This creamy chicken in sun-dried tomato sauce is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken tenders with a rich and savory sauce. Perfectly paired with mashed potatoes, it's a comforting meal that you'll want to make over and over again.
Photos of Creamy Chicken in Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe
If you're not familiar with sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil or dry white wine, you might need to seek these ingredients at your local supermarket. Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor, while dry white wine enhances the sauce's depth.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken in Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
idahoan signature™ russets mashed potatoes: A quick and easy mashed potato mix as a perfect base.
olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
chicken tenders: Tender cuts of chicken for the main protein.
salt: Enhances the flavors of the dish.
ground black pepper: Adds a bit of spice to the seasoning.
italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to bring out Italian flavors.
dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly sweet flavor.
red pepper flakes: Brings a touch of heat to the dish.
onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil: Provides a rich, tangy flavor.
garlic: Aromatic and flavorful addition.
butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
dry white wine: Adds complexity and depth to the sauce.
milk: Provides creaminess to the sauce.
parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, umami flavor.
white sugar: Balances the flavors of the sauce.
One reader, Gavra Burkhart says:
This creamy chicken in sun-dried tomato sauce recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and the sun-dried tomatoes add a delightful tang. It's easy to make and feels like a gourmet meal. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required
How to prepare Idahoan Signature™ Russets mashed potatoes: Follow the package directions to prepare the mashed potatoes. How to cook chicken tenders: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add frozen chicken tenders, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until browned and no longer pink inside. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F. How to dice an onion: Cut the onion in half, peel off the skin, and make horizontal and vertical cuts to create small, even pieces. How to cook onions: Place diced onion in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until translucent. How to cook with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic: Add sun-dried tomatoes and garlic to the skillet with the cooked onions and cook for 1 minute longer. How to make a roux: Stir in butter and flour in the skillet and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. How to deglaze a pan: Add white wine to the skillet and scrape any bits from the bottom of the pan. How to thicken a sauce: Stir in milk, sugar, and Parmesan cheese, then bring the mixture back to a simmer for about 5 minutes until it begins to thicken. How to reheat chicken in sauce: Transfer the cooked chicken back to the skillet and cook until heated through.
How To Make Creamy Chicken in Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Savor an Italian-inspired dish with this creamy chicken seasoned with oregano and pepper flakes, then cooked in a rich sauce with dry white wine.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 9¾ozIdahoan Signature™ Russets Mashed Potatoes,(1 package)
- 2tbspolive oil
- 6chicken tenders,frozen
- 1tspsalt,or to taste
- ½tspground black pepper
- 1tspItalian seasoning
- ½tspdried oregano
- ½tspred pepper flakes
- ½onion,diced
- ¼cupsun-dried tomatoes packed in oil,drained and diced
- 2clovesgarlic
- 1tbspbutter
- 1tbspall-purpose flour
- ¾cupdry white wine
- ½cupmilk
- ½cupParmesan cheese,finely grated
- ½tspwhite sugar
Instructions
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Prepare Idahoan Signature™ Russets Mashed Potatoes according to package directions.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; add frozen chicken tenders. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until tenders are browned and no longer pink inside. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F. Remove chicken tenders from the skillet.
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Place diced onion in the same skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until translucent. Add sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, then cook for 1 minute longer.
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Stir in butter and flour and cook for 1 minute. Add white wine and scrape any bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in milk, sugar, and Parmesan cheese.
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Bring the mixture back to a simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken. Transfer chicken back to skillet and cook until heated through.
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Serve over Idahoan Signature™ Russets Mashed Potatoes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 598.89kcal
- Fat: 35.48g
- Saturated Fat: 9.46g
- Trans Fat: 0.13g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15.01g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.36g
- Carbohydrates: 35.79g
- Fiber: 2.93g
- Sugar: 3.88g
- Protein: 28.79g
- Cholesterol: 77.46mg
- Sodium: 1009.44mg
- Calcium: 222.18mg
- Potassium: 618.50mg
- Iron: 2.59mg
- Vitamin A: 73.28µg
- Vitamin C: 3.28mg
Technique Tip for Making Creamy Chicken in Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
To ensure your chicken tenders are perfectly cooked and juicy, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook them in batches if necessary, allowing each piece to have enough space to brown evenly. This will help achieve a nice sear and prevent steaming, which can make the chicken less flavorful.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Creamy Chicken in Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Use pre-cooked chicken: Substitute fresh chicken tenders with pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save cooking time.
Pre-chop ingredients: Dice the onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Instant mashed potatoes: Opt for Idahoan Signature™ Russets Mashed Potatoes for a quick and easy side dish.
One-pan method: Cook the chicken and sauce in the same skillet to minimize cleanup and save time.
Measure ingredients beforehand: Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start cooking to make the process smoother.
Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Chicken in Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe
idahoan signature™ russets mashed potatoes - Substitute with homemade mashed potatoes: Homemade mashed potatoes provide a fresh and customizable alternative, allowing you to control the texture and seasoning.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a good alternative for sautéing.
chicken tenders - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be cut into strips to mimic tenders and offers a similar texture and flavor.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger grains and can enhance the flavor of the dish similarly to table salt.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different color, which can be useful for aesthetic purposes.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs and can provide a slightly different but complementary flavor profile.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can provide a sweet and slightly peppery flavor that complements the other herbs in the dish.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a similar level of heat, though it is more finely ground.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can add a different nuance to the dish.
sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers provide a similar texture and a sweet, smoky flavor that can complement the creamy sauce.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent and more evenly distributed.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can provide a similar texture and richness, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can thicken the sauce similarly to flour but requires a smaller quantity.
dry white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can provide a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol content.
milk - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream can make the sauce richer and creamier, though it is higher in fat.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano offers a similar salty and nutty flavor but is slightly sharper.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile and additional depth.
Presenting Creamy Chicken in Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the creamy chicken in sun-dried tomato sauce in a smaller, refined portion to emphasize quality over quantity. Use a ring mold to shape the mashed potatoes into a neat, circular base.
Use decoration: Garnish the dish with finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Layering technique: Place the chicken tenders elegantly on top of the mashed potatoes, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded.
Sauce presentation: Drizzle the sun-dried tomato sauce artistically around the plate and over the chicken, creating a visually appealing pattern.
Texture contrast: Add a crispy element, such as a parmesan crisp, to provide a delightful contrast to the creamy textures of the mashed potatoes and sauce.
Plate choice: Use a large, white plate to allow the colors and textures of the dish to stand out, creating a clean and sophisticated presentation.
Height and dimension: Stack the chicken tenders slightly to give the dish height and dimension, making it more visually appealing.
Final touches: Finish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor and a touch of elegance.
Essential Tools for Making This Creamy Chicken Recipe
Skillet: A large, flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. Essential for cooking the chicken tenders and preparing the sauce.
Instant-read thermometer: A device used to quickly measure the internal temperature of the chicken tenders to ensure they are cooked through.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the precise amounts of seasonings, olive oil, and other ingredients.
Cutting board: A durable board on which to chop the onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping and dicing the onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Wooden spoon: Used for stirring the ingredients in the skillet, especially when scraping up bits from the bottom of the pan.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk, wine, and other liquid ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Useful for holding the prepared ingredients before they are added to the skillet.
Whisk: Used to mix the flour and butter into the sauce to ensure a smooth consistency.
Pot: Used to prepare the Idahoan Signature™ Russets Mashed Potatoes according to package directions.
Spatula: Useful for transferring the chicken tenders and stirring the sauce.
Garlic press: Optional but helpful for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
How To Store and Freeze This Creamy Chicken Dish
- Allow the creamy chicken in sun-dried tomato sauce to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the dish:
- Divide the cooled creamy chicken in sun-dried tomato sauce into individual portions or freeze the entire batch in a freezer-safe container.
- If using a container, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Alternatively, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe zip-top bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bags with the dish name and date of freezing.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal quality and flavor.
- To reheat the frozen creamy chicken in sun-dried tomato sauce:
- Thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the thawed dish to a saucepan or skillet and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the sauce appears too thick after thawing, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out while reheating.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the thawed portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
- It's best to store the mashed potatoes separately from the creamy chicken in sun-dried tomato sauce. Prepare fresh mashed potatoes when reheating the dish for the best texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Reheat the creamy chicken in sun-dried tomato sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures that the sauce warms up evenly and doesn't separate or become grainy.
If the sauce seems too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out while reheating. Stir well to incorporate the added liquid and achieve a smooth consistency.
For a quicker reheating option, transfer the creamy chicken in sun-dried tomato sauce to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sauce is heated through and the chicken is warm.
To maintain the texture of the sun-dried tomatoes and prevent them from becoming too soft, you can remove them from the sauce before reheating and add them back in just before serving.
If you have leftover mashed potatoes, reheat them separately in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of milk or butter to maintain their creamy texture. Serve the reheated creamy chicken in sun-dried tomato sauce over the warm mashed potatoes for a delicious leftover meal.
To add a fresh element to the reheated dish, garnish with some chopped parsley, basil, or grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. This will brighten up the flavors and make the leftover meal more appealing.
Random Fact about Creamy Chicken in Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
A random fact about this recipe is that sun-dried tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is known for its potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This creamy chicken in sun-dried tomato sauce recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using chicken tenders and sun-dried tomatoes adds a gourmet touch without breaking the bank. The Idahoan Signature™ Russets mashed potatoes are an affordable and convenient side. Ingredients like olive oil, onion, and garlic are pantry staples, keeping costs low. The use of dry white wine and parmesan cheese adds richness without excessive expense. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $20-$25 USD.
Is This Creamy Chicken Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The creamy chicken in sun-dried tomato sauce recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes:
- Chicken, a lean protein source
- Sun-dried tomatoes, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins
- Onion and garlic, offering prebiotics and immune-boosting properties
However, there are some concerns:
- High sodium content from the added salt and parmesan cheese
- Saturated fat from the butter and cheese
- Refined carbohydrates in the all-purpose flour and instant mashed potatoes
- Added sugar, which is unnecessary in a savory dish
To make this recipe healthier, I suggest the following modifications:
- Replace the instant mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower or a mix of cauliflower and potatoes for added nutrients and fewer refined carbs
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for more fiber
- Reduce the amount of salt and opt for a low-sodium parmesan cheese
- Replace the butter with olive oil to decrease saturated fat content
- Omit the added sugar, as the sun-dried tomatoes provide enough natural sweetness
- Include more vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, to boost the dish's nutritional value
Editor's Thoughts on This Creamy Chicken Dish
This recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce complementing the tender chicken perfectly. The use of Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes adds a nice depth of flavor, while the white wine and parmesan cheese create a rich, savory sauce. Serving it over Idahoan Signature Russets Mashed Potatoes provides a comforting base that ties the dish together. However, consider using fresh chicken tenders for better texture and flavor. Overall, it's a well-balanced and satisfying dish that is sure to impress.
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Why trust this Creamy Chicken in Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese with tender chicken for a truly satisfying meal. The use of dry white wine and garlic adds depth to the creamy sauce, while the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes provide a delightful kick. Paired with Idahoan Signature™ Russets Mashed Potatoes, this dish promises a comforting and delicious experience. Trust this recipe for its balanced ingredients and straightforward instructions, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal at home.
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