Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

This creamy chicken bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are baked in a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, creating a deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained of oil)
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the chicken breasts in the dish and season evenly with onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Evenly distribute the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken breasts.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, and all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture over and around the chicken in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Step 7: Remove the dish from the oven and gently stir in the chopped fresh spinach. Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes until the spinach wilts.
8. Step 8: Serve the chicken breasts with the creamy sauce alongside your favorite side, such as rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté the sun-dried tomatoes in a little olive oil before adding them to the dish.
• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more vibrant taste.
• Add mushrooms or chopped bell peppers along with the spinach for added texture and nutrition.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator before preparing the dish.

What can I serve with creamy chicken bake?

This dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or buttered pasta to balance the rich and creamy sauce.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 73 reviews

This Creamy Chicken Bake is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a rich, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Enhanced with herbs and fresh spinach, it’s an easy oven-baked recipe perfect for a satisfying dinner when paired with rice or vegetables.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasonings

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Add-ins

• 2/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained of oil)
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the chicken evenly and thoroughly.
2. Season chicken: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the chicken breasts in the dish and evenly season them with onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, and pepper for a balanced and flavorful base.
3. Add tomatoes: Evenly distribute the drained, chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the seasoned chicken breasts to add a tangy and rich layer of flavor.
4. Whisk sauce: In a bowl, combine and whisk together the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, low-sodium chicken broth, garlic powder, and all-purpose flour until smooth. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese to incorporate a creamy, cheesy texture.
5. Bake: Pour the prepared creamy sauce over and around the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
6. Stir spinach: Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir in the chopped fresh spinach. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes so the residual heat wilts the spinach, adding freshness and nutrition to the dish.
7. Serve: Plate the chicken breasts generously smothered with the creamy sauce and garnish. Serve alongside your choice of rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
• For a lower-fat option, replace heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be less rich.
• Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil should be drained well to avoid excess oiliness in the dish.
• This dish pairs well with garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.

Keywords: Creamy chicken bake, baked chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes chicken, creamy Parmesan chicken, easy chicken dinner