Looking for a tasty dinner idea? Let me share my Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken recipe with you! This dish brings together juicy chicken breasts, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and velvety cream, all cooked to perfection. You'll enjoy every bite. Plus, it's simple to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Ready to impress your family or guests? Let’s dive into the delightful details!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Rich in Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce creates an indulgent flavor that will impress anyone.
- Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with spinach and lean chicken, this dish balances indulgence with nutrition.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, pasta, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
The main ingredients create a rich and tasty dish. The chicken breasts serve as a hearty base. I love using sun-dried tomatoes since they add a burst of flavor. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and smooth. Chicken broth enhances the overall taste, while spinach adds freshness and color.
For seasoning, I use Italian seasoning to bring warmth to the dish. Garlic adds depth and aroma. Salt and pepper balance the flavors perfectly. Olive oil helps in cooking the chicken and adds a nice sheen. Finally, grated Parmesan cheese on top gives a lovely finishing touch.
Gather these ingredients, and you are on your way to a delightful dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
First, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the four chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for six to seven minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and ensure they are fully cooked. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.
Making the Sauce
In the same skillet, add three minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until you smell that great garlic aroma. Next, stir in one cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for one more minute to blend the flavors. Pour in one cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce for about three to four minutes.
Finalizing the Dish
Now, lower the heat and add one cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until it is well mixed. Then, add one teaspoon of Italian seasoning and one cup of roughly chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for another two to three minutes to let the flavors combine. Taste the dish and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chicken with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce drizzled on top, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
- Ensuring chicken is cooked through
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Use a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you’re unsure, cut into one piece to check. It should be white, not pink.
- How to achieve a creamy sauce
After cooking the chicken, use the same skillet for the sauce. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds before adding sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer. Then, lower the heat and add heavy cream. Stir well until it’s smooth. This creates a rich, creamy sauce that clings to the chicken beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
- Ideal pairings for the dish
This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pairs well with pasta or rice. The sauce complements both, soaking into each bite. You can also serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Presentation ideas
For a nice presentation, plate the chicken on a bed of rice or pasta. Drizzle the creamy sauce generously over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and perhaps a few fresh basil leaves. This adds color and makes the dish pop!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes can elevate the flavor of your dish significantly.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To maintain juiciness, cook the chicken just until it's no longer pink in the center, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when simmering the chicken broth.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can change a few ingredients to make this dish even better. If you want a lighter sauce, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This keeps the creamy texture but cuts some fat. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. It adds a nice flavor too.
For the protein, chicken is great, but you can swap it out. Try using shrimp or turkey instead. Both cook quickly and soak up the sauce well. If you like plant-based meals, use tofu or chickpeas for a tasty vegetarian twist.
Flavor Tweaks
To bring more flavor to your dish, add fresh herbs. Basil and thyme brighten up the taste. You can mix in some red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. It’s a fun way to change the flavor profile.
Don’t forget about adding veggies! You can toss in bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce. They add color and texture. You can even add mushrooms for an earthy taste. This makes the dish more filling and nutritious.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To store your leftover Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken, follow these steps:
- Let the chicken cool to room temperature.
- Place it in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
This helps keep the flavors fresh and safe to eat.
Reheating Instructions
For the best reheating results, try these methods:
- Use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream.
- Stir often until heated through to keep the sauce creamy.
- You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
These methods help maintain the dish's rich texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or in cold water. Once thawed, season it before cooking. Cooking times may vary, so ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers. They add different flavors but still work well. If you want to maintain a similar taste, try using tomato paste mixed with herbs.
How do I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, add more heavy cream or let it simmer longer. You can also mix a bit of cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce and stir until it thickens.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to four days. Just make sure to keep the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making it taste fantastic!
This blog post covered a delicious chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce. You learned about the key ingredients, how to cook and serve the dish, and tips for making it great. You can also explore variations and storage tips.
Try this recipe for a hearty meal that’s easy and fun to customize. Enjoy this dish today or save it for later! Happy cooking!
