Name: Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts; 1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed (drained); 5 oz Baby spinach; 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 tbsp Olive oil; 1 tsp Dried oregano; 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Black pepper

Okay, let’s talk comfort food. You know those nights when you just need something utterly delicious but also ridiculously easy? What is your answer to Tuscan Chicken? Is it really like a warm hug in the bowl, and I swear it tastes way more complicated than it actually is? Seriously, think chicken piccata met sun-dried tomatoes and decided to have a party in creamy, creamy tomato sauce. If you love those types of recipes, you are in for a treat! I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This is my go-to snack. The first time I made it, the aroma filled the whole house and my family practically inhaled it. Now it’s on regular rotation!

What is Tuscan chicken?

Tuscan chicken is a celebration of simple Italian flavors. Think of it as a creamy, dreamy chicken dish inspired by the Tuscan region of Italy, known for its gastronomy. What are some of the best ingredients for a rustic home? What’s essentially pan-seared chicken breasts bathed in a rich and flavorful sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes? What are tomatoes, garlic, spinach? Is it trying to be fancy? What are some good, honest, comforting meals for a weeknight dinner? I always picture myself eating this at some little trattoria in Italy, even though I’m usually just a tourist. At my kitchen table!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, but here are a few of my favorites:

Flavor Explosion:What is the combination of savory chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, pungent garlic, and rich cream? What is a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing? Is it addictive?
Is it really easyThis is not one of those recipes that requires a culinary degree. Is it easy to make a meal in under 30 minutes? If I can do it, you can too!
Budget-Friendly:Chicken breasts are relatively inexpensive, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that you can easily find in your pantry. Is it possible to have some on hand? What is the best way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank?
Super Versatile:Can you serve this over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even polenta? What are some good side dishes to serve with crusty bread? I’ve even been known to eat it straight from the pan with a spoon (don’t judge!).

What I love about this Tuscan Chicken Recipe is that it’s both elegant and approachable. What can I make for dinner? I’ve tried similar recipes, but this one just hits all the right notes. It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken

Quick Overview

Making this Tuscan chicken is easier than you might think! Basically, you’ll sear some chicken, whip up a quick creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, then let everything simmer together until it’s all gloriously delicious. The best part? It’s all done in one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash. Wins all around!

Ingredients

For the Chicken: What is the best
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

What is the Tuscan sauce?
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick) * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. What is the best way to get a nice sear? Season them generously with salt and pepper. I always do this at least 15 minutes before cooking – it helps the flavors really penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and stir to combine. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking! ), add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown. What is the best way to cook Should I overcrowd the pan? Is it necessary to cook chicken in batches for a good sear?

Step 3: Set Aside the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. How do you make a sauce? Tent it with foil to keep it warm while making it. Don’t worry about cleaning the skillet – all those browned bits are flavor gold!

Step 4: Make the Tuscan Sauce

Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – nobody likes bitter garlic!

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

How do I remove browned bits from the bottom of a skillet? Where all the flavor is hiding? Bring the broth to a boil and let it reduce for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Cream and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce back to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, for about 2-3 minutes. I always taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes it needs a little extra salt or pepper.

Step 7: Add the Spinach

Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, for about 1-2 minutes. Don’t overcook spinach – it should still be bright green and slightly tender.

Step 8: Return the Chicken to the Pan

Cook chicken breasts in a skillet until golden brown. Place the chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat evenly. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Tuscan chicken hot, over your favorite pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Don’t forget the crusty bread for soaking up that amazing sauce!

What to Serve It With

This Tuscan Chicken is pretty versatile, so you have a lot of options when it comes to serving it. Here are a few of my favorites:

Pasta: Toss it with linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti for a classic and satisfying meal.
Rice: Serve it over fluffy white rice or brown rice for a lighter option.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food pairing for this dish.
Polenta: For a more rustic Italian feel, serve it over creamy polenta.
Crusty Bread: Don’t forget the bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

I often serve this with a simple green salad and some crusty bread. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll make a batch of garlic bread to go with it. My family loves it no matter what I serve it with – it’s always a hit!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Tuscan Chicken

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making this Tuscan Chicken even better. Here are my top tips:

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: The key to juicy chicken is to not overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Use Good Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The sun-dried tomatoes are a key ingredient in this dish, so it’s worth using good quality ones. I prefer oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, which are more flavorful and tender.
Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter and unpleasant. Cook it over medium heat for just 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Adjust the Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
Add a Splash of White Wine: For extra flavor, add a splash of dry white wine to the skillet after cooking the garlic. Let it reduce slightly before adding the chicken broth.
Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a lovely pop of color and nutrients to this dish. If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it and squeeze out the excess water first.
Garnish Generously: Garnish the finished dish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a beautiful and flavorful presentation.

One time, I accidentally overcooked the chicken and it was so dry! Now I always use a meat thermometer. I’ve also learned that using really good sun-dried tomatoes makes a huge difference in the flavor of the sauce. Trust me, it’s worth the splurge!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover Tuscan Chicken (which is rare!), you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Refrigerator: Store the leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, you can either microwave it or heat it on the stovetop. If microwaving, heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet to prevent it from drying out. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

I usually find that the sauce thickens up a bit when it’s refrigerated, so I always add a little extra broth or cream when reheating it. It helps to restore the creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They tend to be more flavorful and stay more moist during cooking. Just make sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C).

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. You’ll also need to use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative. The taste will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish. Some great options include mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Just add them to the skillet along with the garlic and cook until they’re tender.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this ahead of time. Prepare the chicken and sauce according to the recipe instructions, but don’t add the spinach. Store the chicken and sauce in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce on the stovetop and add the spinach just before serving.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano cheese or Asiago cheese instead. You can also use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative for a dairy-free option.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my go-to Tuscan Chicken Recipe. It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as my family does! If you’re a fan of easy and delicious chicken recipes, you might also enjoy my Creamy Lemon Chicken or my Honey Garlic Chicken. Both are equally satisfying and simple to make.

Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you made any variations. Happy cooking!