Healthy Tuscan Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers indulgent flavor without being overly heavy. It’s made with simple, nutritious ingredients, comes together quickly, and can be served over a variety of sides like rice, pasta, or veggies. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a healthy comfort food option, this Tuscan chicken is a go-to favorite.

Ingredients

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

boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
olive oil
garlic (minced)
onion (finely chopped)
sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
chicken broth
unsweetened almond milk or light coconut milk
baby spinach
Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
arrowroot or cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes to release flavor.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in almond milk (or coconut milk). If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in a slurry made with arrowroot or cornstarch and water.
7. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
8. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Simmer for 2-3 more minutes.
9. Finish with a splash of lemon juice and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
10. Serve hot with your favorite side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
• Swap sun-dried tomatoes for cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist.
• Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
• Use Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese for a thicker, creamier sauce.
• Make it dairy-free by skipping cheese and using coconut milk or another plant-based alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen without the spinach for up to 2 months. Add fresh spinach when reheating.

FAQs

Is this Tuscan chicken dairy-free?

Yes, when made with almond or coconut milk and no cheese, it’s fully dairy-free.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Yes, but the flavor will be lighter and less rich. Sauté cherry tomatoes until soft before adding the broth.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Use arrowroot or cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, it’s low in carbohydrates and pairs well with cauliflower rice or sautéed veggies for a low-carb meal.

What’s the best side to serve with Tuscan chicken?

Try brown rice, mashed potatoes, quinoa, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, sear the chicken first, then add all ingredients (except spinach and thickener) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in spinach at the end.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely. It stores well and reheats nicely, making it great for healthy lunches or dinners during the week.

Does it taste like traditional Tuscan chicken?

Yes, it has the same rich and savory flavor with a lighter, healthier twist.

Can I add cheese?

Yes, add grated parmesan or dairy-free cheese if desired for extra richness.

Is almond milk a good substitute for cream?

Yes, unsweetened almond milk adds creaminess without the heaviness or dairy.

Conclusion

Healthy Tuscan Chicken is a nutritious twist on a classic comfort dish. With tender chicken, a creamy herb-infused sauce, and plenty of fresh veggies, this recipe satisfies without weighing you down. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving something wholesome and flavorful.

Healthy Tuscan Chicken

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Healthy Tuscan Chicken is a lighter take on the classic creamy dish, featuring tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a flavorful dairy-free sauce. Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or light coconut milk
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet if needed. Sauté onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Add almond milk or coconut milk. For a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of arrowroot or cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water.
7. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
8. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
9. Finish with lemon juice and garnish with fresh basil if using.
10. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
• Swap sun-dried tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for a fresher flavor.
• Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.
• Use Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese to make the sauce creamier (if not dairy-free).
• To freeze, prepare without spinach and add it fresh when reheating.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 90mg