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To make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken, gather these key ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup fresh baby spinach - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme) - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish - A handful of fresh basil leaves, for garnish These ingredients create a rich, creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. You can change a few ingredients to suit your taste or what you have at home. - Chicken: Use chicken thighs for a juicier option. - Cream: Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. - Spinach: Kale or arugula work well if you want a different green. - Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use roasted red peppers for a fresh twist. - Parmesan Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. These swaps can still give you a delicious meal without losing the essence of the dish. To create this dish, you will need a few basic kitchen tools: - Large skillet: For searing chicken and making the sauce. - Tongs: To handle the chicken safely. - Cutting board: For chopping sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. - Chef's knife: For precise cutting. - Measuring cups: To measure out liquids and ingredients. - Wooden spoon: To stir the sauce and combine ingredients. Having these tools ready will make cooking smoother and more enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use salt and black pepper. Make sure to cover both sides. This step boosts the chicken's flavor. Set the seasoned chicken aside while you prepare to cook. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear each side for 6-7 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet. Place it on a plate and cover it loosely. In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant, not burnt. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 more minutes. This step helps the tomatoes soften and release their flavors. Now, pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for about 3-4 minutes. This makes the flavors stronger. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Carefully stir in the heavy cream. Add the dried Italian herbs and mix well. Next, fold in the baby spinach. Let it wilt in the creamy sauce for about 2 minutes. Then, return the seared chicken to the skillet. Make sure to place it in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes. This step allows the chicken to soak up the flavors. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Finally, plate the chicken. Spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over it. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your meal! To cook chicken well, start with fresh, thawed chicken breasts. Season them with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in the skillet until it shimmers. Sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should be golden brown and cook through. Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F. Let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps it juicy and flavorful. You can easily tweak the flavors in this dish. If you like it spicy, add crushed red pepper flakes when you add the garlic. Want it herbier? Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you prefer a tangy flavor, add a splash of lemon juice at the end. Always taste the sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. When making cream sauces, keep a few tips in mind. Always start with a good base, like sautéed garlic or onion. Stir in your cream slowly to avoid curdling. Simmer gently; high heat can separate it. If it gets too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to loosen it. Lastly, always finish with freshly grated cheese for a rich, creamy texture. Pro Tips Optimal Chicken Cooking: For perfectly juicy chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flavor Boosting: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing the garlic, letting it reduce before adding the broth. Spinach Alternatives: If you're not a fan of spinach, feel free to substitute it with kale or arugula for a different taste and texture. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. {{image_4}} If you want a lighter dish, swap out some ingredients. Use chicken breast, which is leaner than thighs. You can also use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream. This change cuts calories but keeps the creaminess. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream. It adds a nice flavor and richness. Mix things up by using different sauces. A pesto sauce gives a fresh taste. You can also try Alfredo sauce for a rich twist. For a tangy flavor, use a lemon-butter sauce. Each sauce brings a new vibe to your creamy sun-dried tomato chicken. Seasonal ingredients can enhance your dish. In spring, add fresh asparagus. In summer, try sweet cherry tomatoes. Fall calls for roasted pumpkin cubes. Winter is perfect for sautéed kale or Swiss chard. These add-ins boost nutrition and flavor, making the dish exciting all year round. To store your creamy sun-dried tomato chicken, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and flavorful. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir gently to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking. If you want to save the dish for later, freezing works great! First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as you can. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks. These cuts add more flavor and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time, as they may need longer to cook through. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Pasta: Toss with fettuccine or penne to soak up the sauce. - Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice. - Bread: A crusty baguette is perfect for dipping. - Salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette balance the creaminess. The total time for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is about 30 minutes. This includes a quick prep time of 15 minutes. Cooking takes another 15 minutes. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy your meal in under half an hour! This blog post covered the key ingredients for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and how to prepare it step by step. You learned about useful kitchen tools and tips for cooking perfectly tender chicken. We also explored fun variations and how to store your dish. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a cozy meal, this dish is simple and satisfying. With these insights, you can make a delicious meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Delight

A rich 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
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor.
  • Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear each side for approximately 6-7 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have developed a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover loosely to keep warm.
  • Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant, making sure not to let it burn.
  • Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their flavors into the skillet.
  • Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes, which will intensify the flavors.
  • Incorporate Cream and Herbs: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then carefully pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine the ingredients. Add the dried Italian herbs and mix well.
  • Add Spinach: Fold in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt in the creamy sauce for approximately 2 minutes, until just tender.
  • Simmer with Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them in the creamy sauce. Let them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
  • Season to Perfection: Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Serve: Plate the chicken and generously spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fragrant basil leaves for an elegant finish.

Notes

Serve this dish over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!
Keyword chicken, creamy, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes