Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet Easy Recipe

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Looking for a quick, delicious dinner? This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet is your answer! With tender chicken, rich cream, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, it’s easy to make in one pan. I’ll show you how to create this satisfying dish in just a few simple steps. Whether you’re a novice cook or a kitchen pro, get ready to impress with this tasty meal!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavor Explosion: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream creates a rich and satisfying sauce that elevates the chicken.
  3. Nutritious Spinach: Adding spinach not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a pop of color to the dish.
  4. Versatile Serving: This creamy chicken dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, making it a versatile option for any meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

– 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips

– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped

Seasonings and Oils

– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

– Grated parmesan cheese

– Fresh basil or additional sun-dried tomatoes

The main ingredients in this recipe create a rich flavor. Chicken breasts give a nice protein base. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy punch. Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and creamy. Garlic brings warmth and depth to the dish. Spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients.

For seasoning, dried Italian herbs are key. They bring out the flavors in the chicken and sauce. Olive oil helps to cook the chicken and adds healthy fats. Use salt and pepper to enhance the taste.

Optional garnishes like grated parmesan cheese add richness. Fresh basil or more sun-dried tomatoes can elevate the dish’s look and flavor. These ingredients together make your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet a delight to eat!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts when the oil is hot. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be no longer pink and lightly browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Creating the Sauce

Next, add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells good. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Use a spatula to scrape any browned bits from the skillet. This adds flavor! Now, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes. This helps it thicken a bit.

Finishing Up the Dish

Now, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook it until it wilts, which takes about 2 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Heat everything through for an additional minute. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

To make the sauce just right, start with the heavy cream. Use it cold to help it blend smoothly. Stir the cream in slowly to keep it creamy. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth. This helps achieve the perfect creamy texture. To avoid curdling, cook the sauce on low heat. High heat can make the cream separate. Always stir gently while cooking.

Choosing the Right Chicken

For this recipe, I recommend using chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay juicy. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. If you want to switch proteins, try shrimp or tofu. Both options work well in this dish and take on the creamy sauce nicely.

Enhancing Flavors

To make your dish even better, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick. You can also toss in some mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. These ingredients complement the sun-dried tomatoes and cream perfectly.

Pro Tips

  1. Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for organic or free-range chicken breasts for enhanced flavor and texture.
  2. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth.
  3. Herb Freshness: For a burst of freshness, add a handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving.
  4. Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated gently on the stove for a quick meal.

Variations

Vegetarian Version

You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Tofu absorbs flavors well. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Chickpeas add protein and bite. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the dish rich and flavorful without meat.

Spicy Twist

For those who love heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. This will give your creamy sun-dried tomato chicken a zesty kick. You can also incorporate spicy ingredients like jalapeños or chili powder for more flavor. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Different Cream Varieties

If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut cream. It gives a subtle sweetness and richness. Another fun option is to experiment with different cheeses. Try goat cheese for a tangy twist or cream cheese for extra creaminess. Each cheese will change the flavor and texture of the dish.

Storage Info

Refrigerating Leftovers

To keep your creamy sun-dried tomato chicken fresh, use airtight containers. This step helps seal in flavor and moisture. When stored properly, the dish lasts up to three days in the fridge. Always let it cool down a bit before sealing it up. This way, it won’t steam inside the container.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze this chicken dish if you want to save it for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. For reheating, you can use the microwave or heat it on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce looks too thick.

Serving Again

To reheat while keeping the creaminess, do this gently. Use low heat on the stove and stir often. This helps avoid curdling. You can serve it again with sides like fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. These pairs enhance the flavors and make your meal enjoyable. You can even sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for extra taste.

FAQs

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

To thicken your sauce, add more heavy cream. You can also make a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mix into the sauce while it simmers. This will help your sauce become creamy and thick.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. However, fresh tomatoes have a milder taste and more water. Sun-dried tomatoes are richer and add depth to the dish. If you use fresh ones, consider cooking them longer to reduce moisture.

What are some side dishes that pair well with this recipe?

This dish goes great with several sides. Here are some ideas:

– Fluffy rice

– Creamy mashed potatoes

– Steamed veggies

– Pasta with olive oil or garlic

These choices balance the rich flavors of the creamy sun-dried tomato chicken.

This blog post covered how to make a delicious creamy sun-dried tomato chicken skillet. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and useful tips for the best results. I shared variations for added excitement and storage tips for leftovers.

By trying this recipe, you’ll enjoy a flavorful meal that’s easy to make. Use the tips and tricks to customize it to your liking. Cooking should be fun, and with this dish, it will be! Enjoy your culinary journe

- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated parmesan cheese - Fresh basil or additional sun-dried tomatoes The main ingredients in this recipe create a rich flavor. Chicken breasts give a nice protein base. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy punch. Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and creamy. Garlic brings warmth and depth to the dish. Spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. For seasoning, dried Italian herbs are key. They bring out the flavors in the chicken and sauce. Olive oil helps to cook the chicken and adds healthy fats. Use salt and pepper to enhance the taste. Optional garnishes like grated parmesan cheese add richness. Fresh basil or more sun-dried tomatoes can elevate the dish's look and flavor. These ingredients together make your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet a delight to eat! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts when the oil is hot. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be no longer pink and lightly browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Next, add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells good. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Use a spatula to scrape any browned bits from the skillet. This adds flavor! Now, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes. This helps it thicken a bit. Now, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook it until it wilts, which takes about 2 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Heat everything through for an additional minute. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy! To make the sauce just right, start with the heavy cream. Use it cold to help it blend smoothly. Stir the cream in slowly to keep it creamy. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth. This helps achieve the perfect creamy texture. To avoid curdling, cook the sauce on low heat. High heat can make the cream separate. Always stir gently while cooking. For this recipe, I recommend using chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay juicy. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. If you want to switch proteins, try shrimp or tofu. Both options work well in this dish and take on the creamy sauce nicely. To make your dish even better, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick. You can also toss in some mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. These ingredients complement the sun-dried tomatoes and cream perfectly. Pro Tips Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for organic or free-range chicken breasts for enhanced flavor and texture. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth. Herb Freshness: For a burst of freshness, add a handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving. Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated gently on the stove for a quick meal. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Tofu absorbs flavors well. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Chickpeas add protein and bite. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the dish rich and flavorful without meat. For those who love heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. This will give your creamy sun-dried tomato chicken a zesty kick. You can also incorporate spicy ingredients like jalapeños or chili powder for more flavor. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut cream. It gives a subtle sweetness and richness. Another fun option is to experiment with different cheeses. Try goat cheese for a tangy twist or cream cheese for extra creaminess. Each cheese will change the flavor and texture of the dish. To keep your creamy sun-dried tomato chicken fresh, use airtight containers. This step helps seal in flavor and moisture. When stored properly, the dish lasts up to three days in the fridge. Always let it cool down a bit before sealing it up. This way, it won’t steam inside the container. You can freeze this chicken dish if you want to save it for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. For reheating, you can use the microwave or heat it on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce looks too thick. To reheat while keeping the creaminess, do this gently. Use low heat on the stove and stir often. This helps avoid curdling. You can serve it again with sides like fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. These pairs enhance the flavors and make your meal enjoyable. You can even sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for extra taste. To thicken your sauce, add more heavy cream. You can also make a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mix into the sauce while it simmers. This will help your sauce become creamy and thick. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. However, fresh tomatoes have a milder taste and more water. Sun-dried tomatoes are richer and add depth to the dish. If you use fresh ones, consider cooking them longer to reduce moisture. This dish goes great with several sides. Here are some ideas: - Fluffy rice - Creamy mashed potatoes - Steamed veggies - Pasta with olive oil or garlic These choices balance the rich flavors of the creamy sun-dried tomato chicken. This blog post covered how to make a delicious creamy sun-dried tomato chicken skillet. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and useful tips for the best results. I shared variations for added excitement and storage tips for leftovers. By trying this recipe, you’ll enjoy a flavorful meal that’s easy to make. Use the tips and tricks to customize it to your liking. Cooking should be fun, and with this dish, it will be! Enjoy your culinary journey!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

A delicious and creamy chicken skillet dish with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish grated parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink and lightly browned.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  • Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream. Mix well and allow the sauce to simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet and mix it with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Let everything heat through for an additional minute, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

Serve the dish over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, and garnish with additional sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil for an appealing look.
Keyword chicken, creamy, skillet, sun-dried tomatoes

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