Photo by @PlatePicSample
Chef's Choice Chicken with Creamy Spinach and Tomato Sauce
Indulge in this gourmet 'Chef's Choice' dish that combines succulent chicken pieces with a rich, creamy spinach and tomato sauce. The perfect blend of herbs and spices creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, while the vibrant colors of fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add visual appeal. This dish, inspired by Snack Stop, is a perfect balance of taste and elegance, sure to impress your dinner guests.
⏰ Cooking Timeline
🛒 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
For the Sauce/Marinade
Aromatics & Seasonings
For Cooking
To Serve & Garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
Mise en Place
15 minBegin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the chicken into even pieces, mince the garlic, and wash the spinach. Having everything ready before cooking ensures smooth execution.
💡 Tip: Organize your ingredients into small bowls to avoid clutter and ensure easy access while cooking.
Sear the Chicken
8 minHeat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
💡 Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning and a perfect sear.
Prepare the Sauce
5 minIn the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute, then add the tomato paste, stirring to combine. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Deglaze the pan with a splash of stock, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Simmer the Sauce
5 minAdd the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to the sauce. Stir well and allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
💡 Tip: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste as the sauce reduces.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
5 minReturn the chicken to the pan, along with any juices. Stir in the cream and spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt and the chicken to heat through, about 5 minutes.
💡 Tip: Ensure the heat is low to prevent the cream from curdling.
Finish and Serve
2 minOnce the spinach is wilted and the chicken is fully cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
💡 Tip: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the finished dish adds a luxurious touch.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓ Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor profile, especially the chicken and spinach.
- ✓ Avoid overcooking the chicken by checking for doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 75°C.
- ✓ Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days for a quick meal assembly.
- ✓ For meal prep, cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat just before serving.
- ✓ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a pan.
📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving)
🪄 Equipment Needed
🔄 Variations to Try
🍽 Pairs Well With
This recipe was inspired by a plate submission on Plate Pic