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Let’s get cozy with these Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts, enveloped in a lush sauce that perfectly balances spice and creaminess. This dish is a foolproof crowd-pleaser, perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners.
Easy Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts
I’m telling you, this Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts recipe is a real game-changer for weeknight dinners. First off, the chicken is incredibly tender, soaking up all the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and a silky smooth sauce spiced just right with a dash of red pepper flakes.
Then, as if by magic, fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, making each bite as wholesome as it is delicious. Trust me, this dish will have everyone at the table asking for seconds! When I make this, everyone ends up licking their plates, that sauce is that good!
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on the chicken’s internal temperature towards the end of baking. Cooking the chicken until it just reaches 165°F (75°C) ensures it stays wonderfully juicy and tender.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken breasts: You’ll need boneless skinless chicken breasts. You can use frozen breasts but you’ll need to thaw them first.
- Salt and pepper: Feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Olive oil: Helps to meld the flavors in the sauce.
- Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor. I recommend fresh garlic.
- Heavy cream: I love adding heavy cream to create that creamy luxurious texture. If you’re looking for a dairy free alternative, a full-fat coconut milk is a great choice.
- Chicken broth: I like to add a bit to create lots of that delicious sauce. Opt for a no sodium or low sodium added broth. Feel free to sub with vegetable broth.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: I like to use these for that sweet, tangy kick.
- Italian seasoning: I love to use this seasoning on chicken. You can either make your own or use store-bought.
- Paprika: For warmth and some color. Feel free to sub with smoked paprika.
- Red pepper flakes: Add a nice heat; adjust the amount to suit how spicy you like your food.
- Spinach: I like to add this for color, texture, and a nutritional boost. Kale or Swiss chard are great alternatives.
- Fresh parsley: I like to add a bit for freshness and color.
First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). In your baking dish, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Take your chicken breasts and season them well with salt and pepper. Then, nestle the chicken into the baking dish, making sure it’s nicely coated with the creamy sauce.
Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. After the initial bake, remove the dish from the oven and scatter the fresh spinach around the chicken. Then, slide it back into the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted, the sauce is bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Let the dish sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven; this lets the juices redistribute. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat.
How To Serve
I love to serve this chicken with something light and fresh or even a hearty side to make it a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to serve alongside this delicious chicken:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based cream or full-fat coconut milk as a substitute for heavy cream. This will keep the creamy texture without the dairy.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the spinach for extra flavor and texture. Just add these vegetables during the last 10-15 minutes of baking so they don’t become too soft.
Expert Tips
- Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Cover the dish with foil if the top starts to brown too quickly, keeping the moisture in while allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly.
- Let the dish stand for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
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Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts
Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts are the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken nestled in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests.
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Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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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.
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and nestle them into the sauce mixture in the baking dish.
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Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken starts to brown on top and is mostly cooked through (the internal temperature should be around 155°F or 68°C at this point).
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Remove the baking dish from the oven, and quickly scatter the fresh spinach around the chicken. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted, the sauce is bubbly, and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
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If you desire more browning, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end, but watch it closely.
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Let the dish rest for a few minutes out of the oven before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Substitution Tip: If you’re out of heavy cream, use equal parts of milk and butter as a quick fix.
- Spice Adjustment: Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Storage Advice: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze the baked dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until heated through.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or over a bed of cooked pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1servingCalories: 412kcal (21%)Carbohydrates: 12g (4%)Protein: 29g (58%)Fat: 29g (45%)Saturated Fat: 15g (94%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 140mg (47%)Sodium: 182mg (8%)Potassium: 1051mg (30%)Fiber: 3g (13%)Sugar: 7g (8%)Vitamin A: 2070IU (41%)Vitamin C: 10mg (12%)Calcium: 91mg (9%)Iron: 3mg (17%)
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
