Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, savory dish packed with the bold flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Italian herbs. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests. With juicy chicken breasts bathed in a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s bound to become a weeknight favorite.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breasts
olive oil
garlic cloves
sun-dried tomatoes (in oil)
baby spinach
heavy cream
chicken broth
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
salt
pepper
mozzarella cheese
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and place in the baking dish.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Toss in the spinach and cook until wilted.
Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Garnish with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Add mushrooms or artichoke hearts for extra texture and flavor.
Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different cheesy twist.
Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
storage/reheating
Store Baked Tuscan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals to prevent overcooking.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and drain it well before adding to the sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter option.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the flavor will slightly change.
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes, assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Is it keto-friendly?
Yes, Baked Tuscan Chicken is naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats.
What sides pair well with this?
It goes beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Absolutely, cook on low for 4-5 hours after searing the chicken and preparing the sauce.
Can I add pasta directly to the dish?
It’s better to cook pasta separately to ensure it doesn’t get too soft.
Why is my sauce separating?
Make sure not to boil the cream too hard; simmer gently to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I use different herbs?
Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can be great additions for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Baked Tuscan Chicken is a rich, savory dish that brings gourmet flavors to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this creamy, cheesy chicken will win over everyone at the table. Give it a try and savor every luscious bite!
PrintBaked Tuscan Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Baked Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish made with tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese, letting it simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add mushrooms or artichokes for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
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