Creamy Parmesan and Sundried Tomato Baked Chicken

Introduction

This easy baked chicken dish delivers big, bold Italian flavor with minimal effort. Boneless chicken breasts are smothered in a savory Parmesan cream sauce infused with the sweet tang of sundried tomatoes. As the chicken bakes, the sauce reduces down to a silky covering. Baked until juicy and tender, this restaurant-worthy chicken is ready in under an hour with just a few ingredients. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips to amp up the flavor, and creative ways to serve this creamy tomato Parmesan chicken.

Benefits of Sundried Tomatoes

Sundried tomatoes provide beneficial nutrients like:

• Antioxidants lycopene and carotenoids
• Vitamin C
• Iron
• Potassium
• Fiber

Benefits of Chicken

Chicken offers high quality protein for optimal health:

• Complete protein with all amino acids
• Vitamin B6 for metabolism
• Selenium and zinc for immunity
• Niacin for energy
• Choline for brain function

Ingredients

This easy baked chicken requires just a few ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Sundried tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic
• Basil
• Olive oil

Step-by-Step Recipe

Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Make the Sauce

To skillet, add cream, broth, sundried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and basil. Stir and simmer.

Bake the Chicken

Place seared chicken in baking dish. Pour sauce over top. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.

Finish and Serve

Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.

Recipe Customizations

Tailor this recipe to your taste:

• Use chicken thighs, cutlets, or tenders instead
• Swap sundried tomatoes for roasted red peppers
• Add mushrooms, spinach, or kale
• Use goat cheese or gruyere instead
• Stir in pesto or chopped olives
• Season with red pepper flakes or Italian herbs

Serving Options

• Over pasta, zucchini noodles, or rice
• With roasted vegetables or ratatouille
• On top of creamy polenta
• With tomato salad or roasted beets
• With crusty bread for dipping

Meal Ideas

Round out your meal with:

• Garden salad or Caesar salad
• Garlic breadsticks
• Pasta salad
• Sauteed broccoli
• Tiramisu

Beverage Pairings

• Pinot Grigio
• Chianti
• Sparkling lemonade
• Iced tea
• Sangria spritzer

Leftover and Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Storage Tips

• Allow to cool completely before storing
• Keep sauce and chicken separate
• Seal container tightly
• Use oldest leftovers first

Reheating Tips

• Microwave chicken with a splash of sauce
• Simmer sauce in saucepan until warmed through
• Combine and bake at 350°F until heated through

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to bake the chicken?

Baking at 400°F ensures moist, tender chicken. Use an oven-safe dish with low sides.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free milk and omit the Parmesan to make it dairy-free.

How long does this dish keep in the fridge?

Leftovers will keep covered in the refrigerator 3-4 days.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

You can freeze leftovers up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating gently.

What sides go well with this chicken?

Roasted veggies, pasta, risotto, salad, and crusty bread are perfect pairings.

Conclusion

This easy yet impressive Parmesan and sundried tomato baked chicken delivers bold, comforting Italian flavor with minimal effort. Smothering juicy chicken breasts in a rich, tomatoey cream sauce creates a restaurant-worthy meal using just a few ingredients. Adapt the recipe to your taste then serve this chicken with fresh salad or hot pasta for a completely satisfying dinner. Buon appetito!