I’ll never forget the aroma that filled my tiny apartment when I first attempted Tuscan Chicken; the sun-dried tomatoes mingled with garlic and herbs, creating a symphony that transported me straight to the Italian countryside (or at least, my very vivid imagination of it!). That day, I knew I had stumbled upon a weeknight dinner game-changer, something so flavorful and comforting that it would become a staple in my rotation. I’m so excited to share my take on this classic dish with you, and I promise, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen.
Tuscan Chicken: Your New Weeknight Hero
Okay, friend, let’s be honest. We’re all busy. We want delicious, satisfying meals, but we don’t always have hours to spend slaving away in the kitchen. That’s where Tuscan Chicken comes in. This recipe is seriously a lifesaver. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with flavor. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can adapt it to your own tastes and preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes!
- Incredible Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and a creamy sauce? Yes, please!
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup is always a win.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even on its own.
- Impressive: Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
What You’ll Need: The Ingredients
Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, nothing too fancy or hard to find here!
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must!
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of intense flavor. Be sure to drain them well.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down beautifully and adds a healthy dose of greens.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy and decadent.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential for that cheesy, nutty flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a touch of Italian flair.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little kick, fresh basil for garnish.
Step-by-Step: Making Your Tuscan Chicken Masterpiece
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step to ensure your Tuscan Chicken turns out perfectly every time.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
First, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely in the pan. Then, season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. I like to use about 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning per pound of chicken.
Pro Tip: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This will help them cook evenly and quickly.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is what you’re aiming for.
Troubleshooting: If the chicken starts to stick to the pan, add a little more olive oil. Avoid moving the chicken around too much while it’s searing, as this will prevent it from developing a nice crust.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it’s wilted, about 2-3 minutes. You may need to add the spinach in batches if your skillet is small.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Then, add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
Recipe Variation: For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. Just keep in mind that the sauce won’t be as thick or rich.
Step 6: Simmer and Finish
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Don’t skip this: Garnish with fresh basil before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness that really elevates the dish.
Serving Suggestions: Let’s Plate It Up!
Now for the best part: enjoying your delicious Tuscan Chicken! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Over Pasta: Toss cooked pasta (like fettuccine, linguine, or penne) with the Tuscan Chicken and sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
- With Rice: Serve the Tuscan Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich and flavorful sauce.
- As a Main Course: Serve the Tuscan Chicken on its own with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
- Garlic Bread: Don’t forget the garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
Speaking of complete meals, if you are looking for another creamy, comforting, chicken dish, you might consider Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser for a reason!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Tuscan Chicken
Want to take your Tuscan Chicken to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to ensure success.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor. Splurge on good quality sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to the perfect temperature (165°F or 74°C).
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to the sauce while it’s simmering. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth.
- Make it Ahead of Time: Tuscan Chicken can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits.
- Get Creative with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Variations: Spice It Up!
Tuscan Chicken is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy Tuscan Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
- Creamy Pesto Tuscan Chicken: Stir in a tablespoon or two of pesto to the sauce for a burst of fresh, herby flavor.
- Tuscan Chicken with Artichokes: Add quartered artichoke hearts to the skillet along with the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Tuscan Chicken with Bacon: Cook some bacon until crispy and crumble it over the chicken before serving.
- Tuscan Chicken with Cream Cheese: Replace the heavy cream with cream cheese for an extra tangy sauce.
Looking for another baked dish that is just as easy to prepare for dinner? Then you should check out this Chicken Casserole. It’s a classic and you can change out the ingredients to suit your preferences and what you have on hand.
Storage and Reheating: Making the Most of Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Tuscan Chicken stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet if the sauce has thickened too much.
You can also freeze Tuscan Chicken for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making Tuscan Chicken:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. They will take a little longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I use frozen spinach?
- Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?
- Absolutely! Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- My sauce is too thin. What can I do?
- Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. If it’s still too thin, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to the sauce while it’s simmering.
If you’re in the mood for more dishes featuring savory mushrooms and juicy chicken, I highly recommend giving Garlic Butter Mushroom Chicken a try. The buttery, umami-rich sauce is truly irresistible.
More Chicken Recipe Inspiration
Are you a fellow chicken lover? Here are a few more of my favorite chicken recipes that I think you’ll enjoy:
- Butter Chicken: A creamy and flavorful Indian curry that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
- Chicken Florentine: A classic Italian dish with spinach and a creamy sauce.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes: A simple and satisfying sheet pan dinner.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Tuscan Chicken Adventure
There you have it! Everything you need to create a truly unforgettable Tuscan Chicken dish. I hope this recipe becomes a regular in your rotation, just like it has for me. Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Now go forth and create some kitchen magic!
How long does it take to make the Tuscan Chicken Skillet?
The recipe is quick and easy, taking less than 30 minutes from prep to plate.
Can I use something other than heavy cream in the sauce?
Yes, for a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich.
What are some serving suggestions for the Tuscan Chicken?
The Tuscan Chicken can be served over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, on its own with vegetables, or with garlic bread.
How should I store leftovers of the Tuscan Chicken Skillet?
Leftover Tuscan Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Easy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
