Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Creamy Polenta

Right then, let's dive into this deliciousness!

Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Creamy Polenta

Ever find yourself scratching your head for chicken dinner ideas ? honestly, me too! but this tuscan inspired chicken? oh my gosh, it's a game changer.

We're talking tender, flavourful chicken swimming in a sun-dried tomato sauce, all served atop creamy polenta. it’s proper comfort food, elevated.

You know?

A Taste of Tuscany at Home

This dish isn't just a recipe; it's a mini vacation! it borrows from the rustic, heartwarming flavours of tuscany. a bit like ina garten’s style, it’s proper tasty and feels like a hug on a plate.

Don't be scared off by "tuscan" it's totally doable, even on a weeknight. it takes around an hour, give or take, and serves four hungry souls.

I reckon it is something to rave about with friends at a dinner party .

Why You'll Love This Chicken Dinner

One of the best things? it feels fancy, but it's secretly good for you! chicken is packed with protein. plus, it's a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

This chicken is special, because the sauce is just chef's kiss .

Time for ingredients, yeah?

Gather Your Ingredients

First up, the Chicken, you need a whole chicken, about 3.5-4 lbs, and pat it proper dry!.

Simple Steps to Tuscan Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) and get ready to rock!. This isn’t like Skinnytaste Recipes , but it's flavourful enough that you won't miss the extra calories.

Creamy Polenta Bliss

Speaking of sides, this polenta is the real deal! It takes a little patience, but it's worth it. I have even used this recipe as a dairy-free Meals once.

Serving Suggestions

Serve it up with some roasted asparagus and a hunk of crusty bread for soaking up that gorgeous sauce. don't forget a glass of red wine if you're feeling fancy!.

If you are into weight watchers recipes dinner this one might be up there.

Quick Tips & Tricks

Want crispy skin? pat the chicken dry like your life depends on it! also, a thermometer is your best friend aim for 165° f ( 74° c).

This is the kind of yummy meals that makes people ask for the recipe! give it a go, you might be surprised.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this Tuscan inspired chicken dinner ideas masterpiece! Honestly, it's all about getting the right ingredients to really nail those Italian flavours.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Main Ingredients

Okay, let's break down exactly what you'll need. remember those skinnytaste recipes and weight watchers recipes dinner you love? we're keeping it relatively healthy, but packed with flavour.

This is also one of my favorite easy summer dinner recipes , so perfect for using up those summer ingredients.

For the Chicken:

• One whole chicken (about 3.5-4 lbs / 1.6-1.8 kg ). Quality is key here. Look for chicken that's plump and has a healthy pinkish colour. Avoid anything that looks pale or feels slimy.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml) : Extra virgin is always my go-to.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5 ml)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (2.5 ml)
• 4 cloves garlic , minced. Trust me on this one, fresh garlic makes ALL the difference.
• ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes , drained and thinly sliced (about 70g). Grab the ones in oil for maximum flavour.
• ½ cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) ( 120 ml ). Don't use anything you wouldn't drink!
• ½ cup chicken broth (120 ml) . My grandma always used homemade.
• ¼ cup heavy cream (60 ml) . This is what makes the sauce so lush.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

For the Creamy Polenta:

• 4 cups chicken broth (1 Liter)
• 1 cup polenta (coarse ground cornmeal) (approx 175g).
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g). Freshly grated is a must, avoid the pre-shredded stuff, it lacks flavour.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Seasoning Notes: It's All About Flavour

This is where the magic happens. We are looking for yummy meals ! Don’t be afraid to play around a bit.

• Garlic and sun-dried tomatoes are our base. This combo is classic Tuscan.
• Fresh basil and parsley add that final pop of freshness. Honestly, the smell alone is divine!
• Want a little something extra? A pinch of red pepper flakes can really elevate it to bang bang chicken bowl deliciousness.
• No fresh herbs? No worries! 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

Right, what you'll actually need... Keep it simple!

• Large roasting pan. A standard one will do, nothing fancy.
• Small saucepan. For that creamy polenta.
• Whisk. Crucial for lump free polenta.
• Instant read thermometer. Essential for making sure your chicken is cooked to a safe 165° F ( 74° C) . You really want to be sure.
• Cutting board. You know... for chopping.
• Chef's knife. A good sharp knife is a game changer.

If you don't have a roasting pan, a large oven safe skillet will work just fine. as for polenta, if you don't have polenta available, you can use creamy mashed potatoes as a substitute, but of course it would't be the same taste.

Remember that chicken and polenta are the perfect combination for cheap summer meals and can be adapted for dairy-free meals , as well as one of many exciting poke bowl ideas .

Alright, let's dive into this tuscan sun-dried tomato chicken recipe. honestly, it sounds way fancier than it actually is. you know? it's basically posh roast chicken, perfect for those nights when you wanna impress without slaving away for hours.

And who doesn't love a good chicken dinner? it's comfort food taken up a notch! let's get to it!

Cooking Method: Tuscan Chicken Magic

The inspiration comes from a place in tuscany, somewhere in the sun. it can be hard sometimes to find good skinnytaste recipes that you enjoy, and even harder to get it on the dinner table.

What's more, trying to plan out all the various meals can be a tough ask. so here are my tips for a great chicken recipe with simple instructions, perfect for the whole family.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place

Okay, first things first. mise en place , fancy french for "get your stuff together." roughly translated, preparation is key! before we even think about turning on the oven, chop your garlic (4 cloves), slice those sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, drained), and get your herbs ready (2 tablespoons basil, 1 tablespoon parsley).

Have your ½ cup of white wine and ½ cup of chicken broth measured out. this saves so much time later.

For this prep it should take about 25 minutes.

step-by-step: Tuscan Chicken Done Right

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C). Get that baby HOT!
2. Pat the chicken (1 whole) dry and season with salt (1 teaspoon) and pepper (½ teaspoon). This is crucial for crispy skin.
3. Heat olive oil (2 tablespoons) in your roasting pan. Brown the chicken on all sides. This adds so much flavour.
4. Remove the chicken and sauté minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1- 2 minutes. The aroma alone will make your mouth water.
5. Deglaze the pan with white wine. Scrape up all those yummy browned bits. Add chicken broth.
6. Place the chicken back in the pan and roast for 35- 45 minutes , or until a thermometer reads 165° F ( 74° C) in the thickest part of the thigh. This is your "done" signal!
7. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Stir in heavy cream (¼ cup), basil, and parsley into the pan sauce. Simmer until slightly thickened.

Pro Tips for Tuscan Chicken Awesomeness

• Crispy Skin Secret: Pat that chicken dry. I cannot stress this enough. Nobody wants soggy skin.
• Don't overcook it! A thermometer is your best friend here. Dry chicken is a crime. Bang Bang Chicken Bowl would be nice but not if it's dry.
• make-ahead? You can prep the sauce ahead of time. It will need to be refrigerated for no more than 24 hours. Then just roast the chicken when you're ready. This helps on busy weeknights for getting easy summer dinner recipes on the table!
• I love serving this with the creamy polenta because it makes it a full dish and the flavors just meld perfectly. Other poke bowl ideas also work well. If I'm short on time, though, roasted veggies are a great side too.

This tuscan chicken is honestly a winner. it's relatively quick, totally delicious, and always a crowd pleaser. give it a go, and let me know what you think! and don’t forget to search for this meal online, i'm sure you'll find many other great chicken dinner ideas .

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits for this gorgeous Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Dinner Ideas recipe. Honestly, these tips will take it from good to amazing .

Recipe Notes

Serving Like a Pro!

Okay, so presentation matters, right? when plating, think rustic chic. pile that creamy polenta high, then nestle the carved chicken on top.

Don't be shy with the sauce, spoon it generously over the chicken. for a pop of colour, sprinkle with extra fresh basil or parsley.

As for sides, you can't go wrong with some yummy meals of roasted asparagus with lemon. the bright acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Oh, and don't forget crusty bread! you absolutely need it to soak up every last drop. a glass of chianti classico? chef's kiss.

It’s the perfect pairing. or even some poke bowl ideas , if you wanna get real crazy, lol.

Storage Secrets

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They'll keep for about 3 days. The polenta can also be refrigerated, but it will thicken up.

For reheating, warm the chicken gently in the oven or microwave, making sure not to dry it out. reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat.

Add a splash of chicken broth if it's too thick. the polenta can be reheated on the stovetop with a bit of extra broth or milk to loosen it up.

Freezing? the chicken itself freezes well. but i wouldn't recommend freezing the polenta. it tends to get a bit grainy when thawed.

Maybe make a fresh batch when you're ready to eat! this makes for great easy summer dinner recipes.

Twist It Up!

Want to make it your own? Here are a couple of easy swaps:

• dairy-free? No problem! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the sauce, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan in the polenta. This is super handy if you're doing dairy-free meals .
• Seasonal Swap: In the summer, use fresh cherry tomatoes instead of sun-dried. Roast them alongside the chicken for extra sweetness. Cheap summer meals are the best! Or maybe even incorporate some Skinnytaste Recipes .

Nutrition Snippets

Okay, so this dish is delicious, but let's be real: it's not exactly a light meal. think of it as a treat! but, hey, it's packed with protein from the chicken, and the sun-dried tomatoes are loaded with antioxidants.

Plus, the polenta provides some fiber.

Just be mindful of portion sizes, and maybe pair it with a big green salad to balance things out. looking for weight watchers recipes dinner ? there are definitely ways to tweak this to fit your plan.

You could reduce the amount of cream or use a leaner cut of chicken. and you know, maybe explore other chicken poke bowl recipes, just saying! we could even turn this into a bang bang chicken bowl .

Honestly, cooking should be fun. Don't stress about perfection. Just enjoy the process and savor the flavors. You've got this. Go on, make this dish your own!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good sides to serve with this chicken dinner ideas recipe?

This Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Creamy Polenta is lovely with some simply roasted asparagus with a squeeze of lemon adds a fresh, vibrant touch. Crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

And if you’re feeling particularly Italian, a glass of Chianti Classico would be the perfect accompaniment. Cheers!

Can I make the polenta ahead of time?

You can indeed, but it tends to thicken up as it cools a bit like leftover porridge! To revive it, simply add a splash of chicken broth or milk and reheat over low heat, stirring constantly until it returns to its creamy glory. You might need to adjust the seasoning again too, so give it a taste test.

What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes? Can I use fresh tomatoes in these chicken dinner ideas?

While sun-dried tomatoes are key to the distinctive Tuscan flavour, you can absolutely use fresh tomatoes in a pinch. Roast them in the oven with a little olive oil, garlic, and herbs until they soften and caramelize, then add them to the pan with the chicken.

Just be aware that the sauce will be a bit lighter and less intense in flavour.

How do I store leftovers of this chicken dish?

Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. The polenta might need a splash of liquid when reheating to restore its creamy texture, as we discussed. Remember food safety; don't leave your chicken out for more than 2 hours.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Certainly! You could use skinless chicken for a lower fat option, and swap the heavy cream for a lighter alternative like half and-half or even unsweetened almond milk (although it will slightly alter the taste).

You could also add some extra veggies to the roasting pan like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients. For the polenta, consider using less cheese or a reduced fat version. Every little bit helps!

What if I don't have white wine, can I substitute it for something else?

No worries, if you don't have any white wine in the pantry, then chicken broth mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice can work as a substitute. It will create acidity similar to that of white wine, and it also keeps the dish family friendly, if you are unsure of alcohol consumption.