Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Delight

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken starts with simple, fresh ingredients. You need chicken breasts, heavy cream, and sun dried tomatoes. These add flavor and richness to the dish. You’ll also use chicken broth. Chicken broth enhances the taste and adds depth. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives a wonderful, cheesy finish. You can’t forget the garlic! It adds a savory touch that brings everything together. For seasoning, I like dried basil and oregano. These herbs add a nice, aromatic flavor. If you want a little heat, add red pepper flakes. Salt and black pepper help balance everything and enhance the taste. Lastly, don’t skip the extra virgin olive oil. It helps cook the chicken perfectly and adds a nice richness. Fresh basil leaves are a great garnish. They add color and freshness to your dish. Gather all these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to create a delicious meal that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Seasoning the chicken breasts: Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts. Use salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step adds great flavor to the meat. - Searing the chicken in the skillet: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and cooked through. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate. - Sautéing the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds. Keep stirring until the garlic smells good and fragrant. - Deglazing the pan with chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth next. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any of those tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This adds extra flavor to your sauce. - Incorporating sun-dried tomatoes and herbs: Now, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano, along with the red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Stir it all together and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well. - Crafting the creamy sauce and adding Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring. This will make a smooth sauce. Next, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is rich and creamy. - Reintroducing the chicken and final seasoning: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Make sure they are well covered in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 3–5 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up the sauce. Finally, taste your sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Best practices for searing chicken Searing chicken gives it a nice crust. Start with dry chicken breasts. Pat them with a paper towel before seasoning. This helps the chicken brown well. Heat olive oil in a hot skillet. Once it shimmers, add the chicken. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side. You want a golden color and cooked through meat. Avoid moving the chicken too much; let it sear. How to achieve a creamy sauce consistency To make a creamy sauce, start with low heat. When you add the heavy cream, stir slowly. This helps mix it well. Gradually add Parmesan cheese while stirring. This keeps the sauce smooth and rich. If it seems too thick, add a little chicken broth. This keeps it creamy without being too heavy. Adding more herbs or spices for depth To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs. Fresh basil or parsley adds a bright taste. You might also use thyme or rosemary. Experiment with different spices to personalize the dish. A pinch of smoked paprika can add warmth. Suggestions for adjusting spice levels If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes. You can increase or decrease the amount based on your taste. If you need it milder, skip the red pepper flakes. You could use a bit of lemon juice for a fresh kick instead. Plating suggestions with accompaniments Serve the chicken over creamy polenta or steamed spinach. This adds color and texture. Drizzle some of the sauce over the chicken for a beautiful look. Make sure each plate gets a good amount of sauce. Garnishing options to elevate the dish Top your dish with fresh basil leaves. This adds a pop of green and a hint of freshness. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese for a nice touch. A few cherry tomatoes can add color and flavor as well. Pro Tips Choose Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it during the searing process; it should be golden brown on the outside while remaining tender inside. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative without sacrificing too much flavor. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh basil not only adds a beautiful presentation but also enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. {{image_4}} You can change some ingredients to fit your taste or diet. - Alternatives for heavy cream: If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut cream. Both will still give you a creamy texture. - Using different types of cheese: Try mozzarella or feta cheese instead of Parmesan. Each cheese brings a unique flavor that can change the dish. You can swap chicken for other proteins for variety. - Suggestions for substituting chicken with turkey or shrimp: Turkey works well and cooks similarly. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet flavor to the dish. - Vegetarian alternatives using tofu or mushrooms: Tofu is a great protein that soaks up the sauce. Mushrooms add a nice earthiness and texture. You can modify the recipe to fit dietary needs. - Making it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese. This keeps the dish creamy without milk products. - Low-carb variations: Skip the heavy cream and use cauliflower puree. This keeps the creaminess while cutting down on carbs. Experiment with these options to make the dish your own! Store your creamy sun-dried tomato chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing. This helps avoid condensation inside the container. If you plan to eat it later, consider storing the sauce and chicken separately. This method helps keep the chicken juicy and the sauce creamy. To reheat without losing creaminess, use the stove. Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Stir gently to avoid burning. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This keeps the sauce smooth and rich. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the sauce separate. If you want to freeze this dish, do it before reheating. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top as it may expand. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove as mentioned above. This way, you preserve the flavor and texture. To keep chicken tender, brining works well. A simple brine uses water and salt. Soak the chicken for 30 minutes. This adds moisture and flavor. You can also marinate it. Use olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This helps to break down tough proteins in the meat. Both methods give you juicy, tender chicken every time. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce as directed. Once done, let it cool down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much. This keeps the flavor rich and creamy. Several side dishes pair well with this creamy chicken. Here are some ideas: - Creamy polenta - Steamed spinach - Garlic mashed potatoes - Roasted asparagus - Buttered noodles - Quinoa salad These sides complement the rich flavor of the chicken. They also balance the meal nicely. Choose one or mix a few for a delicious spread! This blog post covered how to make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken. We discussed key ingredients and step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for perfecting flavor and presentation. Feel free to try variations that suit your taste or dietary needs. Remember to store any leftovers properly. Enjoy making this dish, and share it with friends and family for a tasty meal!$

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Delight

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
0.5 cup chicken broth
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until the garlic releases its aromatic fragrance.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, which will add depth to your sauce.
Incorporate the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Herbs: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if opting for spice). Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Craft the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and gently pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce. Gradually add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
Reintroduce the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, ensuring they are enveloped in the luscious sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 3-5 minutes, so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
Final Seasoning: Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, ensuring it reaches the perfect flavor balance.
Serve: Plate the creamy sun-dried tomato chicken while it's hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve over creamy polenta or steamed spinach for a delightful meal.

Keyword chicken, creamy, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes