Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Delight

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional) - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional) For this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken, each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken breasts provide a tender and juicy base. Sun-dried tomatoes offer a rich, tangy burst of flavor. Heavy cream gives the sauce its luscious creaminess, while chicken broth adds depth. When it comes to seasoning, the Italian blend brings warmth and earthiness. Olive oil helps to sear the chicken perfectly. Salt and pepper enhance every bite. For garnishing, grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. Fresh basil leaves give a bright finish. Each element combines to create a dinner that is not just tasty but also visually appealing. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to sear the chicken breasts. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season your chicken breasts well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Sear one side until it turns golden brown, about 6-7 minutes. Then flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 6-7 minutes. Once cooked, take the chicken out and set it aside to keep warm. Next, it's time to cook the sauce. In the same skillet, add three cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. Stir it often until it smells fragrant and turns lightly golden. Then, add one cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook these for another two minutes. This helps to build great flavor in your sauce. Now, pour in one cup of chicken broth. Stir well and scrape the bottom of the skillet. This lifts any delicious browned bits that add extra flavor. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low. Gently stir in one cup of heavy cream and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Allow this to simmer for 3-5 minutes. This will make the sauce a bit thicker and richer. Now, it’s time to finish your dish. Toss in one cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Stir until it wilts, which takes about 1-2 minutes. Next, return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 2 minutes. This step ensures the chicken heats through and gets coated in that creamy sauce. Finally, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt or pepper. Serve your creamy sun-dried tomato chicken over pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Enjoy this flavorful dinner delight! To adjust the thickness of your sauce, you can add more cream or broth. If you want it thicker, let it simmer a bit longer. For more flavor, try adding red pepper flakes, or a pinch of smoked paprika. These spices will enhance the dish without overpowering it. Searing the chicken is key for juiciness. Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps create a nice golden crust. When sautéing garlic, watch it closely. Stir it for about a minute until it's fragrant. If it turns too brown, it will taste bitter. When serving, think about how to make it pop. Place the chicken on a bed of pasta or rice. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the top. For a touch of color, add fresh basil leaves. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for a nice finish. This will make your dish look as great as it tastes! Pro Tips Choosing the Right Chicken: Opt for organic, free-range chicken breasts for a more flavorful and tender dish. Sun-Dried Tomato Quality: Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil; they offer richer flavor and better texture than dried varieties. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired consistency. Garnish with Freshness: Always add fresh herbs like basil just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and color. {{image_4}} Gluten-free modifications You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free. Most brands offer great options. Use gluten-free pasta or rice as a side. Dairy-free substitutes If you're avoiding dairy, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. These options add creaminess without the dairy. You can also skip cheese or use a dairy-free cheese for garnish. Adding vegetables or proteins Feel free to boost the nutrition by adding more veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work well. You can also add shrimp or tofu for extra protein. Variants for different culinary spins To change the flavor, add a splash of lemon juice. This gives a bright taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add a lovely aroma. Trying different types of sauces Switch things up by using pesto instead of the creamy sauce. Pesto adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor. You could also try alfredo sauce for a richer taste. Each option brings a new twist to this dish, keeping it exciting! To store leftovers safely, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container. This method keeps the dish fresh. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. For freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. To reheat the chicken, the stovetop is best. Place it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Cover the skillet to trap steam. This helps warm the chicken evenly. You can also use a microwave. Heat on medium power in short bursts. Check the chicken often to avoid overheating. In the refrigerator, this dish lasts about three days. If frozen, it stays good for about three months. After that, quality may decline. To enjoy the best flavor, eat it within this time frame. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming any leftovers. To add heat to Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken, try these spices: - Red pepper flakes - Cayenne pepper - Hot sauce Start with a small amount. You can always add more if needed. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick without overpowering the dish. Cayenne adds a bold flavor that pairs well with creamy sauces. If you like heat, drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Here’s how: - Use about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes. - Sauté them longer to cook down the moisture. - Remove some of the chicken broth to balance the liquid. Fresh tomatoes will give a different taste and texture. They add brightness, but won’t have the same concentrated flavor as sun-dried tomatoes. Serve this dish with: - Pasta - Fluffy rice - Crusty bread Pasta works well because it soaks up the creamy sauce. Rice can add a nice base, making the meal more filling. Crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce. Garnish your dish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for extra flavor and color. In this post, we explored how to make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for perfecting the dish. You learned ways to customize the recipe with dietary adaptations. Remember, the right cooking techniques and garnishes can elevate your meal. Proper storage and reheating will keep your leftovers tasty. Enjoy your cooking journey and don’t hesitate to experiment! Your taste buds will thank you.$

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Delight

A rich and creamy chicken dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Sear the chicken on one side until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and repeat for an additional 6-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to keep warm.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
Next, introduce the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften slightly.
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to combine and scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any delicious browned bits. This adds extra flavor to your sauce!
Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes, letting it slightly thicken and develop richness.
Toss in the freshly chopped spinach, stirring until it wilts and softens, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and coated in that luscious sauce.
Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding extra salt and pepper if necessary to enhance the flavors.
Serve the creamy sun-dried tomato chicken over a bed of pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delightful sauce.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, plate the chicken with a generous drizzle of the creamy sauce and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Top with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic touch that will impress your guests!

Keyword chicken, creamy, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes