Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort dish: chicken breast in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce served over fluffy rice pilaf! It’s one of those meals that just wraps you in a warm hug with every bite. The tender chicken, infused with that rich, creamy sauce and the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, creates a flavor explosion that you won’t forget. And pairing it with perfectly cooked rice pilaf really takes it over the top! I whip this up for family dinners and special occasions alike, and believe me, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. You’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients List
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound) – These will be the star of the dish, providing that juicy protein base.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – Look for those packed in oil for extra flavor, or dry ones that you can rehydrate.
- 1 cup heavy cream – This adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, making it absolutely luscious.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and adding a touch of Mediterranean flair.
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic kick!
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped – Feel free to use dried if you don’t have fresh, but fresh gives a vibrant touch.
- 1 cup long-grain rice – This will be your fluffy base, so choose a good quality long-grain for perfect pilaf.
- 2 cups chicken broth – Homemade is best, but store-bought works in a pinch; it adds depth to the rice.
- 1 small onion, diced – This will sweeten and complement the flavors in your sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning; don’t skimp on these!
How to Prepare Chicken Breast Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Rice Pilaf
Preparing the Chicken
First things first, let’s get those chicken breasts ready! Start by seasoning them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step makes a world of difference in flavor. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, gently add the chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through—no one likes dry chicken, right? Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, letting it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices in, making every bite tender and juicy!
Making the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, you’ll want to keep all those delicious drippings! Add 1 small diced onion and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Now, toss in your chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. This step really brings out their amazing flavor! Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh basil, and season with additional salt and pepper to your taste. Let it simmer for around 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in that rich sauce, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Cooking the Rice Pilaf
While your chicken is simmering away, let’s get that rice pilaf going! In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, add in 1 cup of long-grain rice, give it a little stir, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all that flavorful broth. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving. This fluffy rice is the perfect base to soak up that creamy sauce and tender chicken!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, creamy sauce with the delightful tang of sun-dried tomatoes.
- Tender chicken paired with fluffy rice pilaf creates a satisfying meal.
- Great for meal prep or serving at gatherings—everyone loves it!
- Versatile—feel free to add veggies or adjust seasonings to your taste!
Nutritional Information
It’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can’t provide exact figures, a typical serving of this chicken breast sun-dried tomato cream sauce rice pilaf contains around 600 calories, with approximately 30g of fat, 35g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. Always feel free to adjust ingredients to suit your dietary needs!
Tips for Success
To take your chicken breast sun-dried tomato cream sauce rice pilaf to the next level, consider marinating the chicken in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least an hour before cooking. It makes a world of difference in flavor! You can also add some fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for a delicious twist and extra nutrition. When serving, don’t forget to sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for that cheesy richness that pairs so beautifully with the creamy sauce. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add even more flavor to your sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What if I can’t find sun-dried tomatoes?
No worries! You can substitute with fresh tomatoes—just roast them first to intensify their flavor, or use a bit of tomato paste mixed into the cream for a different but tasty approach.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat gently when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to cook the rice pilaf fresh for the best texture.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative in place of heavy cream, and ensure your chicken broth is also dairy-free.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This chicken breast sun-dried tomato cream sauce rice pilaf is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your chicken breast sun-dried tomato cream sauce rice pilaf, consider serving it with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. A side of roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach adds a pop of color and freshness, while a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few basil leaves on top will make it look absolutely stunning. Enjoy your delicious creation!
For more information on the health benefits of sun-dried tomatoes, check out this Healthline article. You can also learn about the nutritional value of chicken breast here.
Print
Chicken Breast Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Rice Pilaf Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A savory dish featuring chicken breast in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce served over fluffy rice pilaf.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté until translucent.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in basil and season with salt and pepper.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add rice and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender.
- Fluff rice with a fork and serve topped with chicken and sauce.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate chicken in herbs before cooking.
- Try adding spinach or mushrooms for variation.
- Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan for richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken breast, sun-dried tomato, cream sauce, rice pilaf
