Contents
Introduction
Indulge in the savory goodness of Skillet Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Thighs, a delightful dish that blends tender chicken thighs with a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is both simple to prepare and full of flavor.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
5½ tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, diced
1 cup chicken stock
½ cup half and half
½ cup sun-dried tomato halves
2 cups baby spinach
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Dredge the seasoned chicken in 4 tablespoons of flour until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large cast iron skillet, heat the canola oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced shallot. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk in the remaining 1½ tablespoons of flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, half and half, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the baby spinach, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Serve immediately, ensuring each portion has a generous amount of sauce.
This dish pairs wonderfully with mushroom risotto and crusty bread. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
– Season the chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
– Dredge the seasoned chicken in 4 tablespoons of flour until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken:
– In a large cast iron skillet, heat the canola oil and butter over medium heat.
– Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, about 4-5 minutes per side.
– Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Prepare the Sauce:
– In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced shallot. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Whisk in the remaining 1½ tablespoons of flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
– Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, half and half, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
– Stir in the baby spinach, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve:
– Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
– Serve immediately, ensuring each portion has a generous amount of sauce.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
– This dish pairs wonderfully with mushroom risotto and crusty bread.
Garnishing:
– For an extra touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Cook techniques
1. Seasoning the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
2. Dredging
Coat the seasoned chicken in flour to create a crispy exterior and help thicken the sauce later.
3. Searing
Sear the chicken in a hot skillet to achieve a golden-brown crust while locking in moisture.
4. Aromatics
Add garlic and shallots to the skillet to build a flavorful base for the sauce.
5. Creating the Sauce
Incorporate flour, chicken stock, half and half, and sun-dried tomatoes to create a rich and creamy sauce.
6. Simmering
Allow the sauce to simmer, which helps deepen the flavors and achieve the desired thickness.
7. Combining Ingredients
Nestle the cooked chicken back into the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together before serving.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they may cook faster and could dry out if overcooked.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it before adding the chicken.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary for the recipe?
While they add a unique flavor, you can substitute them with fresh tomatoes or omit them if desired.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, other cheeses that melt well, such as mozzarella or Gouda, can be used in place of Parmesan.
What can I serve this dish with?
It pairs well with sides like pasta, rice, or leafy greens. Crusty bread is also a great addition for sauce dipping.
Conclusion
The Skillet Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Thighs is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce, infused with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of spinach. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also presents beautifully, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this meal with your favorite sides for a complete culinary experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Mushroom Risotto
Creamy mushroom risotto is an ideal side dish that complements the flavors of the chicken while adding a luxurious texture to your meal.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus drizzled with garlic and topped with Parmesan cheese offers a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich chicken dish.
Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad
A light lemon herb quinoa salad provides a refreshing and healthy accompaniment, balancing the richness of the chicken with citrus notes.
Caprese Salad
A classic Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a bright, flavorful touch to the meal.
Crusty Garlic Bread
Served warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce from the skillet chicken, making every last bite enjoyable.
