Introduction
Cooking can be a delightful journey, and one of the most essential aspects of it is understanding and properly using ingredients. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the ingredients needed for a delicious chicken dish, complete with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, knowing how to combine flavors and textures is key to creating a memorable meal.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Chicken:
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut or pounded thin (about 6 pieces)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, divided
– 1/4 cup cooking oil (such as olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil)
For the Sauce:
– 4 cloves garlic, pressed
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 3/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Garnish:
– Chopped basil or parsley
Prep Time
The prep time for this chicken dish is approximately 15 minutes. This includes gathering all your ingredients, preparing the chicken, and mixing the flour mixture for dredging.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6 servings
This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, as it not only satisfies the palate but also offers a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious results!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring all sides are well-coated.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add half of the cooking oil. Once hot, place the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If necessary, add the remaining oil if the pan becomes dry. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the pressed garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Pour in the chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce the heat to low.
Thicken the Sauce
Slowly stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cheese
Add the sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are well combined.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency and the chicken is heated through.
Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve warm, spooning the sauce over the chicken.
Notes
Chicken Thickness
For even cooking, ensure chicken pieces are of uniform thickness by pounding them thin if necessary.
Deglazing Technique
Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan thoroughly when deglazing to incorporate all the flavors from the browned chicken.
Garnish Options
Feel free to use other herbs such as oregano or thyme for garnishing if basil or parsley is unavailable.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Dredging Chicken
To ensure a flavorful and crispy exterior, dredge the chicken in a seasoned flour mixture. This technique adds texture and helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking.
Searing Chicken
Sear the chicken in a hot skillet with oil to create a golden-brown crust. This method not only adds flavor but also helps to lock in the juiciness of the chicken.
Deglazing
After cooking the chicken, deglaze the pan by adding broth or wine. This technique lifts the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom, enriching the sauce and enhancing its depth.
Thickening the Sauce
Incorporate heavy cream to the deglazed mixture and simmer to thicken the sauce. This method creates a rich, creamy texture that complements the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes.
Combining Ingredients
Add sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese to the sauce for added flavor. Stir until combined to ensure a harmonious blend of ingredients.
Simmering
Return the chicken to the sauce and let it simmer. This technique allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring the chicken is heated through and coated with sauce.
Garnishing
Finish the dish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Garnishing not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of freshness to the meal.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless?
Yes, but cooking time will need to be adjusted to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
What type of oil is best for cooking the chicken?
Olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil are all suitable options for searing chicken.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lower-fat option?
While you can use milk or a lighter cream, the sauce may not be as rich and creamy in texture.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary for this dish?
Sun-dried tomatoes add unique flavor, but you can omit them or substitute with fresh tomatoes for a different taste.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. A meat thermometer can help ensure it is properly cooked.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken dish, enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, offers a delightful blend of flavors that is both satisfying and elegant. It can be served over pasta, rice, or even alongside a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal. Enjoy this dish for a weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests, as it is sure to impress.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Marsala
Prepare chicken breasts with a similar dredging technique, then sauté them and deglaze with Marsala wine and add mushrooms for a rich flavor.
Pesto Chicken
Substitute the sun-dried tomatoes with fresh basil pesto in the sauce for an herby, aromatic twist.
Chicken Alfredo
Replace the sun-dried tomatoes with steamed broccoli and use fettuccine pasta to create a creamy Alfredo variation.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Add lemon juice and zest to the sauce, replacing heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, and serve with roasted vegetables.
Caprese Chicken
Top the cooked chicken with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, then drizzle with balsamic reduction for a Caprese flair.
