Introduction
In this delectable recipe, we will walk you through the steps of preparing flavorful chicken breasts paired with a rich and creamy sauce. The use of sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach adds a burst of flavor and color, making this dish not only delicious but also visually appealing. This meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, lightly pounded to even thickness
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons European-style butter
For the Sauce:
¼ cup European-style butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
8.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, drained and rinsed (1 jar)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup baby spinach, chopped
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Enjoy this scrumptious chicken dish that brings together beautiful flavors and a satisfying meal experience!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Season each side of the pounded chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Dredge the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of European-style butter and let it melt. Cook the chicken breasts in the skillet for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and browned on both sides. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate; cover with foil to keep warm.
Make the Sauce
Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining ¼ cup of European-style butter. As the butter melts, use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Thicken the Mixture
Whisk in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and allow the mixture to thicken for approximately 1 minute.
Incorporate Cream and Broth
Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, low-sodium chicken broth, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Add Spinach
Add the chopped baby spinach to the skillet. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the sauce slightly thickens and the spinach wilts.
Return Chicken to Skillet
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, turning them to coat in the sauce. Allow them to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Chicken Preparation
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures even cooking.
Butter Type
Using European-style butter adds richness to the sauce.
Cooking Temperature
Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Draining and rinsing the sun-dried tomatoes help reduce excess oil and salt.
Spinach Substitution
You can substitute baby spinach with other greens like kale or arugula if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Cook techniques
Seasoning Chicken
Properly seasoning the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper enhances flavor and ensures a tasty dish.
Dredging
Coating the chicken breasts in a mixture of all-purpose flour and Parmesan cheese creates a delicious, crispy exterior when cooked.
Pan-Frying
Cooking the chicken in a hot skillet allows for even browning and ensures the meat cooks thoroughly while maintaining its juiciness.
Creating a Sauce
Using the flavorful remnants in the skillet, incorporate garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to build a rich sauce, adding depth to the dish.
Thickening the Sauce
Whisking in flour and gradually adding heavy cream and chicken broth helps thicken the sauce, creating a luxurious texture.
Incorporating Greens
Adding chopped baby spinach to the sauce not only adds color but also introduces a nutritious element that complements the rich flavors.
Finishing Touches
Simmering the chicken in the sauce before serving ensures the meat is well-coated and heated through, enhancing the overall presentation and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken, but be sure to adjust cooking times as skin can impact the cooking process.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative, but it may alter the richness of the sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
Conclusion
This chicken dish combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. The harmony of flavors and textures makes it a delightful main course, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. The addition of Parmesan cheese not only enhances the flavor but also adds a luscious creaminess to the sauce, making it irresistible.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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