Tuscan Chicken Recipe

This incredibly flavorful Tuscan Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero! Tender chicken breasts nestled in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with wilted spinach and Parmesan cheese create a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours at the stove.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: The star protein that becomes incredibly tender and soaks up all those amazing flavors. Butterflying them creates thinner pieces that cook more quickly and evenly.
• Olive Oil and Butter: This dynamic duo creates the perfect base for searing the chicken, giving you that beautiful golden crust while adding richness to the sauce.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation for the sauce. Don’t rush this step—properly sautéed onions add incredible depth.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that unmistakable punch of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: These little flavor bombs add intense tomato flavor, slight sweetness, and amazing texture to the sauce. They’re what gives this dish its distinctive Tuscan character.
• Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend of Mediterranean herbs that brings everything together. Feel free to adjust to your taste preferences.
• Heavy Cream: Creates that luxurious sauce texture that clings beautifully to the chicken. This is not the place to substitute with lighter options if you want that true restaurant-quality result.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth while thinning the sauce to the perfect consistency. White wine makes a fantastic substitute if you have it on hand.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness, umami, and helps thicken the sauce. Always use freshly grated for the best flavor and melting properties.
• Baby Spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness that balances the richness of the sauce. It wilts down significantly, so don’t be afraid to add plenty.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the final dish with color and a fresh herbal note.

Variations

Want to customize your Tuscan chicken? Here are some delicious options:

• Protein Swap: Use boneless chicken thighs for even more flavor and tenderness, or try it with pork chops or even shrimp for a different twist.
• Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts when cooking the onions for extra vegetables and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Dairy Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for some of the heavy cream. Just be aware the sauce won’t be quite as thick.
• Herbal Variations: Add fresh basil at the end instead of parsley, or mix in some fresh thyme with the Italian seasoning for an aromatic boost.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Take your chicken breasts and slice them horizontally (butterfly them) to create thinner pieces. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter melts and begins to foam slightly. Add the seasoned chicken pieces, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until beautifully golden brown on each side and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

In the same pan with all those wonderful chicken drippings, add your chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Then add your chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine all those aromatic ingredients.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Then add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts down—this happens quickly! Return the cooked chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it well and allow it to warm through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy!

How to Serve

This versatile Tuscan chicken shines when served in various ways:

Perfect Pairings

• Serve over pasta—fettuccine, linguine, or penne work wonderfully to catch that amazing sauce.
• Pair with fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for ultimate comfort food.
• Keep it low-carb by serving with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or cauliflower.

Complete the Meal

• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
• A glass of medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Tuscan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making this a fantastic meal prep option.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces typically don’t freeze well, you can freeze this dish if necessary. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but whisking gently while reheating can help restore some of the texture. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. You can also microwave portions, but do so at 70% power with frequent stirring to prevent the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often result in even more tender, flavorful meat. The cooking time might be slightly different (usually a bit longer), so make sure they reach 165°F internal temperature before removing from the pan.

How can I make this recipe lighter?
While the heavy cream creates that luscious restaurant-quality texture, you can substitute half-and-half for some of the cream. The sauce won’t be quite as thick, but it’ll still be delicious. You could also increase the proportion of broth to cream. Just be aware that reducing fat usually means reducing some richness as well.

Can I prepare any parts of this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can butterfly and season the chicken up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. You can also prep all your veggies in advance. If you want to make the entire dish ahead, it reheats beautifully the next day—just store the sauce and chicken separately from any pasta or sides you plan to serve it with.

What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from breaking or curdling?
The key is gentle heat and patience. When adding the cream, make sure your pan isn’t too hot—medium-low heat is perfect. Also, bring the cream closer to room temperature before adding it to the hot pan, and whisk continuously while incorporating it into the sauce. Never let a cream sauce boil vigorously.

This Tuscan Chicken is truly one of those magical recipes that delivers spectacular results with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach creates a meal that feels special enough for company but simple enough for a Tuesday night. I encourage you to make this once, and I guarantee it will become a regular in your dinner rotation—it’s that good! Whether you’re a confident cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe will make you feel like a culinary star.

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