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- 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 baby spinach - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gather these ingredients to make your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken. The chicken breasts are the main star. They add protein and texture. Sun-dried tomatoes give a rich, tangy flavor that stands out. Heavy cream adds that dreamy, creamy texture. Chicken broth adds depth and keeps everything moist. Don't forget about the spinach! It adds color and a hint of earthiness. Garlic brings in a savory note that enhances all the flavors. The dried Italian herbs blend perfectly, giving a wonderful aroma. Olive oil helps to sear the chicken, making it golden. For garnishes, use salt and pepper to taste. Grated Parmesan adds a salty richness that ties everything together. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of freshness and color. This mix of ingredients will create a dish that is not only tasty but also visually appealing. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Seasoning the Chicken Breasts Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step adds flavor. - Searing the Chicken in the Skillet Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown crust. The chicken should be cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. - Sautéing Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook this mixture for 2 minutes, letting the flavors blend. - Adding Chicken Broth and Reducing the Sauce Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mix to a simmer. Let it reduce for about 3-4 minutes. This helps concentrate the flavors. - Incorporating Heavy Cream and Herbs Lower the heat to medium-low. Now, add the heavy cream and stir well. This will make the sauce creamy. Add dried Italian herbs for that extra flavor. - Adding Baby Spinach and Returning Chicken Toss in the baby spinach. Allow it to wilt in the sauce for about 2 minutes. Then, return the chicken to the skillet. Nestle it into the creamy sauce. - Adjusting Seasoning and Serving Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve the chicken topped with the creamy sauce, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy! How can I ensure juiciness and flavor? To keep your chicken juicy, always season it well. Use salt and pepper before cooking. Searing the chicken in hot oil locks in moisture. Cook it until it's golden brown. This method gives great flavor and a nice texture. What is the recommended cooking temperature? Cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check. This ensures it's safe to eat and keeps it moist. How can I adjust the consistency of the sauce? If your sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth or cream. Stir well to combine. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce. This helps concentrate the flavors. How can I enhance flavor with additional seasonings? Don't be shy with seasonings! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten the dish. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. What are some plating suggestions? For a beautiful plate, place the chicken on a clean dish. Spoon the creamy sauce over it. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a nice finish. A few fresh basil leaves on top add color and freshness. What are the best pairings for serving? Serve this dish with pasta or rice to soak up the sauce. A side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad works great too. Pair it with a light white wine for an elegant touch. Pro Tips Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for organic or free-range chicken breasts for better flavor and texture. Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to sauté the garlic for an extra flavor boost. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or chicken broth. Serve with Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out heavy cream in this recipe. Here are some options: - Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version. - Substitute Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. - Try cashew cream for a rich, nut-based alternative. For greens, you can use other veggies like: - Kale or Swiss chard for a hearty option. - Broccoli florets for a crunchy bite. - Zucchini noodles for a fun twist. To enhance the taste, consider adding: - Extra spices like red pepper flakes for heat. - Feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor. - Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for freshness. You can also modify the dish for different cuisines: - Add curry powder for an Indian flair. - Use soy sauce and ginger for an Asian twist. - Incorporate lime juice and cilantro for a Mexican vibe. For low-carb or keto diets, try these changes: - Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more fat. - Replace heavy cream with cream cheese for thickness. If you need gluten-free options, focus on: - Ensuring your chicken broth is gluten-free. - Using gluten-free pasta or no pasta at all for a lighter meal. To keep your creamy sun-dried tomato chicken fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Place leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps bacteria away. - Container Recommendations: Use airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic works well. Label with the date. For the best taste and texture, reheat your chicken like this: - Methods for Keeping Chicken Tender: Use the stovetop or microwave. If using a stovetop, heat on low. This keeps the chicken juicy. - Avoiding Sauce Separation: Stir the sauce while reheating. This helps mix the flavors and prevents the sauce from splitting. If you want to save some for later, here’s how: - Best Practices for Freezing Creamy Dishes: Let the dish cool completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space for expansion. - Thawing and Reheating After Freezing: Thaw overnight in the fridge. When reheating, do it slowly over low heat. Stir often to keep it creamy. You can serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with many sides. Here are some great options: - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the creamy sauce well. - Pasta: A simple spaghetti or fettuccine pairs nicely. - Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or green beans add color and crunch. - Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for dipping in the sauce. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them together in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. This allows flavors to mingle, making it even better. To avoid curdling, keep these tips in mind: - Temperature: Let the cream come to room temperature before adding it to the hot skillet. - Heat Level: Use low heat when adding cream. High heat can cause it to curdle. - Stir Constantly: Always stir the sauce while adding the cream for a smooth blend. Here are the basic nutritional values per serving: - Calories: Approximately 450 - Protein: 40g - Fat: 30g - Carbohydrates: 5g These values may vary based on specific ingredients used. Always check labels for precise info. This blog post covered a tasty recipe for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken. You learned about the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. We explored variations to suit your taste and dietary needs. Cooking can be simple and delicious when you use the right methods. Try this recipe and enjoy a delightful meal that's easy to make. Happy cooking!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked through and have a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine everything, and then add the dried Italian herbs.
  • Incorporate the baby spinach and allow it to wilt in the creamy sauce for about 2 minutes.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve the chicken topped with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and garnished with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve with pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, creamy, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes