Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe: A Cozy Italian Delight

Crispy, golden baked Tuscan chicken breasts promise a Mediterranean-inspired culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Herbs and spices weave magic into tender meat, creating a symphony of flavors.

My kitchen always fills with incredible aromas when this dish starts cooking.

Bright sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant basil bring Italian countryside charm to your plate.

Creamy parmesan cheese melts perfectly, adding rich depth to each succulent bite.

Simple ingredients combine to craft an elegant meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel of this delightful recipe.

Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts: Why It Works

• Bake with Love: These sugar cookies carry the warmth of a cherished family recipe, bringing nostalgic memories of grandma's kitchen and traditional baking.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Soft and Tender Delight: Sour cream creates an incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets these cookies apart from standard sugar cookie recipes, delivering a rich, tender bite every single time.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a sweet afternoon treat that everyone from kids to adults will absolutely adore.

Ingredients For Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein source of the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the flavor of the chicken and create a delicious seasoning blend.

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich base for searing the chicken and adding depth to the flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach: Add vibrant color, intense tomato flavor, and nutritious green vegetables to the sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Create a luxurious, rich, and creamy sauce that coats the chicken with a smooth and indulgent texture.

Cooking Steps For Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). This will ensure your chicken gets perfectly cooked and golden.

Step 2: Dress The Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Make sure every inch gets a delicious coating.

Step 3: Create A Golden Sear

Heat olive oil in a heavy oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

Place chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 4: Prepare Vibrant Veggie Base

Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh spinach

Cook until spinach wilts and creates a colorful base.

Step 5: Build The Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese.

Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, creating a luxurious sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Return chicken to the skillet, generously spoon sauce over the top.

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your skillet and serve the chicken immediately, drizzled with the rich, creamy sauce. Get ready for a mouthwatering meal!

Pro Cooking Notes For Tuscan Chicken Breasts

• Opt for thin chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and prevent dry meat.
• Choose fresh spinach leaves for a brighter, more vibrant flavor in the sauce.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a perfect golden-brown sear.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken.
• Use full-fat heavy cream for a richer, more luxurious sauce texture.

Creative Variations For Tuscan Chicken Breasts

• Mediterranean Herb Burst: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano for an aromatic herb-infused chicken experience.
• Spicy Southwest Splash: Add chili powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile with a kick of heat.
• Lemon Garlic Fusion: Incorporate fresh lemon zest and extra minced garlic into the seasoning, then finish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright, tangy taste.
• Creamy Mushroom Blend: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms alongside spinach to add earthy depth and extra texture to the sauce.

Foods That Complement Tuscan Chicken Breasts

• Rustic Family Dinner Delight: Serve the Tuscan chicken over a bed of creamy risotto or soft polenta, letting the rich sauce drizzle down and create a mouthwatering layer of flavor.
• Healthy Low-Carb Plate: Pair the chicken with roasted zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, allowing the sun-dried tomato cream sauce to coat the vegetable base for a nutritious meal.
• Mediterranean Inspired Platter: Arrange the chicken on a large wooden board with fresh herb garnishes, olives, and crusty artisan bread for soaking up the delicious sauce, creating a gorgeous family-style presentation.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Hack: Slice the chicken and toss with the creamy sauce over pasta, transforming the dish into a fast and satisfying one-pan dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes.

Storage Best Practices For Tuscan Chicken Breasts

• Store leftover Tuscan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover chicken completely with sauce to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of cream to prevent drying, and cover with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Pour a little cream or chicken broth into a skillet, add chicken, and warm on medium-low heat. Stir gently to prevent breaking the chicken and maintain sauce consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat dry to ensure proper searing and even cooking.

• Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?

An oven-safe skillet helps create a seamless cooking process, but you can transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish if needed.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a similar flavor profile.

Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent baked Tuscan chicken breasts combine Mediterranean herbs and creamy sauce for an authentic Italian-inspired dinner. Elegant ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a delightful centerpiece you can master in less than an hour.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a culinary canvas for a delectable Tuscan-inspired chicken dish.
2. Generously coat chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is thoroughly seasoned.
3. Warm olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, creating a golden sear on the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side to lock in rich flavors and develop a beautiful caramelized exterior.
4. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate, then utilize the same skillet to introduce sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, sautéing until the greens become delicately wilted.
5. Introduce heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, allowing the ingredients to meld and simmer for 2-3 minutes, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce.
6. Carefully nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, lavishly coating each piece with the creamy tomato-spinach sauce.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F.
8. Remove from the oven and let rest briefly before serving, presenting the chicken adorned with its rich, aromatic sauce.

Notes

• Customize seasonings by experimenting with different herb blends like herbes de Provence or za’atar for unique flavor profiles.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Swap heavy cream with lighter alternatives like half-and-half or coconut milk for a lower-fat version that still maintains creamy texture.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg