Chicken Breasts(Steamed In Foil With Sun-Dried Tomatoes)
Juicy chicken breasts steamed in foil with sun-dried tomatoes and a creamy dill-tarragon sauce, perfect for an elegant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner for six.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 500°F and place a rack in the center.
- Cut six 15-inch squares of aluminum foil.
- Slice the sun-dried tomatoes into 1/8-inch strips.
- Chop shallots and mix with dried dill and tarragon.
- In a medium sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the shallot mixture and cook until the shallots are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes, cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the pan.
- Simmer over medium heat, stirring often until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of waxed paper and flatten to an even thickness.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of sauce on each foil square.
- Place a chicken breast on top of the sauce on each foil square and season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon another tablespoon of sauce over each chicken breast.
- Fold the foil packets to seal tightly, leaving a small air space between the chicken and foil.
- Arrange the foil packets on a large baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 minutes.
- Carefully open the foil packets and serve the chicken directly from the foil or transfer to heated plates.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quick alternative, substitute the sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers. If you prefer a lighter sauce, use low-fat cream instead of whipping cream. Be careful not to overcook the chicken; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. To enhance flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken directly from the foil packets for a rustic presentation, or transfer to heated plates. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside oven-baked potatoes or rice. Explore more chicken recipes for additional options.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil to retain moisture, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Breasts(Steamed In Foil With Sun-Dried Tomatoes) contains roughly 821 calories, with 5g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (101% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1289mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or fish, adjusting cooking times accordingly. Fish, like salmon, will cook faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Make sure to use similar cuts for even cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast. If you don't have one, cut into the chicken; the juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the foil packets in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).