Plate of chicken with creamy tomato sauce, garnished with herbs.

Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce

ByCasey Monroe

Why make this recipe

Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce is a simple yet delicious dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. The rich, creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken and vibrant spinach, makes for a filling dinner option. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to make Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally to create 4 thinner steaks
  • 1 tsp sea salt flakes
  • ½ tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
  • 60 g (2 oz) unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
  • ½ cup (80 g) marinated semi-dried (sun-blushed) tomatoes (see note 1 for substitutes)
  • 4 cups (180 g) fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock
  • 1 cup (250 ml) pure (single/pouring) cream or thickened (heavy) cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated parmesan

Directions:

  1. Lay the chicken breast halves on a flat plate and sprinkle each side with salt, pepper, and flour. Use your hands to coat evenly.
  2. Heat 20 g (¾ oz) of the butter in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes on each side until almost cooked through. The outside will become golden, and parts will become crisp. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
  3. Increase the heat to high and add the remaining 40 g (1½ oz) of butter to the same pan along with the garlic. Stir for 30 seconds, then add the semi-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook for 1 minute until the spinach leaves have softened.
  4. Add the chicken stock and cook for 2 minutes until some liquid has evaporated.
  5. Add the cream, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Stir through the parmesan, return the chicken to the pan, and cook for a further 2 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
  7. Serve with rice, mashed potato, pasta, or crusty bread.

How to serve Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. You can serve it over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce. Crusty bread also makes a great addition to enjoy every last bit of the creamy goodness.

How to store Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce

To store leftovers, let the Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips to make Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce

  • Ensure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning to help the flour stick better.
  • Don’t rush cooking the chicken; a golden color adds flavor and texture.
  • You can substitute the semi-dried tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes or fresh tomatoes if needed.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of Italian herbs like basil or oregano to the cream sauce.

Variation

You can customize this dish by adding other vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers. For a lighter option, substitute the cream with a plant-based cream or yogurt.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They can add extra flavor and stay moist during cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. Just cook the chicken fresh right before serving for the best texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour substitute for coating the chicken.