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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken πŸ…πŸ—

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Are you craving a tasty dinner that's low-carb? You've hit the jackpot with our Keto Sun-dried Tomato Chicken! Imagine juicy chicken thighs, fresh spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes - it's a real game changer!

Boneless chicken thigh with creamy sun-dried tomato, spinach and basil .
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Preparation and cooking overview

Prepare this one-pan dish in just 30 minutes! All you have to do is pan-sear the meat and make the sauce. It's a perfect solution for busy weeknights!

Chef's note

For extra flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also have some spice fun with red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos. It's a versatile recipe, and you can change it to your liking.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

πŸ…πŸ— Ingredients for this sundried tomato chicken recipe

Follow this simple ingredient list:

  • 6 (1 Β½ pounds) skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  • Fine sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Β½ cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
  • ΒΎ cup heavy cream
  • Β½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup baby spinach, loosely packed
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon freshly chopped basil
Homemade keto sun-dried tomato chicken recipe served on a plate.

Ingredient substitutions

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Substitute with skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins, noting that the cooking time varies. Chicken breasts require 5-6 minutes for tender results, while chicken tenderloins cook in 3-4 minutes.
  • Butter: If you don't prefer butter, you can use olive oil or coconut oil. Keep in mind that both oils have a distinct taste, so using them will alter the taste.
  • Fresh garlic: If you don't have fresh garlic, use about β…› teaspoon of garlic powder per clove. For this recipe, you will need Β½ teaspoon.
  • Italian seasoning: If you don't have Italian seasoning, create a herb blend using basil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and rosemary.
  • Spinach: If you don't like spinach, opt for low-carb greens like kale or Swiss chard.
  • Parmesan: Pecorino Romano is a close substitute for Parmesan, as both are salty, aged Italian cheeses.

Additional ingredients

You can enjoy some additional ingredients in this low-carb meal for extra flavor.

  • Avocado: Slice some creamy avocado and serve it alongside the dish.
  • Mushrooms: Add mushroom chunks for an earthy flavor.
  • Fresh lemon: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice before serving to add a citrusy flavor.
Low carb chicken recipe with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.

Cooking tools required

To make this Sun Dried Tomato Chicken recipe, you'll need these kitchen tools:

  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Tongs
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Plate or bowl
  • Spoon

Tools substitute options

  • Cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a regular heavy-bottomed frying pan.
  • Tongs: Can't find your tongs? Use a fork or spatula to flip the chicken.
Keto chicken, tomato, and spinach recipe.

How to make Sun Dried Tomato Chicken: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-searing

Preparation steps

  1. Get your ingredients and measure them.
  2. Sprinkle some sea salt and pepper on the chicken thighs. Coat both sides evenly.
  3. Finely chop the drained sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.
  4. Mince the garlic cloves.
  5. Rinse the spinach under cold water and pat dry.
  6. Grate the Parmesan cheese.
Salt and pepper seasoned chicken pieces.

Cooking instructions

  1. Place a large pan on medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
  2. Once the butter melts, place the seasoned chicken in the pan.
  3. Cook for 7-8 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and add garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir for 30 seconds. Then, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another minute.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and stir until smooth.
  6. Add the grated parmesan cheese. Let it simmer and thicken slightly until a creamier sauce is formed.
  7. Add the baby spinach and chicken to the pan, then turn off the heat. Let the spinach wilt and the chicken warm up.
  8. Sprinkle the freshly chopped basil over the dish as a final touch.
Cooking seasoned kitchen in a cast iron pan.
Cooking garlic and Italian seasoning in melted butter in a cast iron dish.
Cooking sun dried tomatoes with garlic in a cast iron dish.
Sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and broth shimmering in a cast iron dish.
Spinach leaves added to the creamy dish made in a cast iron pan.
Cooking chicken and spinach in creamy sauce.

Chef's pro tip

A common blunder while cooking creamy basil chicken is overdoing it. Watch your timing, considering the thickness of your cutlets. The best tip is to use a meat thermometer - the internal temp should be 165Β°F (75Β°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.

What to serve with sun-dried tomato chicken?

  • Cauliflower rice: This is a great alternative to regular rice. It absorbs the creamy sauce and complements the flavor of the creamy chicken.
  • Roasted asparagus: It brings a satisfying crunch and pleasant contrast to the chicken.
  • SautΓ©ed Broccoli: Lightly sautΓ©ed in olive oil, it brings out broccoli's natural flavors beautifully.
  • Keto bread: Add some Keto Dinner Rolls or Keto NaanΒ for a flatbread twist.
  • Green beans: Pair your meal with Garlic Butter Green Beans and enjoy the flavor explosion from this combo.
Chicken recipe cooked with sun dried tomatoes.

How to make it healthier?

Here are some tips to make this high-protein dish more healthy:

  • Use less salt: Instead of sprinkling salt on both sides of the filets, use a salt-free seasoning blend.
  • Use leaner cuts: Use chicken breasts. They are leaner than chicken thighs.
  • Use less heavy cream: Use a lower-fat option like coconut milk to lighten the sauce.

Time-saving tips

  • Buy pre-cut chicken thighs from the grocery store.
  • Use pre-shredded cheese.
Low carb chicken and tomato recipe.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Season chicken thighs: Season the meat using olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

To store the leftovers, allow them to cool at room temperature. Then, transfer the chicken to an airtight container or wrap it in plastic or aluminum foil.

  • Refrigerator: Store the leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. They will be good for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Store the chicken and sauce separately in the freezer-safe bag for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing the spinach as it becomes mushy when thawed.
Keto chicken and tomato recipe.

Reheating tips

  • Microwave: Place the desired portion of the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish. Reheat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, and stir halfway.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Transfer the dish to an oven-safe bowl and cover it with foil to prevent drying. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes or until heated.
  • Stove: Place the leftover chicken in a non-stick pan or skillet over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even heating. Reheat for approximately 5-10 minutes or until warmed to your desired temperature.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

The Sun-dried Tomato Chicken with spinach and basil is a delightful, low-carb dinner recipe. It perfectly combines juicy chicken with Mediterranean flavors. It's a perfect meal-planning recipe since it only takes 30 minutes to cook. You can easily prepare it in batches!

Try it out and let us know how it went. Click a picture of your creation and share it with us!

Sun-dried tomatoes and chicken recipe served on a plate.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, use half-and-half coconut milk as a lighter alternative to heavy cream. The texture and flavor of the sauce may vary.

Increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes per side for bone-in chicken thighs. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165Β°F (75Β°C).

Yes! Use non-dairy substitutes like coconut cream or almond milk to make it dairy-free. Taste and texture may differ slightly.

Yes, it is. Draining removes any excess oil and prevents the delicious sauce from becoming overly greasy. You will also have to chop the tomatoes finely.

Add a small amount of heavy cream or chicken broth to thin out the sauce. Start with a tablespoon and gradually increase if needed.

πŸ“– Recipe

Keto sun-dried tomato chicken.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Enjoy a flavorful and easy-to-make Keto Sun-dried Tomato Chicken with juicy chicken thighs, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, perfect for a low-carb dinner!
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: keto chicken, low carb, sundried tomatoes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 461kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 1 Β½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  • Fine sea salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Β½ cup drained sun-dried tomatoes finely chopped
  • ΒΎ cup heavy cream
  • Β½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup baby spinach loosely packed
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon freshly chopped basil
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preparation steps

  • Get your ingredients and measure them.
  • Sprinkle some sea salt and pepper on the chicken thighs. Coat both sides evenly.
  • Finely chop the drained sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.
  • Mince the garlic cloves.
  • Rinse the spinach under cold water and pat dry.
  • Grate the Parmesan cheese.

Cooking steps

  • Place a large pan on medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
  • Once the butter melts, place the seasoned chicken in the pan.
  • Cook for 7-8 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and add garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir for 30 seconds. Then, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another minute.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and stir until smooth.
  • Add the grated parmesan cheese. Let it simmer and thicken slightly until a creamier sauce is formed.
  • Add the baby spinach and chicken to the pan, then turn off the heat. Let the spinach wilt and the chicken warm up.
  • Sprinkle the freshly chopped basil over the dish as a final touch.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 461 Calories from Fat 270
% Daily Value*
Fat 30g46%
Saturated Fat 16g100%
Trans Fat 0.3g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 8g
Cholesterol 229mg76%
Sodium 282mg12%
Potassium 1018mg29%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 38g76%
Vitamin A 1727IU35%
Vitamin C 8mg10%
Calcium 104mg10%
Iron 3mg17%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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