Name: Baked Tuscan Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp fresh basil (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Tuscan Chicken is not only a quick and easy meal but also a deliciously creamy, savory dish that your taste buds will love. The combination of tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful sauce made of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach is both comforting and decadent. The parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty kick, while the creamy sauce binds everything together. It’s an ideal dish for anyone who enjoys rich, Italian-inspired meals. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prepping or making ahead, making it both a flavorful and practical choice for your weeknight dinner rotation.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp fresh basil (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Stir in the parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top of each piece.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add mushrooms: For an earthy touch, sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in step 4.
Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free parmesan for a dairy-free version of this dish.
Add pasta: Serve this Baked Tuscan Chicken over a bed of pasta for a heartier meal.
Use chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them before cooking. If you must cook from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or milk for a lighter option, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for longer to reduce the liquid or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.

4. What can I serve with Baked Tuscan Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad. You can also serve it over pasta for a filling meal.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then bake it when ready to serve. Just be sure to store the sauce separately and reheat before adding it to the chicken.

6. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to sauté it until wilted before adding the cream.

7. Can I use other types of cheese instead of parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute parmesan with mozzarella or another hard cheese of your choice for a different flavor.

8. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for accuracy.

9. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

10. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or artichokes to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Baked Tuscan Chicken is a simple yet indulgent dish that brings the rich, comforting flavors of Italy right to your dinner table. With its creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tender chicken, and spinach, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing something special for a date night, this dish is both satisfying and full of flavor.

Baked Tuscan Chicken

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Baked Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich sun-dried tomato and garlic cream sauce. Paired with spinach and Parmesan cheese, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe offers the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors. Ideal for a cozy dinner or special occasion, this dish is quick to prepare, and its rich, comforting taste will transport you to Italy. Serve it with pasta or a side salad for a complete meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 30min
Total Time: 40min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Make the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Bake the Chicken:
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top of each piece. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil (optional) before serving. Serve hot with your favorite side dish.

Notes

Add Mushrooms: For an earthy touch, sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in step 4.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan to make this dish dairy-free.
Serve with Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve the Baked Tuscan Chicken over pasta.
Use Chicken Thighs: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.