Looking for a delicious meal that’s simple to make? You’ll love this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken recipe! With tender chicken breasts, creamy sauce, and the rich flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, your family will ask for seconds. In just a few steps, you’ll create a delightful dinner perfect for any night of the week. Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful dish that brings joy to your table!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The creamy sauce mixed with sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich, savory experience that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
- Healthful Ingredients: With fresh spinach and quality chicken, this dish is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with pasta, rice, or garlic bread to suit your preferences and make it a complete meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– Chicken Breast: 4 boneless, skinless
– Cream: 1 cup heavy cream
– Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup chopped
– Spinach: 1 cup roughly chopped
– Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
– Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Seasonings
– Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
– Salt and Pepper: to taste
– Optional Garnish: Fresh basil leaves
For this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken, gather fresh and quality ingredients. The chicken breast is the star here, giving you a lean protein base. The heavy cream adds richness and makes the dish feel special. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the cream.
Spinach not only adds color but also boosts nutrition. Olive oil will help cook the chicken, giving it a nice sear. Garlic adds aromatic depth, elevating the overall taste.
For seasonings, Italian seasoning blends perfectly with the other flavors. Salt and pepper are key to balancing the dish. If you want, top it with fresh basil for a beautiful finish. This simple list of ingredients makes it easy to whip up a delightful dinner that feels gourmet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
– Heat olive oil and season chicken breasts: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil warms up, season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This simple step adds great flavor to the chicken.
– Sear chicken in skillet until golden brown: Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color and ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Making the Sauce
– Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. This step builds a rich base for your sauce. Next, add 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for another minute.
– Add heavy cream and thicken the sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes while stirring often. This will help the sauce thicken, turning it creamy and delicious.
Final Assembly
– Incorporate spinach and return chicken to skillet: Add 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir just until the spinach wilts, which takes about 1-2 minutes. This adds a nice color and nutrients to your dish.
– Simmer together before serving: Finally, return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over it. Let it simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy this dish hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Creamy Consistency
To get a smooth and creamy sauce, start by stirring slowly. Use a wooden spoon to mix well. This helps combine the ingredients evenly. Keep the heat on low when you add the cream. This step prevents the sauce from burning. Let it simmer gently, stirring often. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This keeps the sauce creamy and not too heavy.
Flavor Enhancements
To boost flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick to the dish. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can add depth. You can toss in some grated Parmesan cheese for a richer taste. For sides, serve with garlic bread or pasta. Both pair well with the creamy sauce. This combination makes your meal even more satisfying.
Pro Tips
- Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This ensures a beautiful golden crust and locks in the juices for a tender result.
- Use Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Opt for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor. If using dry, soak them in warm water or broth for about 20 minutes to rehydrate.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. They not only add nutrition but also enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or use a mix of Greek yogurt and cream for added tang without the extra calories.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change a few things in this recipe. If you want a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also try coconut cream for a dairy-free option. For sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers for a different flavor.
You can add more veggies to make it colorful. Consider bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. These add great taste and nutrition. You can also toss in some peas or asparagus for a nice crunch.
Cooking Methods
You can cook this dish in different ways. If you want a hands-off method, try baking it. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After searing the chicken, place it in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over it and bake for 25-30 minutes.
If you have an Instant Pot, it makes cooking faster. Sear the chicken first, then add the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and cream. Seal the pot and cook on high for 8 minutes. This method keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to pour some sauce over it to keep it moist. This meal stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. This will help keep the chicken tender.
Freezing Options
If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool first. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze it without the spinach. When you’re ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it on low heat. If the sauce thins out, add a splash of cream and stir well. This keeps the sauce creamy and delicious.
FAQs
What can I serve with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken?
You can pair this dish with several tasty sides. Here are some ideas:
– Garlic bread: A crunchy side that soaks up the sauce.
– Pasta: Serve the chicken over fettuccine or penne for a filling meal.
– Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients.
– Salad: A fresh side salad helps balance the creaminess.
As for drinks, a light white wine like Pinot Grigio works well. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Yes, but the flavor will change. Fresh tomatoes have more water and less concentrated taste. Sun-dried tomatoes are rich and sweet. If you use fresh ones, I suggest adding some extra seasoning to boost flavor. You may also need to cook them longer to reduce moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Here are some tips:
– Cook chicken and sauce in advance: Store them separately to keep chicken juicy.
– Prep ingredients: Chop sun-dried tomatoes and spinach ahead of time.
– Store properly: Use airtight containers in the fridge. This dish will last about 3-4 days.
Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
We explored how to make a delicious Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken. We covered the key ingredients and provided easy step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for perfecting the sauce and ways to vary the dish. Proper storage methods ensure your leftovers stay fresh. This recipe is simple, tasty, and great for meal prep. Now, you can impress family and friends with a dish that is both rich in flavor and easy to prepare. Enjoy cooking and making this meal your ow
