Discovering an easy and delicious dinner recipe is every home cook's dream, and if you're a fan of Italian flavors, the Tuscan Chicken will become a cherished addition to your culinary rotation. This dish brings together succulent chicken breasts in a creamy sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and a touch of Italian seasoning, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients for Tuscan Chicken
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 cup of spinach, washed and dried
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Cook Tuscan Chicken
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until they are browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until it becomes fragrant.
4. Create the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, then pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir well to combine. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and allow the mixture to simmer, letting the flavors meld together.
5. Add Spinach
Once the sauce is bubbling, lower the heat, and add the spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which should take only a minute or two.
6. Finish with Parmesan
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Simmer for a couple more minutes until everything is well heated.
7. Garnish and Serve
Garnish your Tuscan Chicken with fresh parsley and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes on Tuscan Chicken
🍗 Note: Chicken can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on the internal temperature.
🌿 Note: Fresh spinach is ideal, but baby spinach or frozen spinach can also be used if you thaw and drain well.
🥄 Note: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with additional broth or cream to achieve your desired consistency.
In wrapping up this delightful journey through the making of Tuscan Chicken, we’ve explored how this dish can elevate your dinner experience with minimal effort. Its rich, creamy sauce, combined with the tangy burst of sun-dried tomatoes and the earthiness of spinach, turns simple ingredients into a feast. The recipe is easy to scale up or down, making it versatile for various dining scenarios, from intimate family dinners to larger gatherings. This dish is not only satisfying but also imbued with the comforting, rustic flavors of Tuscany, proving that comfort food can be both simple to prepare and deeply flavorful.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
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Yes, chicken thighs can be used as an alternative. They might need slightly more time to cook, and you could increase the amount of sauce to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version?
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You can use half-and-half or even a combination of milk and cream cheese to get a creamy texture with less fat content.
How do I store and reheat Tuscan Chicken?
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Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can this dish be made in advance?
+Absolutely! Prepare the sauce ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. Cook the chicken just before serving for the best texture, then combine with the reheated sauce.
