Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Tuscan Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken baked in a luscious sauce of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan. It’s a comforting, restaurant-quality meal made easily in one pan—perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. Serve it with pasta, rice, or veggies for a satisfying and elegant meal.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighsolive oilsalt and peppergarlic (minced)sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, chopped)baby spinachheavy creamparmesan cheese (grated)Italian seasoningcrushed red pepper flakes (optional)fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown (do not cook through). Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower heat and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in heavy cream and stir in parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in spinach until just wilted.
Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and transfer the skillet to the oven.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25–30 minutesTotal time: approximately 35–40 minutes
Variations
Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Add mushrooms or artichokes for more Mediterranean flavor.
Make it dairy-free with coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth.
Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
Is this recipe low carb?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and keto-friendly.
Can I make this without cream?
Use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, though the sauce may be thinner.
What can I serve with it?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies all pair well.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, reduce baking time—just heat through in the sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default, but add red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer covered on low heat until chicken is cooked through.
Can I add cheese on top?
Absolutely—mozzarella or provolone melts beautifully.
Can I prep it ahead?
Yes, assemble the dish, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Baked Tuscan Chicken is an easy yet impressive dish bursting with creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato flavor. With its comforting sauce and tender, juicy chicken, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation. Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights—this dish does it all.
PrintBaked Tuscan Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s easy to make and perfect for a comforting yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to the baking dish.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking just until spinach wilts. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in garlic and herbs for 1 hour before cooking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
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