Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

$- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Using fresh and high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. The chicken breasts should be tender and juicy. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor. Heavy cream creates a rich and smooth sauce. Chicken broth gives depth to the dish. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory kick. Olive oil helps to sear the chicken perfectly. Minced garlic brings a wonderful aroma to the dish. Dried basil and oregano enhance the flavor even more. Don’t skip on salt and pepper; they balance the meal. Fresh basil leaves not only taste great but also look lovely on the plate. Use these ingredients to create a dish that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This adds great flavor. - Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Once it's hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. - Look for a golden brown color. When they are cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside. - In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute. It should smell great! - Now, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook them for 2 more minutes. Stir occasionally. - Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. This adds depth to your sauce. - Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it cook for 3 minutes. - Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and oregano. Mix well until the cheese melts. - Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Coat them well in the creamy sauce. - Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors mix together nicely. Serve the creamy sun-dried tomato chicken over pasta or rice. Enjoy! - To ensure chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F. - Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. This gives it a nice golden color. - For a creamy sauce, add heavy cream slowly. Stir well to combine it smoothly. - For extra flavor, try adding crushed red pepper flakes. It adds a nice kick. - You can also mix in some fresh spinach for added nutrition and taste. - Alternative cheeses like feta or goat cheese can give a unique twist to the dish. - Serve the creamy chicken on a bed of cooked pasta or rice. It looks great! - Drizzle the sauce over the chicken for a lovely shine. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. - Pair it with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Pro Tips Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for organic or free-range chicken breasts for better flavor and texture. Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, substitute dried herbs with fresh basil and oregano to enhance the dish's aroma and freshness. Perfect Pasta Pairing: Cook your pasta al dente before adding the creamy sauce to create a delightful texture contrast. Adjust Sauce Thickness: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer after adding the cream, or mix in a cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired consistency. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in this dish. Try turkey or shrimp instead of chicken. These options add new flavors and textures. You can also use dairy-free cream. Look for coconut cream or almond milk to keep it creamy without dairy. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will enhance the overall taste. You could also toss in fresh spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies. They add color and nutrition to your meal. To give your dish an Italian flair, add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. These herbs brighten the flavors. For a Mediterranean twist, mix in olives or crumbled feta cheese. These ingredients bring a unique touch that elevates your dish. Store leftover creamy sun-dried tomato chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. Label the container with the date so you know when you made it. To reheat, place it in the microwave or on the stove until warm. Stir it gently to keep the sauce creamy. To freeze this dish, let it cool completely. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This dish can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it slowly on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of cream if the sauce is too thick. To keep the taste and texture, do not freeze the chicken with the sauce for too long. It may change the flavor and creaminess. When reheating, do so slowly to avoid curdling the cream. Adding fresh herbs or cheese while reheating can boost the flavor. Enjoy your creamy chicken just like it was fresh! You can pair this dish with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Pasta: Serve it over fettuccine or penne for a hearty meal. - Rice: White or brown rice absorbs the creamy sauce well. - Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or grilled zucchini add color and nutrients. - Salad: A fresh green salad can balance the richness of the dish. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Here’s how: - Cook the chicken and sauce up to a day ahead. - Store them separately in airtight containers. - When ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and sauce together until warm. This makes it easy for busy nights or meal prep. Absolutely! You can reduce calories and fat with a few simple swaps: - Use chicken breast without skin for a leaner option. - Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a low-fat alternative. - Cut down on cheese or use a lighter cheese option. These changes keep the dish tasty while making it healthier. In this article, I explored a tasty creamy sun-dried tomato chicken recipe. We discussed the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. Remember to season the chicken well for a great flavor. Consider adding your favorite veggies for extra taste. You can even try new meats or cheeses to mix things up. This dish is easy to tweak for any meal. With these ideas, you’re all set to impress at dinner. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

A delicious creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to cook for another 3 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and oregano. Mix well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them well in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Serve on a bed of cooked pasta or rice, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Keyword chicken, creamy, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes