This chicken with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is the perfect balance of rich flavors and tender meat. The sun-dried tomatoes give the sauce a deep, savory sweetness, while the garlic and herbs enhance the overall taste.
This dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also versatile enough to pair with different sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this creamy chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its velvety sauce will make you want to dip every bite in!
Full Recipe:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
-
1/2 cup chicken broth
-
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
-
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
-
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
-
1 tablespoon butter
-
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 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 garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
-
Stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, and dried basil. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
-
Add butter and stir until it melts and blends into the sauce.
-
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: A Flavorful, Quick Dinner
Chicken with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is a nostalgic dish that brings the rich flavors of the 80s back to life. Sun-dried tomatoes were once a culinary trend that infused dishes with a unique depth of flavor, and they still have a special place in modern kitchens. This dish celebrates the use of sun-dried tomatoes and their oil to create a luscious, creamy sauce that coats tender chicken, offering a comforting and indulgent meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner that still feels special.
Why Sun-Dried Tomatoes Are Essential in This Recipe
Sun-dried tomatoes might not be as popular as they once were, but they are far from obsolete in the culinary world. These tomatoes, typically marinated in olive oil, have a concentrated flavor that adds richness and a tangy sweetness to dishes. In this recipe, the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes is used to sear the chicken, infusing it with a burst of tomato flavor before the creamy sauce comes into play. This clever use of the oil is one of the key factors that makes this recipe stand out and gives it an unforgettable taste.
Cooking with Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: A Game-Changer
One of the most underrated ingredients in this dish is the oil that the sun-dried tomatoes are packed in. Often discarded, this oil holds the concentrated flavors of the tomatoes, and using it to cook the chicken enhances the overall dish. It’s a cost-effective and flavor-packed alternative to using plain oil or butter, and it adds an extra layer of depth to the sauce. Additionally, many antipasto items like olives come in similar oils, and repurposing them in your cooking can elevate the flavors of various dishes.
Choosing the Right Chicken for This Dish
While chicken thighs are often preferred for this recipe due to their juicy and tender texture, chicken breasts can also be used. The key is to cook the chicken properly, ensuring it’s golden brown on the outside while staying moist inside. For chicken breasts, it’s recommended to slice them horizontally to create thinner steaks, which ensures even cooking and a quicker cook time. Chicken thighs, on the other hand, require just a few extra minutes of cooking but provide a richer flavor and texture.
The Perfect Sauce: Creamy, Tangy, and Rich
The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is the star of the show in this recipe. Made with heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of Dijon mustard, it strikes the perfect balance between creamy richness and tangy acidity. The Parmesan melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding depth and a subtle nutty flavor. The Dijon mustard, though optional, helps to thicken the sauce while cutting through the richness, making each bite more enjoyable. The sun-dried tomatoes are scattered throughout the sauce, contributing bursts of concentrated tomato flavor in every spoonful.
Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy This Dish
This creamy chicken dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, which soak up the rich sauce and provide a comforting base. For a low-carb alternative, try serving it with creamy mashed cauliflower, which has a similar texture to mashed potatoes but with fewer carbs. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, pasta is an excellent option to complement the creamy sauce. A crusty bread or dinner rolls are also perfect for sopping up the sauce and ensuring no delicious drop goes to waste.
A Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner
One of the greatest aspects of this recipe is its speed. In just about 15 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-worthy dish on your table. The chicken cooks quickly, and the sauce comes together in just a few minutes. This makes it a perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something that feels indulgent but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. By prepping the sauce ingredients while the chicken is cooking, the entire dish comes together with minimal effort.
A Meal for All Occasions
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or preparing a romantic evening for two, chicken with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is sure to impress. Its elegant presentation and bold flavors make it suitable for a variety of occasions, from casual weeknight meals to special celebrations. The dish can be easily doubled or halved depending on the number of servings needed, making it adaptable to any gathering.
Tips for the Best Results
For the best results, be sure to use finely grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated Parmesan often has anti-caking agents, which can affect the texture and meltability of the cheese in the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt smoothly into the sauce, contributing to its creamy consistency. Additionally, using the sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil is crucial, as they add more flavor and richness than the dry variety. If you prefer a little more acidity in the sauce, you can adjust the amount of Dijon mustard to suit your taste.
Nutritional Information
While this dish is undoubtedly rich and creamy, it’s also packed with protein and essential nutrients. A serving of chicken with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce contains around 529 calories, with 42 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and filling meal. The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following low-carb diets. However, the richness of the sauce does contribute to a higher fat content, so it’s a good idea to balance it with lighter sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Conclusion: Why You Should Make This Dish Tonight
Chicken with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is the kind of dish that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple yet luxurious, quick yet packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, a creamy and tangy sauce, and the rich flavor of sun-dried tomatoes makes this recipe a standout. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish will never disappoint. With its versatility and ease, it’s perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual dinners to more festive meals. Plus, with the clever use of sun-dried tomato oil, this recipe proves that great flavor doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.