Description
This Smothered Baked Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts baked in a creamy sauce made with fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner with minimal prep and an elegant finish from slow baking in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Creamed Spinach and Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is ready for baking the chicken to perfection after the stovetop steps.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste, preparing them for browning and baking.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create the Sauce Base: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Let this mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors and begin thickening the sauce.
- Add Spinach and Herbs: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted. Then stir in the dried basil, dried thyme, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble for Baking: Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach mixture over each piece evenly.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the oven-safe skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and serve the chicken breasts topped with the lovely creamed spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce for a flavorful, hearty meal.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is oven-safe before transferring it to the oven to avoid damage or injury.
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after baking, if needed.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for a more robust and authentic flavor.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
