Savory Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe: A Dreamy Italian Delight

Crafting a delectable baked Tuscan chicken recipe brings together vibrant Mediterranean flavors that dance on your palate.

Aromatic herbs and creamy textures promise a culinary adventure straight from the heart of italy.

Succulent chicken breasts nestle among sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant rosemary, creating a dish that whispers of rustic countryside kitchens.

Layers of parmesan and rich cream meld into a sauce that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Bold yet comforting, this recipe cuts through bland meal routines with its robust character.

Seasonal ingredients come together effortlessly, inviting you to savor each memorable bite.

Dig into this irresistible Tuscan classic and let your taste buds celebrate pure deliciousness.

What Makes Baked Tuscan Chicken So Flavorful

• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal: Impress family and friends with a gourmet dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from an Italian restaurant kitchen.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare a delicious, creamy chicken dish with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that save precious evening time.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for searing, creating sauce, and baking, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious food without extensive washing up.
• Packed with Nutritious Ingredients: Combine protein-rich chicken with nutrient-dense spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.

Essential Ingredients for This Classic Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean cuts that provide the base for this Tuscan-inspired dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sear the chicken and adds a rich, smooth flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and intensifies the savory profile of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings authentic Mediterranean taste.

• Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Fresh and tangy components that add color, nutrition, and vibrant flavor to the chicken dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Baked Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). This will create the perfect cooking environment for your delicious chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the chicken breasts, ensuring every inch gets some flavor love.

Step 3: Golden Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Gently place chicken breasts into the hot pan and cook until each side develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Base

Remove the chicken and set aside.

In the same skillet, drop in minced garlic and let it sizzle and release its fragrant notes.

Step 5: Craft the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Whisk everything together until smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Add Vibrant Greens and Tomatoes

• Fresh spinach leaves
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Cook until spinach wilts and becomes tender.

Step 7: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Carefully place the seared chicken back into the skillet.

Generously spoon the creamy sauce over the top, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Notes for Juicy and Tender Results

• Sear chicken at high heat to lock in juices and create a golden-brown crust that adds incredible flavor depth.
• Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a brighter, more vibrant color and better texture in the final dish.
• Check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165F (74C) without overcooking.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
• Choose high-quality parmesan cheese from the refrigerated section for more authentic, richer taste compared to pre-grated options.

Flavor Variations to Explore

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace cream with coconut cream and omit sun-dried tomatoes. Use skinless chicken thighs for higher fat content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap parmesan with nutritional yeast and use almond milk instead of cream. Substitute chicken with firm tofu for plant-based option.
• Mediterranean Style: Add kalamata olives, swap spinach with fresh arugula, and sprinkle feta cheese on top before baking. Include red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Lighter Protein Option: Use turkey breast instead of chicken, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt, and incorporate fresh herbs like basil and oregano for added flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for a Balanced Dinner

• Italian Feast Night: Serve this Tuscan chicken over a bed of creamy risotto, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an authentic dining experience.
• Rustic Comfort Platter: Pair the chicken with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that warms the soul.
• Mediterranean Salad Companion: Slice the chicken and arrange over a crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing lunch option.
• Cozy Weeknight Dinner: Accompany the dish with crusty garlic bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce, making every bite a delightful flavor explosion.

How to Store Baked Tuscan Chicken Safely

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store baked Tuscan chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the sauce separate from the chicken to preserve texture.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat refrigerated chicken gently in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming in the microwave or oven at 350F (175C) until internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).

FAQs

• Why sear the chicken before baking?

Searing locks in moisture and creates a golden-brown exterior that adds rich flavor and helps seal the chicken’s natural juices, ensuring a more delicious and tender result.

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Fresh chicken is recommended for best texture and flavor. If using frozen chicken, completely thaw and pat dry before seasoning to prevent excess moisture and ensure proper searing and baking.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. This blend will provide similar aromatic herbs and traditional Italian flavor profile.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory baked Tuscan chicken emerges as a culinary gem from Italian kitchens. Herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce create an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired dish you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning and Flavoring:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (30 g) baby spinach
• 1/2 cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a skillet for searing.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry and generously season with salt and black pepper.
3. Warm olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Transfer chicken to a separate plate, maintaining skillet’s heat.
5. Quickly sauté minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant and lightly golden.
6. Pour cream, chicken broth, and grated parmesan into skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
7. Sprinkle Italian seasoning into sauce, stirring to distribute evenly.
8. Add fresh spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until spinach wilts and reduces in volume.
9. Carefully return seared chicken to skillet, gently nestling pieces into sauce.
10. Spoon additional sauce over chicken to ensure complete coverage.
11. Transfer skillet directly into preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing chicken to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that still maintains a creamy texture.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more tender and flavorful dish that stays juicy during baking.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F (74°C) to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked meat without drying out.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 374 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg