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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil - 1 cup heavy cream - 3 cloves garlic - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese In this dish, I focus on bold flavors and simple steps. The chicken breasts bring protein and heartiness. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy touch. Heavy cream creates a rich, velvety sauce. For seasonings, garlic gives a nice aroma. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. Chicken broth keeps everything moist and flavorful. Don’t forget the olive oil! It helps cook the chicken and adds healthy fats. Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. Finally, Parmesan cheese is the cherry on top, adding salty creaminess. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a delightful meal. Each element plays a role in making this skillet dish a true delight. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heat the oil and cook the chicken: Start by warming the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken breasts. 2. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs on the chicken. Cook it for 5-7 minutes. Make sure the chicken is no longer pink and lightly browned. 1. Sauté the garlic in the same skillet: After the chicken cooks, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not browned. 2. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the skillet: Next, gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes while scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon. This helps to pick up all the tasty bits. 1. Add sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream: Now, add your chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Follow this with the heavy cream. Stir it all together and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. 2. Incorporate spinach and return chicken to skillet: Toss in the chopped spinach. Cook it until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet, mixing it well into the sauce. Heat everything through for another minute, adjusting seasonings as needed. - To cook chicken perfectly, slice it into strips. This helps it cook faster and evenly. - Always season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and herbs before cooking. This adds more flavor. - Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is no longer pink. This ensures it's safe to eat. - For a creamy sauce, slowly add the heavy cream after the broth. Stir gently to combine. - Serve the creamy chicken over rice or mashed potatoes. This makes a great base for the sauce. - For garnish, sprinkle extra sun-dried tomatoes on top. You can also add fresh basil leaves for color. - Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of flavor. These herbs pair well with sun-dried tomatoes. - A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you like spice. Adjust the amount based on your taste. - Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a unique twist. Each cheese brings its own flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach not only adds color but also a vibrant flavor. If you're using frozen spinach, ensure it's well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the sauce. Customize the Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor profile. Fresh herbs can also enhance the dish's aroma. Perfecting the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer after adding the cream. If it's too thick, simply add a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Garnish Smartly: Besides Parmesan, consider topping with crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or toasted pine nuts for added crunch and nuttiness. {{image_4}} You can swap heavy cream with other options. Here are some ideas: - Coconut milk: This adds a light, sweet flavor. - Greek yogurt: It gives creaminess with a tangy touch. - Silken tofu: Blend it for a creamy texture without dairy. For fresh vegetables, you can try these: - Zucchini: Add diced zucchini for a mild taste. - Bell peppers: They bring a nice crunch and color. - Mushrooms: Use sliced mushrooms for a hearty feel. Want to make this dish gluten-free? Here are tips: - Use gluten-free chicken broth. - Check sun-dried tomatoes for any gluten in the oil. Considering a vegetarian version? You can do this: - Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. - Add extra veggies like kale or broccoli for more nutrients. To change the flavor, try these options: - Different cheeses: Use mozzarella for a milder taste or feta for a salty bite. - Spices for heat: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder to spice things up. These variations help you create a dish that suits your taste and needs. Enjoy experimenting! To store the leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover the container well to keep it fresh. When you want to reheat, use a skillet for best results. Heat it over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir it gently until warmed. You can also use the microwave, but it can dry out the dish. Heat in short bursts and stir often. Yes, you can freeze this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken. Use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can stay frozen for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps maintain its creamy texture and flavor. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can! Bone-in chicken adds flavor. Just cook it longer until it's fully cooked. How long does the dish last in the refrigerator? This dish lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best results. How do I make the sauce thicker? To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just chop them and cook longer for the right consistency. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a rich, tasty dish. We covered the key steps, from preparing the chicken to making a creamy sauce. You learned tips for cooking and serving, as well as ways to adapt the recipe. Experiment with flavors and variations to make it your own. Remember, storing leftovers correctly ensures you enjoy this meal later. With these insights, you’ll cook delicious meals that impress without stress. Get cooking!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

A delicious skillet dish featuring tender chicken strips in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with spinach.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken breasts. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and the dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through, no longer pink in the center, and lightly browned on the outside.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate, keeping it warm.
  • In the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
  • Gradually pour in the chicken broth, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet as it simmers.
  • Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes followed by the heavy cream. Stir everything together and allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
  • Toss in the freshly chopped spinach and cook until it is just wilted, which should take about 2 minutes.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it well into the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Allow everything to heat through for another minute, tasting and adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired.
  • Dish out the creamy chicken mixture immediately and garnish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Garnish with extra sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil.
Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, skillet, sun-dried tomatoes