Satisfy your taste buds with this delightful Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, where tender chicken meets a luscious, aromatic sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love easy yet decadent meals that bring a touch of gourmet flair to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The heavy cream and Parmesan blend beautifully, creating a decadent sauce.
- Simple Ingredients: With staples like garlic, olive oil, and chicken, this dish is both accessible and exquisite.
- Packed with Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes add a punch of umami and a pop of color.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust to your preferences with variations and customizable ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is delightfully simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate flavor explosion. From rich olive oil to the distinct tang of sun-dried tomatoes, every ingredient matters.
- Olive Oil: Essential for giving the chicken a beautiful sear and adding richness to the dish.
- Chicken Thighs: Chosen for their tenderness and juiciness, making them perfect for this creamy concoction.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provide a concentrated tomato flavor and a delightful chewiness.
- Heavy Cream: The foundation for the creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty depth and melts into the sauce for added umami.
- Basil: Freshly chopped basil adds a fragrant, herbal finish that brightens the entire dish.
Variations
Feel free to tailor this Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe to suit your personal taste or dietary needs. Making small adjustments can yield delicious results every time.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace the cornstarch with xanthan gum to thicken the sauce for a low-carb version.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the chicken with firm tofu or a medley of mushrooms for a veggie delight.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra punch of heat.
How to Make Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating the skillet over medium-high heat and introduce your olive oil. Sear the chicken thighs for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. Season with salt and pepper. This step locks in the juices, making your chicken incredibly tender. Once done, set them aside.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, and the star—sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté these for around 2-3 minutes to help them release their flavors. Then, pour in the chicken stock, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Stir in the cornstarch, whisking to prevent any clumps, until the sauce is thick and luxurious.
Step 3: Simmer and Serve
Return the seared chicken to the pan, ensuring it’s fully coated with the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the chicken to finish cooking through while absorbing all the rich flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t stick, and after it’s done, sprinkle fresh basil for a burst of color and aroma. Serve while warm, spooning extra sauce over each piece of chicken for that perfect finish.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Perfect Searing: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get that beautiful sear.
- Consistent Sauce: Whisk the cornstarch well to avoid clumping and achieve a silky finish.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Drain them well to prevent excess oil from overpowering the sauce.
- Herb Balance: Use fresh basil at the end to lift the flavors without overpowering the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and flavor profile of your dish with simple garnishes like freshly grated Parmesan or additional chopped basil. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add just the right amount of heat, too.
Side Dishes
This creamy creation pairs flawlessly with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. Alternatively, some warm crusty bread works wonderfully to mop up every delicious drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes over a bed of pasta for a sumptuous meal, or place it in a shallow bowl to let the sauce pool around it, showcasing its luxurious texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows the flavors to meld even more, tasting just as delicious on the second day.
Freezing
To freeze, ensure the dish has cooled completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers. This dish can be frozen for up to two months. Just remember, the cream-based sauce may change in texture slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to maintain the sauce’s consistency, or microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally, to evenly distribute heat.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a leaner option and work beautifully in this dish. Just ensure they’re properly cooked, as they tend to dry out faster than thighs.
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Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
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How can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
You can use a roux made from equal parts of flour and butter, or opt for arrowroot powder as an alternate thickening agent.
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Is it okay to make the sauce separately?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce separately and pour it over freshly cooked chicken. This can help streamline your cooking process.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines ease with elegance, this Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes should be at the top of your list. It’s savory, fulfilling, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and let your kitchen be filled with the delightful aroma of culinary simplicity at its finest.
Print
Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A rich and creamy chicken dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan, finished with fresh basil for an aromatic touch.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
Dairy & Fats
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan grated
Liquids & Spices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Thickening & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat and sear chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When hot, add chicken thighs and brown for 2-3 minutes on each side. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and tomatoes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add liquids and cheese: Pour in chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring well. Add grated Parmesan cheese and immediately whisk in cornstarch until fully incorporated.
- Simmer the chicken: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring they are covered with sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Finish and serve: Once cooked, stir in chopped fresh basil leaves. Remove from heat and spoon the sauce over the chicken thighs. Garnish with additional Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- You can substitute fresh sun-dried tomatoes for dried, but dried ones give a more concentrated flavor.
- The sauce thickens further as it cools; adjust consistency with more chicken stock if needed.
- This dish pairs well with cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
