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