Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
This creamy baked chicken breasts recipe features tender, juicy chicken cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce made with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasonings. Enhanced with fresh spinach and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is ideal for a comforting yet elegant weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is at the correct temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a baking dish, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to create a flavorful sauce base.
- Season and Arrange Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Nestle them into the prepared sauce mixture in the baking dish, making sure they are well coated and partially submerged.
- Initial Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken starts to brown on top and is mostly cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of about 155°F (68°C).
- Add Spinach and Continue Baking: Remove the dish from the oven and scatter the fresh chopped spinach around the chicken. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the spinach wilts, the sauce becomes bubbly, and the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
- Optional Broil for Browning: For extra browning, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for a few minutes outside the oven before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra red pepper flakes if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C) without overcooking.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will add more richness; adjust olive oil accordingly.
- Serve with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread to complement the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
