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Tuscan chicken is a classic Italian dish made with chicken, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan sauce! It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Your whole family will love it!
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This Tuscan chicken is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a weeknight meal! It takes only 30 minutes in one pan. The chicken is cooked in a sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream. The meat is tender and juicy, and the sauce is rich and flavorful. Just like takeout, but made in the comfort of your own home. Kids and adults love this Italian-inspired recipe!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This Tuscan chicken recipe is quick and easy to make.
- It takes only 30 minutes in total.
- The recipe is simple and straightforward, and the results are always delicious!
- Tuscan chicken is flavorful and hearty.
- This recipe is great for family dinners and holidays.
- The leftovers are even better the next day!
- Kids and picky eaters love it too.
- Tuscan chicken is a relatively inexpensive dish to make.
- The ingredients are all readily available and the cooking time is relatively short.
- This recipe can be easily made gluten-free. Use gluten-free flour.
What Is Tuscan Chicken?
Tuscan chicken is a dish that originated in the Tuscany region of Italy. It became popular when Olive Garden added it to their menu.
It is made with chicken breasts cooked in a sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream. Tuscan chicken is often served with pasta or rice, and it can also be enjoyed on its own.
We love serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or whole wheat pasta.
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients and substitutes for Tuscan chicken. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for the entire recipe.
Use boneless skinless chicken breasts. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work as well. If you only have frozen chicken, thaw completely before.
Season with salt and pepper.
Coat the chicken in white whole wheat flour. If needed, replace with gluten-free flour.
Cook the chicken in olive oil. Replace with avocado oil if needed.
Minced garlic adds a delicious garlicky flavor.
Chicken broth adds a hearty and savory flavor to the sauce.
Heavy cream makes the sauce super creamy! For a dairy-free option, use canned coconut cream.
Look for sun-dried tomatoes made without added sugar.
Spinach adds a fresh flavor and pop of color.
Oregano, basil, and thyme add an Italian-inspired flavor.
Parmesan cheese makes the sauce more creamy and thick.
Lastly, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Taste & Texture
Tuscan chicken has a rich and flavorful taste balanced by the acidity of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the sauce. It has so many amazing textures and flavors!
The chicken is tender and juicy. The sauce coats the chicken perfectly. Tuscan chicken is a hearty dish that everyone loves!
How to Make
Step 1
First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge each chicken breast in white whole wheat flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 2
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Step 3
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they are browned and fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 4
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Step 6
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 7
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme to the sauce. Then, stir well to combine.
Step 8
Let the sauce simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the spinach to wilt.
Step 9
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 10
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 11
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, as needed.
Step 12
Lastly, serve the Tuscan Chicken hot and fresh. Garnish with fresh basil leaves!
Expert Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips and tricks for making the best Tuscan chicken.
Use good quality chicken. We recommend hormone-free, antibiotic-free, free-range chicken breasts.
Do not overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to accurately measure the internal temperature.
Taste and add seasonings as you cook.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
In addition to the basic Tuscan chicken recipe, there are many different ways to flavor and customize the dish. Here are a few ideas.
Add mushrooms or roasted red peppers to the sauce.
Add different spices, such as Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.
Top the Tuscan chicken with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve & Store
Tuscan chicken is best served hot and fresh. It is also great for leftovers and meal prep.
It is typically served with pasta. For real food ingredients, we love spaghetti squash or mashed potatoes.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts in this recipe. However, chicken thighs will take longer to cook than chicken breasts.
Yes, you can make Tuscan chicken ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and sauce according to the recipe. Then, let the chicken cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Yes, you can freeze Tuscan chicken for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator and then heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
When buying chicken breasts, look for a light pink color and a firm texture.
Equipment Needed
Wooden Spoon: Mix the alfredo sauce and the chicken with a wooden spoon.
Large Nonstick Skillet: This nonstick skillet is large enough for this chicken recipe.
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