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Homemade Baked Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken recipe photo

Baked Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

A rich, creamy baked chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, spinach, and fresh basil in a coconut milk sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 to 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts about 4 large breasts
  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 yellow onion large, finely chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 15-oz can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 Tbsp cider vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained
  • 1/3 cup kalamata olives finely chopped, optional
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 tsp sea salt to taste
  • 4 cups baby spinach optional
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp tapioca flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour as needed for thickening
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil chopped

Equipment

  • oven-safe baking dish or casserole
  • large heavy-bottomed skillet or pot
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Heat the avocado oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add the coconut milk, chicken broth, vinegar, drained sun-dried tomatoes, chopped kalamata olives (if using), Italian seasoning, and 3/4 tsp sea salt; bring the mixture to a full boil.
  6. Add the baby spinach to the bubbling sauce, cover the skillet for 1 to 3 minutes to wilt, then stir the spinach into the sauce.
  7. Whisk in 1 to 2 Tbsp tapioca flour or gluten-free flour a little at a time until no clumps remain, then continue boiling and stirring frequently until the sauce has thickened, about 5 to 10 minutes; taste and adjust salt or vinegar as needed.
  8. Place the chicken breasts in a large casserole dish and lightly sprinkle them with additional sea salt.
  9. Pour the sun-dried tomato sauce over the chicken, stirring gently so the breasts are well coated.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  11. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Notes

  • Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest sauce.
  • Spinach is optional and wilts quickly in the hot sauce.
  • Adjust thickener amount to reach desired sauce consistency.
  • Check chicken temperature with a thermometer to ensure doneness.