Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving The main ingredients create a rich and creamy dish. The chicken provides protein, while sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor. Heavy cream gives the sauce its creamy texture, and chicken broth brings everything together. Onions and garlic add depth to the dish, while Italian seasoning and paprika enhance the overall taste. You can add extra flavors with these options: - Spinach or kale for added greens - Mushrooms for an earthy touch - Red pepper flakes for heat - Lemon juice for a zesty kick These optional ingredients let you personalize your dish. Adding greens can boost nutrition, while mushrooms can add a nice texture. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can make your dish exciting. If you need alternatives, try these: - Chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option - Coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version - Vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option - Fresh herbs, like thyme or oregano, in place of Italian seasoning Substitutions keep the dish flexible. Chicken thighs add more flavor and juiciness. Coconut cream is a great option if you avoid dairy. Using vegetable broth makes it suitable for vegetarians. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, season the chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub the spices well on both sides. This step adds great flavor. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. This makes the onion soft and sweet. Next, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook these for another 2 minutes. You will smell a lovely aroma. Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. This adds depth to your sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce thicken for about 3-5 minutes. It should become rich and creamy. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the top of the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors. Once done, serve hot. Garnish with fresh basil and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious meal! To make the best chicken, start with good meat. Use fresh, boneless chicken breasts. Season them well with salt and pepper. This simple step adds great flavor. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy and tender. To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer. After adding the cream, stir and cook on medium heat. If you want it thicker, mix in a cornstarch slurry. Just add a tablespoon of cornstarch and water. Stir it into the sauce and watch it thicken fast. You can also add more sun-dried tomatoes for a chunkier texture. For a beautiful dish, use fresh basil. Tear some leaves and sprinkle them on top. Grated Parmesan cheese also adds a nice touch. It gives a creamy flavor and looks great. You can also drizzle a little olive oil for shine. These garnishes make your dish look fancy and appetizing. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor to the dish. Add it just before serving to maintain its freshness. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking. You can pound them to achieve this. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor in the creamy sauce. Serve with a Side: This dish pairs well with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce! {{image_2}} You can boost the nutrition and flavor by adding vegetables. Consider using spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Spinach adds a nice color and nutrients. Simply toss in fresh spinach during the sauce step. For mushrooms, slice them and sauté with the onion. Bell peppers can add a sweet crunch. Chop them and cook them with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. This makes the dish colorful and tasty. While chicken is delicious, you can switch it up. Try using shrimp or turkey. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice seafood twist. Just sauté them for a few minutes until pink. Turkey cutlets are lean and soak up the sauce well. You can use the same cooking method; just adjust the cooking time. Both options make for a great meal. To take the flavor up a notch, consider a few simple tweaks. Add crushed red pepper for heat. This will give your dish a spicy kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. They add a lovely aroma and depth. For a tangy touch, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. These small changes can turn a good recipe into a great one! To store leftovers, let the chicken cool to room temp. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to include the sauce. This dish stays fresh in the fridge for about three days. Label the container with the date. It helps you keep track of freshness. When you are ready to reheat, use a skillet for best results. Add a bit of water or chicken broth to the pan. Heat it over medium-low heat. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce creamy. Stir gently until warm. You can also use a microwave. Just cover it and heat it in short bursts. Check if it's hot all the way through. For freezing, let the chicken cool completely first. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove excess air. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze this dish for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. However, fresh tomatoes will change the taste and texture. Sun-dried tomatoes are rich and concentrated. They add a unique depth to the dish. If you want to use fresh tomatoes, use about 2-3 medium-sized ones. Chop them well and sauté them longer to get rid of excess moisture. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. All the ingredients are safe for those who avoid gluten. Just make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free. Some brands may add gluten as a thickener. Always check the label to be sure. To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Coconut cream gives a nice richness without dairy. Also, skip the grated Parmesan cheese. You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor if you want. It's an easy swap that keeps the dish creamy and tasty. In this post, I shared how to make a creamy chicken dish. We went over the main and optional ingredients, plus easy replacements. The step-by-step guide explained how to prepare the chicken, make the sauce, and combine them. Cooking tips help you get perfect chicken, while storage info covers leftovers. You can also mix it up with veggies or different proteins. This dish is flexible and fun to make. Dive into your kitchen and enjoy creating your own version!$

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes and a rich sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

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 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
for garnish fresh basil
for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over them. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Serve with pasta or rice for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, creamy, Italian, sun-dried tomatoes