Tuscan Chicken is the kind of dish that instantly transports you to the sunny hillsides of Italy, bringing together juicy seared chicken, a creamy Parmesan sauce, plump cherry tomatoes, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and a handful of vibrant spinach. Every bite promises a little taste of rustic Italian comfort—unbelievably easy to make, totally satisfying, and perfect for both a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. If there’s one skillet dish you keep on repeat, let it be this one!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tuscan Chicken recipe is all about using simple, good-quality ingredients that each play a starring role. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why every single component matters for flavor, texture, and visual appeal!
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts offer a lean, tender base for soaking up all the creamy, rich sauce.
- Salt: Enhances every other flavor in the dish, so don’t skimp!
- Black pepper: Gives a little warmth and depth without overwhelming the other spices.
- Garlic powder: Layers in a mellow, savory note right in the chicken, amplifying every bite.
- Olive oil: Adds richness while ensuring a beautiful golden sear on the chicken.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic briefly sautéed brings unmistakable aroma and a gently spicy kick to the sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes: These burst with juiciness, offering fun pops of color and sweetness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Intensely flavorful and chewy, they add a punchy, tangy depth to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Lush and velvety, it creates that irresistibly creamy texture for your Tuscan Chicken sauce.
- Chicken broth: Balances the richness and helps to loosen the sauce just right without diluting flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A classic medley of herbs brings savory, herbal warmth that’s pure Tuscany.
- Parmesan cheese: Nutty and salty, it melts into the sauce and gives it signature Italian flair.
- Baby spinach: Wilts beautifully into the sauce, lending vibrant green color and gentle earthiness.
- Fresh basil: Optional, but a sprinkle brightens the whole dish with garden-fresh aroma (and it’s gorgeous, too!).
How to Make Tuscan Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by laying the chicken breasts out and seasoning them generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This simple mixture forms that crave-worthy golden crust and layers every bite with flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Sear and Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, letting them turn golden brown and cook through. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate—you’ll add it back to bask in the sauce later.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and give it a quick 30-second sauté until fragrant. Quickly add the cherry tomatoes and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes as they soften and release their sweetness. This trio creates the foundation of classic Tuscan Chicken sophistication.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Bring everything to a simmer and let it bubble for about 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens ever so slightly, becoming a fragrant, creamy embrace for the other ingredients.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and stir gently until it wilts into the sauce. Its vibrant green color not only looks beautiful but also gives each forkful extra freshness and nutrients.
Step 6: Finish the Tuscan Chicken
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon a little sauce over the top and let everything gently simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This final bath ensures your Tuscan Chicken is beautifully coated and juicy. Garnish with fresh basil just before serving if you’d like—it adds a restaurant-quality finish!
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh basil or even a sprinkle of extra Parmesan truly brings this dish to life. Not only do the herbs and cheese smell incredible, they make each serving look like it came straight out of an Italian countryside kitchen.
Side Dishes
This creamy Tuscan Chicken is a dream over pasta, fluffy rice, or pillows of mashed potatoes. It also pairs wonderfully with a crusty bread for mopping up every drop of that savory sauce, and a crisp green salad keeps things light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and fanning it over a bed of creamy polenta or zucchini noodles for a lighter twist. You can even tuck leftovers into a toasted baguette or pile them onto crostini for unforgettable Tuscan-inspired sandwiches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tuscan Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken a bit as it chills, but that just makes it even more flavorful when reheated.
Freezing
If you’re thinking ahead, you can freeze Tuscan Chicken for up to 2 months. Cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best texture, freeze the sauce and chicken together!
Reheating
To gently reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream as needed to bring back that silky consistency. Microwave reheating works, too, but go slowly to avoid drying out the chicken or breaking the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs lend richer flavor and stay extra juicy. Just adjust cooking times as needed since thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a thick non-dairy milk, and choose a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be different, but still delicious and creamy!
What’s the best way to get that golden crust on the chicken?
Make sure your skillet and oil are hot before adding the chicken. Don’t move the chicken while it’s searing—let it develop its color undisturbed before flipping.
Can I add mushrooms or other vegetables?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers are perfect additions—just sauté them after the garlic and before adding the cream. Feel free to get creative and use what you love or have on hand.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you want your Tuscan Chicken sauce even thicker, simmer it a few minutes longer before returning the chicken to the pan. You can also add a tablespoon of cream cheese or reduce the broth slightly for an ultra-luxurious finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels fancy but is secretly simple, this Tuscan Chicken will become your instant go-to. The flavors and colors are pure comfort, and it’s one recipe that’s guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe that brings the taste of Italy to your table. Juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups baby spinach
- chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook the seasoned chicken in a skillet until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic, add tomatoes, cream, broth, seasoning, and cheese. Simmer until thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Add spinach, return chicken to the skillet, simmer briefly. Garnish with basil.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Try using boneless chicken thighs for added flavor.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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