Easy Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe: A Savory Italian Delight

Crispy, golden baked Tuscan chicken dances with Mediterranean flavors that instantly transport you to the rolling hills of Italy.

Fragrant herbs and rich seasonings create a mouthwatering experience for dinner tonight.

Succulent chicken breasts absorb every delicate note of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with intense herbal undertones that make this dish irresistible.

Minimal ingredients combine to craft an elegant meal that feels like a culinary journey through tuscany.

Delightful aromas will fill your kitchen, promising a restaurant-quality dinner without complicated techniques.

Grab your apron and let the magic begin – this recipe guarantees a delectable adventure.

Baked Tuscan Chicken with Herbs and Creamy Goodness

• Savor Speedy Gourmet Cooking: This Tuscan chicken recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Maximize One-Pan Convenience: Skip multiple dishes and complicated cleanup by preparing the entire meal in a single skillet, making cooking and washing up super simple.
• Customize with Seasonal Flair: Easily swap spinach for kale or add different herbs to match your taste preferences or what's fresh in your kitchen.
• Impress Dinner Guests Instantly: Create a sophisticated dish that looks complicated but comes together quickly, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining with friends.

Ingredients to Make Flavorful Baked Tuscan Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that absorbs the rich Tuscan flavors beautifully.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a luxurious and creamy texture to the sauce with a rich, tangy flavor profile.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Fresh Basil: Add depth and classic Mediterranean taste to the chicken dish.

• Olive Oil, Chicken Broth, Salt, Pepper: Create a flavorful cooking base and enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach: Bring brightness, color, and additional nutritional value to the recipe.

How to Bake Tender and Juicy Tuscan Chicken Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

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

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Lovingly massage salt and pepper into the chicken breasts, ensuring every inch gets some flavor love.

Step 3: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gently place chicken breasts into the sizzling pan, creating a beautiful golden crust.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until a gorgeous bronze color develops.

Step 4: Set Chicken Aside

Carefully transfer the seared chicken to a temporary plate, letting it rest while you work magic with the sauce.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce Base

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

Stir the ingredients, allowing them to mingle and simmer until the sauce starts to thicken and become wonderfully aromatic.

Step 6: Add Vibrant Vegetables

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh spinach

Cook until the spinach gracefully wilts and becomes tender.

Step 7: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Gently return the seared chicken to the skillet, lovingly spooning the creamy sauce over the top.

Step 8: Bake to Completion

Slide the entire skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Tips to Get the Best Flavor and Moisture in Your Chicken

• Choose thick, boneless chicken breasts for even cooking and juicy results.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming.
• Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a brighter, more vibrant flavor and better texture in the sauce.
• Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) to ensure it's safely cooked without becoming dry.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the dish.

Flavorful Twists to Customize Your Baked Tuscan Chicken

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace cream with heavy cream and use chicken thighs instead of breasts for higher fat content. Skip spinach and use fewer sun-dried tomatoes to reduce carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Use avocado oil in place of olive oil for similar cooking properties.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add chopped rosemary and thyme to the seasoning mix. Replace sun-dried tomatoes with fresh cherry tomatoes and incorporate kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Protein-Packed Lean Option: Use turkey breast instead of chicken. Add extra lean protein by incorporating white beans or quinoa as a side dish. Reduce overall sauce quantity to keep dish lighter.

Serving Ideas That Complement This Classic Chicken Dish

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this Tuscan chicken over creamy mashed potatoes or herbed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Mediterranean Feast Plate: Pair with a fresh Greek salad and warm crusty bread to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that feels like a culinary journey.
• Elegant Meal Presentation: Plate individually with a generous spoonful of rich sauce, sprinkle extra fresh basil, and add a side of roasted asparagus for a restaurant-quality dining experience.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion into meal prep containers with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a delicious work lunch that keeps you excited about healthy eating.

Best Practices for Storing Baked Tuscan Chicken for Later

• Store leftover Tuscan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate chicken and sauce when storing to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Use shallow containers to help cool the dish quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and refrigerator odors.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

No, the Baked Tuscan Chicken is not spicy. It features a creamy, herb-infused sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, offering a mild and flavorful taste profile.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs. Just ensure they are boneless and adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook through.

• Do I need any special kitchen equipment?

You’ll need a large oven-safe skillet or a skillet and a baking dish. A meat thermometer is helpful to check chicken doneness, but not mandatory.

Crispy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent baked Tuscan chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to home kitchens with minimal preparation. Italian herbs and creamy sauce create a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Herbs:

• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Sauces and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups baby spinach

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal cooking.
2. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, coating each piece thoroughly.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for searing.
4. Carefully place chicken in the hot skillet, browning each side until a golden crust forms, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Transfer seared chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and ready for the next stage.
6. In the same skillet, quickly saute minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
7. Pour in cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, stirring to create a rich, cohesive sauce.
8. Allow the sauce to simmer and gradually thicken, developing deep, complex flavors.
9. Introduce sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach to the bubbling sauce, cooking until spinach leaves wilt and become tender.
10. Gently return chicken to the skillet, carefully coating each piece with the luxurious sauce.
11. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches perfect doneness.
12. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
13. Serve immediately, allowing the enticing aromas to enhance the dining experience.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Gently pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness before seasoning for consistent texture and faster cooking.
• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and freshly grated options for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged varieties.
• Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests, maintaining the creamy sauce’s essence.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 383 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg