Welcome to a world of flavor with our delightful Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes! This dish harmoniously combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and the subtly sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug after a long day, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: With heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, the sauce is indulgently smooth and packed with flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Kick: These gems add sweetness and a unique zing, elevating the whole dish.
- Quick and Easy: In just about 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready to impress.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward yet exquisite, showcasing ingredients that each bring a special touch. The vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant spices are what make this dish an endless crowd-pleaser.
- Olive Oil: A good quality oil is crucial as it serves as the base to sauté your chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and cook faster than bone-in pieces, making them ideal for weeknight meals.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a concentrated sweet-tart flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Provides a rich foundation for the sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the sauce with a salty and nutty undertone, melting into the dish for added depth.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh, peppery finish that brightens up the creamy base.
Variations
This Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to switch up the elements to mirror your culinary mood or dietary choices, assuring it’s the perfect fit for your table.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or your favorite mushrooms for a delightful vegetarian version.
- Spicy Variant: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for those who like a fiery kick.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cornstarch as a thickener and double-check ingredients for any sneaky gluten.
How to Make Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating your skillet over medium-high and adding olive oil. Sear the chicken thighs for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and seasoned with salt and pepper. This helps lock in the juices, keeping your chicken moist and delicious. Once done, set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes along with the sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté these fragrant ingredients for a couple of minutes until the garlic is aromatic and the tomatoes are releasing their oils—creating a perfect base for our dish.
Step 3: Craft the Sauce
Add chicken stock, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and whisk quickly to thicken the sauce. This creamy mixture acts as a decadent cloak for our chicken, offering both richness and warmth.
Step 4: Simmer and Finish
Reintroduce the chicken thighs into the sauce, ensuring they are well covered. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow them to cook through for 15-20 minutes under a lid, stirring occasionally so the sauce doesn’t stick. To finish, stir in the chopped fresh basil for an herbaceous punch of flavor before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Chicken Temperature: Ensure your skillet is well heated before adding the chicken to achieve a splendid sear that seals in moisture.
- Creamy Perfection: When adding cornstarch to thicken the sauce, whisk vigorously to prevent any lumps for a seamless texture.
- Herbaceous Additions: Chopping basil just before garnishing ensures its aroma and flavor remain potent.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Choice: Opt for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness and to save on prep time.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and flavor by generously sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan over the chicken just before serving. This adds a savory finish that beautifully complements the creamy sauce. A few fresh basil leaves scattered on top will not only add color but infuse a fresh fragrance with every bite.
Side Dishes
This creamy concoction harmonizes perfectly with a side of buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy steamed rice, as they soak up the exquisite sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables bring balance and brightness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a refined presentation, consider serving the chicken on a large platter, spooning extra sauce over the top and around the edges, then garnishing with sundried tomatoes and basil. Use colorful, wide-rimmed plates to create an inviting and elegant table display that will make your guests feel like they’re dining in a fine restaurant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making it a delightful lunch or dinner later in the week. Just be sure to separate the sauce and chicken if you plan on reheating them separately.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before placing them in freezer-safe packaging. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy another delicious meal.
Reheating
For the best result when reheating, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, allowing the sauce to warm evenly without separating. Avoid high heat, as this can lead to the cream curdling. A splash of cream or chicken broth can help refresh the sauce’s creamy texture if needed.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well with this recipe. Simply adjust the cooking time, as they may require slightly less time to cook through compared to thighs.
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Is there a non-dairy option for the cream?
Coconut cream can be a fantastic substitute for heavy cream, offering a slight coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the basil and sun-dried tomatoes.
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What type of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are ideal as they have a richer flavor and are easier to blend into the sauce, but dry-packed varieties can work if rehydrated first.
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How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch dissolved in a tablespoon of water. Be sure to whisk continuously to achieve a smooth consistency.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is more than just a dish—it’s a culinary experience that brings smiles and satisfaction to the dining table. I encourage you to try this recipe and share the joy of this delightful meal with family and friends. Bon appétit!
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Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 chicken thighs) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a luscious cream sauce with aromatic herbs and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dinner, it combines savory flavors with a touch of spice and freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Remove the chicken 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.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in chicken stock and heavy cream, then add grated Parmesan cheese. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in a few tablespoons of water and whisk into the sauce immediately to thicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, cover with the sauce, reduce heat to low, and cover with a lid. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Add Fresh Basil and Finish: Stir in chopped fresh basil leaves, then remove from heat. Serve the chicken hot, spooning the creamy sauce over each piece and garnishing with extra Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken thighs are of similar size for even cooking.
- You can substitute chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly to prevent drying out.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be oil-packed or dry-packed; if dry, soak in warm water for 10 minutes beforehand.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
