This skillet chicken with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The chicken is cooked to perfection and paired with a mouthwatering sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and parmesan. It's a dish that brings comfort and gourmet dining to your table, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The unique ingredient in this recipe is the sun-dried tomato. These tomatoes are usually dried and preserved in olive oil. They add a tangy, robust flavor to the dish that is distinctively Mediterranean. If you don't usually stock them at home, they can easily be found in the canned vegetable or Italian food aisle in your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Skillet Chicken with Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Sauce
Chicken breasts: The star of the dish. Pounded to even thickness for uniform cooking.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetable base. It adds a light fruity flavor to the dish.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken and the sauce.
Shallot: Adds a mild and slightly sweet flavor.
Garlic: Provides a strong, pungent flavor that complements the meat.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce and adds depth to the dish.
Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Sun-dried tomato: Gives the sauce its distinctive tangy and robust flavor.
Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Fresh basil: Gives a fresh, herbal finish to the dish.
One reader, Henderson Rapp says:
This skillet chicken with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and the chicken is perfectly tender. The sun-dried tomatoes add a delightful tanginess, and the creamy sauce is just heavenly. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a comforting and delicious meal.
Mastering the Techniques for Skillet Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
How to pound chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use the flat side of a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
How to sauté shallots and garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté for about 3 minutes until nearly soft. Then, add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute longer. Sautéing releases the flavors of the shallots and garlic, adding depth to the sauce.
How to make a cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of chicken broth with cornstarch until smooth. This slurry will help thicken the sauce when added to the skillet.
How to simmer a sauce: After adding the chicken broth and cornstarch slurry to the skillet, bring the mixture to a light boil. Then, reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps thicken the sauce and meld the flavors together.
How to melt parmesan into a sauce: Once the sauce has simmered, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the parmesan has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
How To Make Skillet Chicken with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
This skillet chicken is cooked in a rich sauce made with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. Cook this delicious dinner in under 30 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4chicken breasts,boneless, skinless
- 2½tbspolive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3tbspshallot,finely chopped or yellow onion
- 2clovesgarlic,minced
- 1⅓cupslow sodium chicken broth,plus 1 tbsp
- 2½tspcornstarch
- ½cupsun dried tomato,halves packed in olive oil, drained and finely chopped
- ¼cupheavy cream
- ⅓cupParmesan cheese,finely shredded
- 3tbspfresh basil,chopped
Instructions
-
Pound chicken to an even thickness using the flat side of a meat mallet. Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper.
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Heat 1½ tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken (cover with a splatter screen if available) and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until center registers 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.
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Transfer to a sheet of foil and wrap to keep warm. Set aside.
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Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet. Add shallot and saute for about 3 minutes until nearly soft, add garlic and saute for 1 minute longer.
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Pour in 1⅓ cups chicken broth, while scraping the bottom to release browned bits.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon broth with cornstarch then pour into skillet. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, then season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
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Bring to a light boil and allow to simmer for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add in cream and parmesan, stirring until the Parmesan has melted.
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Remove from heat, add chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over chicken. Top with basil and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520.75kcal
- Fat: 33.98g
- Saturated Fat: 11.44g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15.59g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.77g
- Carbohydrates: 9.46g
- Fiber: 1.38g
- Sugar: 3.77g
- Protein: 44.01g
- Cholesterol: 140.17mg
- Sodium: 720.98mg
- Calcium: 199.63mg
- Potassium: 754.95mg
- Iron: 2.50mg
- Vitamin A: 137.02µg
- Vitamin C: 4.16mg
Elevate Your Skillet Chicken Game with This Crucial Technique Tip
When pounding the chicken to an even thickness, it's best to place it between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a resealable plastic bag. This prevents any juices or small pieces from splattering around your kitchen, keeping the area clean and sanitary. Additionally, it ensures a uniform thickness, which promotes even cooking and a more tender result.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Delicious Skillet Chicken Dish
Prep ahead: Prepare the ingredients in advance, such as chopping vegetables or marinating the chicken, to streamline the cooking process.
One-pan wonder: Opt for recipes that can be cooked in a single skillet or pot to minimize cleanup and save time.
Multi-task: Utilize downtime, such as while the chicken is cooking, to prepare other components of the dish to maximize efficiency.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to avoid wasting time searching for utensils or ingredients during cooking.
Efficient tools: Use kitchen tools like a sharp knife, food processor, or mandoline to expedite the prep work and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Skillet Chicken with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts, providing a similar texture and taste in the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
shallot - Substitute with onion: Onions can be used as a substitute for shallots, providing a similar savory and aromatic flavor to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh garlic, providing a milder and evenly distributed garlic flavor.
low sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, adding depth of flavor to the dish while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
cornstarch - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a thickening agent in place of cornstarch, providing a similar thick and creamy consistency to the sauce.
sun-dried tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers can be used as a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes, adding a sweet and smoky flavor to the dish.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, providing a rich and creamy texture to the sauce.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for Parmesan cheese, offering a similar salty and tangy flavor to the dish.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can be used as a substitute for basil, adding a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Elevate Your Dinner Presentation with This Skillet Chicken Recipe
Elevate the plating: Arrange the chicken breasts in a visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring they are the focal point of the dish. Use negative space to create balance and elegance.
Garnish with fresh basil: Place a few vibrant, whole basil leaves strategically around the chicken to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Drizzle with sun-dried tomato sauce: Carefully spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the chicken, ensuring it cascades gracefully down the sides, creating an enticing visual effect.
Sprinkle with grated parmesan: Lightly dust the dish with a sprinkle of finely grated parmesan cheese, adding a touch of sophistication and depth of flavor.
Accompany with a side of greens: Serve the skillet chicken with a side of lightly dressed arugula or baby spinach to provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Use elegant dinnerware: Select high-quality, minimalist dinnerware to showcase the dish, allowing the vibrant colors of the chicken and sauce to shine through.
Add a touch of edible flowers: Consider adding a delicate edible flower, such as a nasturtium or pansy, to the plate for a visually stunning and sophisticated finishing touch.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use a small squeeze bottle to create an artistic drizzle of olive oil around the edge of the plate, adding a touch of finesse and enhancing the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Skillet Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
- Meat mallet: A meat mallet is used to pound the chicken to an even thickness, ensuring that it cooks evenly.
- Skillet: A skillet is used to cook the chicken and prepare the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. It provides a wide, flat cooking surface and allows for even heat distribution.
- Instant-read thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is used to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating that it is fully cooked.
- Splatter screen: A splatter screen is used to cover the skillet while cooking the chicken, preventing oil and sauce from splattering and making a mess on the stovetop.
- Small bowl: A small bowl is used to whisk together the cornstarch and chicken broth before adding it to the skillet, ensuring a smooth consistency in the sauce.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to combine the cornstarch and chicken broth, as well as to stir the sauce while cooking, ensuring that the ingredients are well mixed and the sauce is smooth.
- Sheet of foil: A sheet of foil is used to wrap the cooked chicken, keeping it warm while preparing the sauce and preventing it from cooling down.
Preserving Perfection: Storing and Freezing Skillet Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for skillet chicken with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce:
- Refrigerate any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
- To freeze, let the chicken and sauce cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen chicken and sauce overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin out the sauce if it has thickened during freezing.
- For best results, store the chicken and sauce separately if possible. This will allow you to reheat the sauce until hot and steaming before adding the chicken, which will help prevent the chicken from drying out or becoming overcooked.
- If you plan to freeze the dish, consider using a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the chicken and sauce.
How To Reheat Leftover Skillet Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Reheat the skillet chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This method ensures the chicken remains moist and the sauce doesn't separate.
If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out while reheating.
For a quicker option, place the skillet chicken in a microwave-safe dish and reheat in the microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become tough and the sauce to separate.
If you have leftover chicken and sauce separately, reheat the sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, then add the chicken and continue heating until the chicken is warmed through.
To maintain the best texture of the sun-dried tomatoes, remove them from the sauce before reheating and add them back in just before serving.
Garnish the reheated skillet chicken with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and a pop of color.
If you have access to an oven, you can reheat the skillet chicken in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 325°F (165°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the moisture of the chicken and prevents the sauce from drying out.
Interesting Trivia About Skillet Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
The recipe includes sun-dried tomato which adds a rich and intense flavor to the dish.
Budget-Friendly Skillet Chicken: Is This Recipe Cost-Effective for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this skillet chicken with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. Chicken and parmesan cheese can be pricier, but the dish's rich flavors and the use of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil can elevate a simple chicken dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people may range from $20 to $25, making it a moderately cost-effective option. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8, considering the balance of flavors and the relatively reasonable cost.
Is This Creamy Skillet Chicken Dish Healthy or Not?
This recipe for skillet chicken with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, chicken breast is a lean protein source, and the dish incorporates some nutritious ingredients like shallots, garlic, and fresh basil. Sun-dried tomatoes also add a concentrated source of vitamins and antioxidants.
However, the recipe relies on heavy cream and a significant amount of Parmesan cheese, which are high in saturated fat and calories. The use of cornstarch as a thickener may also add refined carbohydrates to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or evaporated skim milk, to reduce the saturated fat content
- Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or opt for a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish by adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Serve the chicken with a side of whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, to provide a balanced meal with complex carbohydrates
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the dish's salt content, and adjust the seasoning accordingly
Editor's Take on This Mouthwatering Skillet Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
The skillet chicken with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender chicken pairs perfectly with the rich and tangy sun-dried tomato sauce, creating a dish that is both comforting and elegant. The addition of fresh basil adds a pop of freshness to the dish, elevating the overall flavor profile. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a special dinner or a cozy night in. The creamy sauce is luxurious and indulgent, making it a standout dish that is sure to impress.
Enhance Your Skillet Chicken with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Skillet Chicken with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of chicken and a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. The use of fresh basil and parmesan cheese adds a burst of flavor, while the method of cooking the chicken in a skillet ensures a juicy and tender result. The incorporation of shallots and garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth. The step-by-step instructions and precise measurements guarantee a successful outcome, making this recipe a trustworthy choice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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