Need something fancy to spice up your low-carb menu? Try my Sun-dried Tomato Chicken recipe! You will be the rockstar chef when everyone appreciates the chicken's sophisticated taste. The recipe boasts a slightly sweet, savory, tangy flavor profile everyone loves. The sundried tomatoes lend an acidic, earthy taste to the tender chicken. The creamy sauce rounds out the flavors perfectly well.
My family adores chicken in cream sauce, particularly this perfect blend of flavorful pesto in a creamy sauce. It is so good we barely have any leftovers. In this post, I will share some of my secrets about the creamy goodness in which the tender 'marry me chicken' lurks. Let's get into the details!
This recipe is: Low Carb, Gluten Free, Keto
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to Love This Recipe
I have made this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken countless times, and my family never gets enough of it for various reasons like:
- Tender, flavorful chicken for a fancy dinner.
- Simple ingredients list.
- Stores well and reheats beautifully.
- Easy to make
- Ready in 35 minutes.
Is Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Low-Carb?
Yes, chicken is naturally low in carbohydrates. As for the sun-dried tomatoes, while they contain a few carbs, many recipes use relatively small amounts that don't make a significant difference in the carb count.
This recipe is low-carb, as each serving has 11 g of net carbs. The serving is quite large, and you can further reduce the carb count to less than 10 g per serving by reducing the amount of onions or substituting onions for granulated onions.
Why is Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Called "Marry Me Chicken"?
"Marry Me Chicken" is a dish named for its incredible flavor. It is so delicious that it could inspire someone to propose marriage after tasting it. The combination of tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich, irresistible flavor that has gained popularity in many households. The dish's name highlights its charm and the romantic notion - a perfect chicken dinner idea to enjoy with your love one!
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ingredient List
You need the following ingredients for this tasty chicken with sundried tomatoes:
- 1.5 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups spinach, loosely packed
- 1 cup sun-dried tomato pesto
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons clarified butter or ghee
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Substitutes
Swap some of the ingredients you don't have for these great alternatives:
- Clarified butter: Olive, coconut, or avocado oil are great substitutes.
- Onions: To lower the dish's carb count, use granulated onions. Granulated onions are made from dehydrated onions and are much lower in carbs than fresh onions because of the moisture lost during processing.
Additional Ingredients
The ingredients for this recipe are sufficient and will yield majestic Italian flavors. However, you can use any of these additional ingredients to spruce up the dish:
- Cheese: For a creamy parmesan sauce, top the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich flavor.
- Heat: I love a good kick of heat in my meals, and adding crushed red pepper flakes to this dish works perfectly for me.
- Artichoke hearts: Get jarred artichoke hearts that are marinated in olive oil. Chop roughly and add to the dish. BE WARNED that the artichokes will increase the meal's carb count, so use sparingly.
- Herbs: Chop some fresh oregano or basil for garnishing. The herbs add authentic Italian countryside flavors to the dish.
- Sliced cherry tomatoes: Add about 1 cup of sliced cherry tomatoes Before adding the garlic. Sautee for 1-2 minutes, then continue with the recipe as written. The sauteed cherry tomatoes add extra flavor and texture to the recipe.
Note: These ingredients are not part of the original recipe- use them to enhance or customize the recipe to your liking.
Cooking Tools
Gather the following tools for this recipe:
How To Make Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken: Complete Guide
Cooking Method
- Sauteing
- Simmering
Preparation Method
- Gather all the tools and measure the ingredients.
- Peel and chop the onion and garlic.
- Wash, dry, and slice through the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook faster.
- Season the chicken cutlets evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Prepare sun-dried tomato pesto if not using pre-made.
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat. Add the clarified butter and the chicken cutlets.
- Once the butter shimmers, sear the chicken cutlets on each side for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté for about a minute, being cautious not to burn the garlic.
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the sun-dried tomato pesto and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 3-4 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat. Add the spinach and gently stir until wilted.
Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden.
Step 3: Pour in the sun-dried tomato pesto and mix well with the onions and garlic. Add heavy cream and stir until the sauce is well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook until the spinach is wilted.
💡 My Pro Tip
A thin "cutlet" style chicken breast is crucial for this recipe. A thick breast will toughen as it cooks, requiring more than 35 minutes. If you can't make thin cutlets, brown the whole chicken breast, then remove it from the heat and slice against the grain before adding it back into the sauce. This will shorten the cooking time and make the dish more suitable for family-style serving. Top with fresh herbs and grated parmesan cheese.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Buy store-bought sun-dried tomato sauce. You will save nearly 20 minutes that you'd have spent making it yourself (including cleanup time).
- Brown the chicken ahead of time. You can sear off the chicken beforehand, cool it to room temperature, and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
- Make the sauce ahead of time. You can make the entire sauce ahead of time (except for the wilted spinach). Cool it to room temperature, store it in an airtight container, and combine it when you're ready to eat.
What To Serve With Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken?
Sun-dried tomato chicken is a fancy dish with huge Italian flavors that pair well with various low-carb sides. Some of my favorite pairings for a family dinner include:
- French Haricot Verts: Pair the delicious chicken recipe with the elegance of these haricot verts for a cozy feast. The crunchy verts add a nice texture that contrasts with the tender chicken.
- Cauliflower Puree: This smooth cauliflower puree combined with the creamy Italian-flavored chicken creates a complete meal, perfect for family dinner ideas!
- Spicy Roasted Broccolini: The roasted baby broccoli with a hint of lime complements the nice Italian spices. The combination is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Grilled Asparagus: Asparagus as a side dish paired with my healthy sun-dried tomato chicken is a classic family favorite in my household. Everyone loves it!
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
Store the leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing tips:
This recipe is perfect for meal prep since it freezes well. Cool, portion into freezer bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and heat according to the instructions.
Reheating Tips
- Stovetop: Gently reheat the leftovers on the stove over medium heat until hot. Adding a little extra cream or water can help keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.
- Microwave: Place a serving of the creamy chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Conclusion
Sun-dried Tomato Chicken is a comforting and satisfying dish that pairs well with various sides. It is one of my family's favorite chicken recipes. The sundried tomato cream sauce melds beautifully with the juicy chicken breasts to give a delicious chicken dish with Italian countryside flavors. The recipe is easy and quick and only requires a handful of simple ingredients.
Go ahead and make the creamy chicken for your loved ones. You don't have to make the tomato sauce for the luxurious cream sauce yourself. Use store-bought sundried tomato pesto. Check the ingredients list for hidden sugars. Serve the chicken dish with your favorite vegetables or side, and enjoy!
Please write in the comments any questions or suggestions you may have. You can also find me on Facebook or Instagram.
Other Healthy Chicken Recipe's To Try:
FAQs
Yes, if you eat them in moderation, sun-dried tomatoes are healthy. They are an excellent source of essential nutrients like vitamin C, iron, Potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.
Although they have similar base ingredients (sun-dried tomatoes and chicken), Creamy Tuscan chicken has a thicker consistency and features additional ingredients like Italian seasonings and chicken broth.
Yes, especially if they are not completely dry. Refrigeration will extend their shelf-life. Remove any excess oil and store the tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken 🥘
Ingredients
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ingredients List
- 1.5 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups spinach loosely packed
- 1 cup sun-dried tomato pesto
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 onion diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons clarified butter
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Method
- Gather all the tools and measure the ingredients.
- Peel and chop the onion and garlic.
- Wash, dry, and slice through the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook faster.
- Season the chicken cutlets evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Prepare sun-dried tomato pesto if not using pre-made.
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat. Add the clarified butter and the chicken cutlets.
- Once the butter shimmers, sear the chicken cutlets on each side for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté for about a minute, being cautious not to burn the garlic.
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the sun-dried tomato pesto and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 3-4 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat. Add the spinach and gently stir until wilted.
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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