Chicken Breasts in Sun-Dried Tomato Cream: A Culinary Delight for Every Occasion
This exquisite dish, featuring succulent chicken breasts bathed in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, is not only a breeze to prepare after a long day at work but also sophisticated enough to impress your guests at any gathering. Originating from the imaginative mind of a member of my daughter’s online playgroup, this recipe—thank you, Alice—combines simplicity with an abundance of flavor, ensuring that you’ll feel like a professional chef in your own kitchen. For those looking to elevate their culinary game, doubling the sauce and serving it over pasta transforms this dish into a heartwarming meal that will leave everyone raving.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 (14 reviews) |
| Calories | 332.6 |
Ingredients
For this delightful recipe, you will need the following ingredients, which meld together to create a deliciously creamy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic cloves | 2 cloves |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Chicken broth | ¾ cup |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon |
| Boneless skinless chicken breast halves | 4 pieces (about 1.5 pounds) |
Nutritional Information
The following table provides a breakdown of the nutritional content of each serving, ensuring you stay informed about your meal’s dietary profile:
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 21.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 123.9 mg |
| Sodium | 471.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 6.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Sugars | 1.3 g |
| Protein | 28.9 g |
Instructions
Embark on your culinary journey by following these detailed steps, which will guide you through the preparation of this impressive dish:
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Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooking for approximately 8 minutes. Be sure to turn them once during cooking, ensuring they become beautifully browned and thoroughly cooked. After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
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Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely before introducing the mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and have released most of their liquid, creating a delightful base for the sauce.
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Add Garlic and Flour: Incorporate the minced garlic into the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Next, sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
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Create the Sauce: Gradually stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring a smooth consistency. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, dried thyme, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the flavors, bringing the mixture to a boil. Allow it to cook for an additional minute, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
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Reintroduce the Chicken: Gently place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, allowing them to warm through in the creamy sauce for just a couple of minutes. This will infuse the chicken with the luscious flavors of the sauce.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Chicken Breasts in Sun-Dried Tomato Cream is now ready to be served. For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta or a fresh garden salad, making it versatile for any occasion.
Variations
For those who wish to explore variations on this delightful dish, try doubling the sauce recipe for a more generous serving. To replicate the flavors reminiscent of Johnny Carino’s Chicken Scaloppini, add diced bacon and chopped Roma tomatoes to the sauce. Serve over angel hair pasta for an equally delicious alternative that is sure to please any palate.
Tips for Success
- When selecting sun-dried tomatoes, opt for those packed in oil as they come pre-seasoned and add depth to your dish. Using kitchen scissors can make it easy to cut them into slivers without much hassle.
- For more evenly cooked chicken, consider flattening the breasts with a meat mallet or rolling pin before cooking. This technique not only ensures consistent cooking but also enhances the presentation of your dish.
With its rich flavors and effortless preparation, Chicken Breasts in Sun-Dried Tomato Cream is destined to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself to a special dinner, this recipe promises satisfaction and delight with every bite. Enjoy!
