Indulge your taste buds with this delightful Creamy Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Onions and Sun-Dried Tomatoes! Imagine tender chicken thighs, perfectly seared and enveloped in a rich and tangy cream sauce, accompanied by roasted onions and the bold flavors of sun-dried tomatoes. This one-pan dish is not only bursting with flavor but also embodies the essence of comfort food, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or special gatherings.
The appeal of this recipe lies in its simplicity and convenience. With minimal prep work and the magic of oven roasting, you’ll have a hearty meal that practically cooks itself. The melding of sweet roasted onions and the umami of balsamic vinegar results in a sauce that you’ll want to savor with every bite. Not to mention, the leftover sauce is fantastic over pasta or drizzled on fresh salads. As you prepare this Creamy Balsamic Chicken, you’ll not only enjoy an incredible dish but also create a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Balsamic Chicken
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of balsamic vinegar, roasted onions, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a multi-layered flavor profile that is both satisfying and rich.
- One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy less cleanup! Everything cooks together in one dish, making dinner a breeze.
- Comforting and Hearty: Perfect for those cozy nights in, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
- Easy Preparation: Minimal chopping and fuss make this a great weeknight meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, pasta, or fresh bread to soak up that amazing sauce.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to set up your kitchen for success. Start by gathering all the ingredients listed, ensuring that your workspace is tidy and organized. This not only saves time but also makes cooking more enjoyable. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a large skillet for searing the chicken, and a mixing bowl for combining the roasted vegetables. Don’t forget about measuring spoons to keep your ingredients precise!
Having a quality chef’s knife will make slicing the onions a breeze, and a sturdy spatula will help in mixing everything together without damaging your dish. A good pair of kitchen tongs will be essential for flipping the chicken while it’s searing. Finally, don’t forget oven mitts to protect your hands when handling the hot dish!
Ingredients
- 1.7 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into strips)
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 head garlic (top trimmed)
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Olive oil (for roasting and searing)
- 1 handful chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your baking dish will reach the right temperature once everything is ready to go in. A hot oven is crucial for roasting the vegetables to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 2: Roast Onions & Garlic
In your baking dish, add the thinly sliced onions, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, salt, paprika, and your Italian herbs. Using your hands or a spoon, mix these ingredients well to ensure the flavors begin to meld together. Next, take the head of garlic and place it in the center of the dish, cut side up, drizzling it with a touch of olive oil. Cover the dish with foil and roast in the preheated oven for about one hour, stirring halfway through. This slow roasting process will create a wonderfully flavorful base for your creamy sauce.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
While the onions and garlic are roasting, it’s time to prepare the chicken. In a mixing bowl, season the chicken strips with garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of salt. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once finished, set the chicken aside. This step adds a beautiful crispy texture to the chicken that will complement the cream sauce.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
After taking the baking dish out of the oven (be careful; it will be hot!), squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skins into the onion and tomato mixture. The roasted garlic will transform into a sweet, creamy addition to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped parsley, mixing everything until well combined. Finally, return the seared chicken to the dish, ensuring it’s fully coated in the creamy mixture.
Step 5: Final Bake
To finish off this delightful dish, put the baking dish back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors while the sauce thickens slightly. Finally, serve your creamy balsamic chicken warm, spooning extra sauce over the top for that perfect finish!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even shrimp for a delightful twist.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
- Spices: Experiment with adding red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for depth.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a good sear.
- Feel free to use low-fat cream or a dairy-free substitute if you prefer.
- If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of chicken broth or water.
- Stir the sauce well after adding the chicken to coat evenly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this creamy chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the sauce.
- Add a fresh green salad on the side to balance the richness of the dish.
Tips
- Always taste and adjust seasoning according to your preferences before finishing the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently to preserve moisture.
- Garnish with additional parsley or freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- For a complete meal, consider cooking some crusty bread to serve alongside, perfect for dipping in that delicious sauce!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs, but they may result in a slightly drier dish, so be mindful of cooking time.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Consider using skinless chicken breast and swapping heavy cream for a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt or cashew cream.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the onion mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just sear the chicken and combine everything on the day of serving.
What can I serve with this recipe?
This Creamy Balsamic Chicken pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
In summary, this Creamy Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Onions and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delectable dish that blends rich flavors with easy preparation. It’s perfect for any occasion, from weekday dinners to festive gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, roasted vegetables, and a creamy sauce makes each bite a comforting experience that will have your family asking for seconds. Don’t forget to explore the suggested variations and serving options to make this dish truly your own! Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you enjoyed this delightful recipe!
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Creamy Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Onions and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge your taste buds with this delightful Creamy Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Onions and Sun-Dried Tomatoes!
Ingredients
- 1.7 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into strips)
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 head garlic (top trimmed)
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Olive oil (for roasting and searing)
- 1 handful chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In your baking dish, add the thinly sliced onions, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, salt, paprika, and your Italian herbs. Mix well, then place the head of garlic in the center, cut side up, drizzled with olive oil. Cover with foil and roast for about one hour, stirring halfway through.
- Season the chicken strips with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Sear in a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic into the onion mixture, stir in heavy cream and chopped parsley, and return the seared chicken to the dish.
- Put the baking dish back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes to absorb flavors and thicken the sauce.
Notes
Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken for a good sear.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 30 g