshing flavor that complements the creamy sauce in Marry Me Chicken.

2. Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is another common pantry item that works well as a substitute for sun dried tomatoes in marry me chicken. Since it’s made from concentrated tomatoes, it provides a similar depth of flavor, though it won’t have the chewy texture that sun-dried tomatoes bring to the dish.

You can add a small amount of tomato paste directly to the sauce to give it a rich tomato flavor. Start with about a tablespoon, and adjust depending on your taste. Because tomato paste is so concentrated, it can provide that umami kick without the need for a large quantity. It’s also a convenient option when you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to deal with fresh tomatoes.

3. Roasted Red Peppers

If you’re looking for something with a similar texture to sun-dried tomatoes but with a different flavor profile, roasted red peppers are an excellent option. Roasted red peppers are soft and sweet, with a smoky undertone that can bring new dimensions to your Marry Me Chicken. While they don’t have the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes, their natural sweetness can complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

You can find jarred roasted red peppers in most grocery stores. Simply drain them, chop them into strips or chunks, and stir them into your sauce. Roasted red peppers are a versatile substitute that will add a different but equally delicious twist to the dish.

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4. Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are a convenient substitute that can work well in many recipes, including Marry Me Chicken. While they are more liquid than sun-dried tomatoes, you can drain them well and cook them down to reduce the moisture content. This will help create a more concentrated flavor, closer to what sun-dried tomatoes offer.

Crushed or diced tomatoes are the best choices for this dish. You can drain the excess liquid or simmer them until the sauce thickens. Canned tomatoes offer a mild flavor with just the right amount of sweetness and acidity, making them a simple and accessible substitute.

5. Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are small, sweet, and juicy, making them a delightful substitute for sun dried tomatoes in marry me chicken. While they don’t have the same chewy texture, their vibrant flavor can add a fresh and slightly sweet touch to the dish. Cherry tomatoes also burst with juiciness, which can lighten up the creaminess of the sauce.

To use cherry tomatoes, simply cut them in half or quarters and sauté them lightly before adding them to the dish. Their sweetness will balance out the richness of the chicken and sauce, giving the dish a more delicate flavor profile. If you prefer a bit more acidity, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the tomatoes as they cook.

6. Olives

For those who enjoy the briny and slightly salty flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, olives can be a surprising yet effective substitute. Black or Kalamata olives, in particular, can offer that same burst of bold flavor that balances well with the richness of Marry Me Chicken.

Chop the olives into small pieces before adding them to the sauce. Their strong flavor means you won’t need to use too many—just a handful should suffice. Olives bring a unique Mediterranean twist to the dish and work well if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual tomato flavor.

7. Capers

Capers are small, briny buds that pack a punch of flavor. While they don’t taste like sun-dried tomatoes, they offer a tangy, salty burst that can mimic the complexity sun-dried tomatoes bring to a dish. Capers are especially useful if you’re looking for something that can enhance the creaminess of the sauce with a bit of sharpness.

Because they are quite strong, you only need to add a small amount. A tablespoon or two of capers, rinsed and drained, can go a long way in elevating the flavors in Marry Me Chicken. Their bright, tangy flavor will cut through the richness of the sauce and provide a delightful contrast.

8. Sun-Dried Tomato Paste

If you’re able to find sun-dried tomato paste, this can be an ideal substitute as it maintains the concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes but is easier to blend into the sauce. Sun-dried tomato paste is a smoother, more convenient version of sun-dried tomatoes, and it works beautifully in sauces because it dissolves into the dish without altering the texture.

Add about a tablespoon of sun-dried tomato paste to your sauce and stir it in well. This paste will give you the rich, tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes in a way that’s easy to incorporate into the dish. It’s a great option if you want to stick closely to the original flavor profile but can’t find whole sun-dried tomatoes.

9. Balsamic Vinegar

For a more creative substitute, balsamic vinegar can bring a similar sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. While it won’t add the same texture as sun-dried tomatoes, a splash of balsamic vinegar can enhance the flavor of the sauce and provide a bit of acidity to balance the richness.

Use balsamic vinegar sparingly—about one to two teaspoons—because it can be quite strong. Adding it during the cooking process will allow the vinegar to blend into the sauce, giving it a subtly sweet and tart flavor that complements the creaminess of Marry Me Chicken.

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10. Dried Tomatoes

If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, but you can find dried tomatoes, they can be used as a substitute. These tomatoes are dehydrated but lack the oiliness that sun-dried tomatoes have. To use dried tomatoes in your dish, rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water or broth for about 15-20 minutes. Once they’ve softened, chop them into small pieces and stir them into your sauce.

Dried tomatoes still offer a concentrated tomato flavor but without the intense chewiness of sun-dried tomatoes. They can provide a slightly sweeter flavor, depending on the variety, making them a good alternative when you want to maintain the tomato essence in the dish.

Conclusion

Finding a good substitute for sun-dried tomatoes in Marry Me Chicken doesn’t have to be challenging. Whether you want to keep things simple with fresh tomatoes or experiment with bold flavors like olives or capers, these substitutes can bring new life to the dish. Each of these alternatives adds its own unique twist, ensuring that your Marry Me Chicken remains flavorful, rich, and satisfying.

No matter which substitute you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy the creamy, indulgent nature of Marry Me Chicken while tailoring the dish to your personal preferences or what you have available in your kitchen. So go ahead and give one of these substitutes a try you may even find a new favorite way to make this beloved recipe.