I’m thrilled to share my take on Tuscan chicken recipes, one of my family’s favorites that embodies rich flavors and comfort. With its delightful combination of juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant greens, it’s a dish that can impress guests yet is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. You can whip up this meal in about 30-40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings or special gatherings.
What makes this Tuscan chicken so special is its creamy garlic sauce, elevated with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. The Parmesan adds a wonderful richness, while the Italian seasoning invites a taste of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen. It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort, perfect for those who enjoy savory flavors and cozy dining experiences.
Why you’ll love this Tuscan chicken recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, ready in around 30 minutes.
- Rich and creamy flavor that delights the senses.
- Packed with nutrients from spinach and tomatoes.
- Great for meal prep or serving to guests.
- One-skillet meal means fewer dishes to wash.
“This Tuscan chicken is a flavor bomb—so creamy and delicious!”
Step-by-step overview
The process starts by seasoning and preparing the chicken, followed by frying it until golden brown. After that, a rich sauce made from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy ingredients comes together quickly in the same skillet, where you’ll finish cooking the chicken. It’s a simple and satisfying way to create a satisfying meal in very little time.
What ingredients do I need for Tuscan chicken?
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts lightly pounded to even thickness
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons European-style butter
- ¼ cup European-style butter (for the sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, drained and rinsed (1 jar)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for the sauce)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for the sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (for the sauce)
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Chicken breasts: Use thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Cream: For a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or a your choice of milk.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can provide a fresher taste but will need to be cooked longer.
- Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute, offering a slightly sharper flavor.
How do I make Tuscan chicken step-by-step?
To create this Tuscan chicken delight, follow these simple steps:
- Season each side of the pounded chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of European-style butter. Once melted, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked (165°F in the center).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover to keep warm. Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining ¼ cup of butter.
- Use a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan as you melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour and allow it to cook for about 1 minute to thicken.
- Slowly add in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir to combine and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat in the sauce. Simmer until the chicken is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Pro Tip: Make sure to pat your chicken dry before seasoning. This will help achieve a better sear!
Helpful cooking tips
- Ensure even cooking: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Don’t ditch those brown bits: They are full of flavor; just scrape them up while making the sauce.
- Adjust sauce thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce further.
- Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning based on your preference to get it just right.
How should I serve it?
Serve your Tuscan chicken over a bed of steaming pasta or with a side of creamy risotto for a delightful meal. Pair it with fresh crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce, and a simple green salad can lighten the plate and balance the richness of the dish.
Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?
Yes, this Tuscan chicken can be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Ensure that it’s steaming hot before serving.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How do I fix common issues?
If your Tuscan chicken turns out dry, make sure not to overcook the chicken again in the future. For a bland taste, increase the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to loosen it up. If it doesn’t thicken adequately, let it simmer longer; the flour needs time to activate.
What variations can I try?
Feel free to mix it up with the addition of mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a tangy twist. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the fresh flavors, too. You can also try adding artichokes or olives for a more Mediterranean flair.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just ensure the chicken is fully defrosted before cooking to guarantee even cooking and safety.
What to do if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use fresh tomatoes or omit them altogether. The dish will still be flavorful without them.
Is this Tuscan chicken gluten-free?
You can make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour alternative for dredging the chicken.
Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Absolutely! You can stir in more cheese like mozzarella or even crumbled feta for extra creaminess.
What sides go well with Tuscan chicken?
Consider serving with garlic bread, a fresh side salad, or sautéed veggies to complete the meal experience.
This Tuscan chicken recipe is bound to impress your household or guests while being a breeze to prepare. With creamy richness and vibrant flavors, enjoy a taste of Italy right at your dinner table!
Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Season each side of the pounded chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of European-style butter.
- Once melted, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked (165°F in the center).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
- Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining ¼ cup of butter.
- Use a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan as you melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour and allow it to cook for about 1 minute to thicken.
- Slowly add in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir to combine and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat in the sauce. Simmer until the chicken is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
- Serve over pasta or with risotto, crusty bread, and a green salad.