Introduction
Cooking can be an exciting adventure, especially when it comes to trying out new recipes that are both delicious and satisfying. One such recipe is the creamy sun-dried tomato chicken made in an Instant Pot. This delightful dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and savory sauce that includes sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup baby spinach, chopped
Fresh parsley or basil, optional for garnish
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
With these ingredients and instructions, you’ll create a meal that’s not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy sauce and hearty chicken, making your dining experience memorable.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Once it’s hot, add the unsalted butter and olive oil. Add the chicken breasts to the pot. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sauté until both sides are browned, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. After browning, remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. After this, turn off the Sauté function.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Return the browned chicken breasts to the pot. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook for 4 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. After that, release any remaining pressure carefully.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set aside. Turn the Instant Pot back to the Sauté function. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and the chopped baby spinach. Cook while stirring until the spinach is wilted and the Parmesan has melted into the sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Turn off the Instant Pot. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken. For an added touch, you can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Chicken Preparation
Ensure that the chicken breasts are patted dry to achieve a good sear.
Batch Cooking
If you have large chicken breasts, it might be better to cook them in batches to ensure even browning.
Pressure Release
Allowing for natural pressure release ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy.
Customization
Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or Italian seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Patting Chicken Dry
Patting the chicken dry helps achieve a nice sear when cooking, preventing excess moisture from steaming the meat.
Seasoning Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
Sautéing in Instant Pot
Using the Sauté function allows for browning the chicken, which creates a deeper flavor through the Maillard reaction.
Deglazing the Pot
Pouring chicken broth into the pot after sautéing garlic helps lift the browned bits stuck to the bottom, adding more flavor to your sauce.
Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking the chicken ensures it stays juicy and tender while also infusing flavors from the seasoning and broth.
Making the Sauce
Combining heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese in the sautéed pot creates a rich and creamy sauce.
Wilting Spinach
Adding chopped spinach and cooking it until wilted not only brightens the dish but also adds nutrition and color.
Garnishing
Garnishing with fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and fresh flavor, enhancing the dish’s presentation.
FAQ
Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, skin-on chicken can be used, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted to ensure it cooks through while achieving the desired crispiness.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute along with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
What can I serve with this chicken dish?
This creamy chicken dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach chicken dish offers a delightful combination of flavors that can elevate any meal. The rich sauce complements the tender chicken perfectly, making it a favorite for family dinners or special occasions. Pair it with your choice of sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
More recipes suggestions and combinations
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