This Chicken Gloria is a perfect blend of rich, creamy sauce with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, served with tender, juicy chicken breasts. It’s a comforting, savory dish that combines some of the best flavors in Italian cuisine.
It’s easy to make and is sure to impress your family or guests. The silky, garlicky sauce is flavorful but not overwhelming, and the sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of sweetness that perfectly complements the spinach and chicken. Whether you serve it with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser!
Full Recipe:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
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2 cups fresh spinach
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft.
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Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
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Add parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
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Add spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
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Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over it, and let it simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes.
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Prep Time:Â 10 minutes |Â Cooking Time:Â 20 minutes |Â Total Time:Â 30 minutes
Kcal:Â 450 kcal |Â Servings:Â 4 servings
Why You’ll Love Chicken Gloria
One of the main reasons Chicken Gloria stands out is its incredible versatility. The creamy sauce is rich yet not too heavy, making it a perfect match for a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The combination of garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a beautiful depth of flavor that is both comforting and sophisticated. Plus, this dish comes together in less than 45 minutes, which makes it an ideal choice for those busy evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
This dish is also perfect for those who love the classic pairing of chicken with a creamy sauce but are looking for something with a twist. The sun-dried tomatoes give the sauce a tangy richness that’s balanced out by the freshness of the spinach, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Perfect for a Weeknight or Special Occasion
Whether you’re having a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, Chicken Gloria is a dish that will impress everyone. For weeknight meals, it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of time or intricate techniques. For more formal occasions, this dish can be dressed up with elegant sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a nice risotto to create a gourmet experience in the comfort of your own home.
Chicken Gloria’s versatility also shines through when it comes to pairing with wine. A crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio will complement the creamy sauce and balance out the richness. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir works well with the flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
How to Customize Chicken Gloria
One of the best parts about Chicken Gloria is that it can easily be customized to fit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas for how you can make this dish your own:
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For a healthier version:Â You can lighten up the dish by using half-and-half or coconut milk in place of the heavy cream. If you want to reduce the fat content even more, you could also use chicken breasts without skin and reduce the amount of olive oil used for cooking.
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For a vegetarian version:Â Instead of chicken, you can substitute with tofu or even seared portobello mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure your vegetarian alternative is cooked through properly.
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For more flavor variations:Â Consider adding herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a little heat if you like things spicy.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Gloria pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, allowing you to create a meal that fits the occasion. For a classic combination, serve it with buttered pasta or mashed potatoes. The creamy sauce from the chicken will blend beautifully with the starchy sides, making each bite more indulgent.
For a lighter option, serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. The acidity from a simple lemon vinaigrette on the salad will contrast nicely with the richness of the creamy sauce, while roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans bring a balance of earthy flavors to the dish.
If you’re in the mood for something extra comforting, serve Chicken Gloria with crusty bread to soak up the extra creamy sauce. This combination will take your meal to the next level of comfort food!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Gloria
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Cook the chicken evenly: To ensure the chicken breasts are perfectly cooked, it’s essential to cook them evenly. Try to use chicken breasts of a similar size for uniform cooking, and be careful not to overcook them. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Use fresh spinach:Â While frozen spinach can work in a pinch, fresh spinach gives the dish a much better texture and flavor. Make sure to cook the spinach just long enough to wilt it, as overcooking it can make it soggy.
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Make ahead: If you’re planning a busy week, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply heat the sauce and add the cooked chicken. This can save you valuable time on the day you plan to serve it.
What Makes Chicken Gloria Special?
What truly sets Chicken Gloria apart is the balance of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce coats each bite of chicken perfectly, while the sun-dried tomatoes add an unexpected tang and sweetness. The spinach brings in a fresh, green element, making the dish feel lighter while still satisfying. The parmesan cheese gives the sauce a wonderful richness, making this dish feel indulgent without being overly heavy.
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Moreover, Chicken Gloria is an approachable recipe that can be made by anyone, from beginner cooks to seasoned home chefs. It’s forgiving enough to allow for substitutions or additions, but it’s also delicious enough to be made exactly as written for a flawless meal.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Comfort Food Classic
Chicken Gloria is more than just another chicken dinner – it’s an indulgent and comforting meal that brings a gourmet touch to everyday cooking. Whether you’re making it for your family or serving it to guests, this dish will surely be a hit. The rich, creamy sauce combined with the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach creates a symphony of flavors that elevate this simple dish into something truly special. Perfect for any occasion, Chicken Gloria is sure to become a family favorite in no time. Try it out, and prepare to be amazed at how easy it is to make a truly luxurious meal at home.