Tuscan Chicken: A Creamy, Sun-Dried Tomato Delight

Tuscan Chicken. Just the name evokes images of rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards, and rustic, flavorful meals shared with loved ones. This dish captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine: simple, fresh ingredients combined to create something truly special. Creamy, savory, and bursting with sun-dried tomato flavor, this chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. Get ready to transport your taste buds to Italy with this incredible Tuscan Chicken recipe!

What is Tuscan Chicken?

Tuscan chicken refers to a variety of chicken dishes prepared with a creamy sauce flavored with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and often Parmesan cheese. The key components are the richness of the cream, the intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes (usually preserved in oil), and the freshness of spinach. It’s a flexible recipe, adapting well to different types of chicken cuts (bone-in, boneless, skinless thighs or breasts all work) and variations in vegetables. Some versions include mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or even a splash of white wine for added depth of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Parmesan creates an irresistible, savory flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding different vegetables or spices.
• Impressive Presentation: Tuscan chicken looks beautiful and elegant, making it a great choice for entertaining.
• Comfort Food: The creamy sauce and tender chicken make this dish incredibly comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Tuscan Chicken:

• Chicken: 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs offer more flavor and stay more moist.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained. The oil-packed variety has a richer flavor.
• Garlic: 4-6 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for that authentic Tuscan flavor.
• Spinach: 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped. Baby spinach works well.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream. This is what makes the sauce so rich and decadent. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but it won’t be as creamy.
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup chicken broth. This adds moisture and flavor to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated is best for flavor and texture.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil. For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. A blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Garlic press (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Tuscan Chicken:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown properly.
2. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Make sure to coat both sides.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
3. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1. Reduce the heat to medium.
2. Add the minced garlic and drained sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet.
3. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
5. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

1. Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Sauce

1. Place the seared chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce.
2. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
3. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Tuscan Chicken hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (optional).
2. This dish is delicious served over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Tuscan Chicken

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Use fresh garlic, good-quality sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth. For a thicker sauce, simmer it for a longer period of time.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter. Keep the heat on medium and stir frequently while sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Add a Splash of Wine: For a more complex flavor, add a splash of dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) to the skillet after sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the wine reduce for a minute or two before adding the chicken broth and cream.
• Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as sliced mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a touch of heat.
• Let it Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb more of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Tuscan Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides:

• Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne. Toss the pasta with the creamy sauce for a truly satisfying meal.
• Rice: Serve with white rice, brown rice, or risotto. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect complement to the rich sauce.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
• Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Variations on Tuscan Chicken

Here are a few variations to try to customize your Tuscan Chicken:

• Creamy Pesto Tuscan Chicken: Add a spoonful of pesto to the sauce for a vibrant, herbaceous flavor.
• Lemon Tuscan Chicken: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Mushroom Tuscan Chicken: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Artichoke Tuscan Chicken: Add quartered artichoke hearts to the sauce along with the spinach.
• Spicy Tuscan Chicken: Add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake: Combine the cooked chicken and sauce with cooked pasta in a baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
• Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken: Sear the chicken, then place it in a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the Tuscan Chicken sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken and spinach.

Storage: Store leftover Tuscan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing: While the chicken and sauce can be frozen, the texture of the cream sauce may change upon thawing. If you plan to freeze the dish, consider using a stabilized cream or omitting the cream altogether and adding it fresh when reheating. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on estimated values – actual values may vary)

• Calories: 450-550
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 5-10g

Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Remove and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
5. Add spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Place chicken back in the skillet with the sauce. Spoon sauce over chicken. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
7. Serve hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (optional).

Conclusion

This Tuscan Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce and tender chicken, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Easy to make and customizable to your liking, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Tuscany in your own home!