Description
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
3 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish
4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared beforehand)
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the skillet, scraping any browned bits.
4. Stir in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes over low heat until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
6. Serve the chicken over mashed potatoes, pouring the creamy sauce on top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
#CreamyChicken #DeliciousDinner
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, ensure your chicken thighs are patted dry with a paper towel; this is crucial for a proper sear. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Season the chicken generously on both sides. Place the chicken in the skillet skin-side down and do not move it for 5-6 minutes to develop a deep golden-brown crust. Flip and sear the other side. After removing the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low before adding the garlic to prevent burning. When deglazing with broth, scrape the pan thoroughly to incorporate all the flavorful fond. Let the cream sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes before returning the chicken to allow it to thicken slightly. Finally, ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
While mashed potatoes are the classic base, this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken is versatile. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of steamed spinach, zucchini noodles, or creamy polenta. The rich sauce also pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping. To elevate the presentation, spoon the sauce around the chicken on the plate and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley. A simple side salad with a sharp vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the dish.
How-to Summary
In brief: Sear seasoned chicken thighs until golden brown and set aside. Sauté garlic in the same pan, then deglaze with chicken broth. Add cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan to create a sauce. Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer until cooked through and the sauce is thickened. Serve over mashed potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts will cook faster. Reduce the simmering time to 10-15 minutes to avoid dryness.
How can I make this sauce dairy-free? Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternative for a similar creamy texture.
What if my sauce is too thin? Create a quick slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Whisk it into the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Absolutely. Cook the chicken and sauce completely, then store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Are sun-dried tomatoes in oil or dry better? Those packed in oil are more flavorful and tender. If using dry-packed, rehydrate them in hot water for 10 minutes before chopping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the Pan: Sear chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding steams the chicken, preventing a crispy sear.
- Burning the Garlic: Adding garlic to high heat will make it bitter. Sauté it briefly over medium-low.
- Boiling the Sauce: After adding the cream, maintain a gentle simmer. A rolling boil can cause the sauce to separate or become greasy.
- Underseasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper. Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan add saltiness, but you may need more.
Conclusion
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is a restaurant-quality meal that is deceptively simple to make at home. The combination of juicy, seared chicken and a luxuriously rich, tangy sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this impressive dinner. It’s a perfect, comforting dish for both weeknights and special occasions, offering rich flavors that everyone will love.