Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Tuscan Chicken is the kind of dish that instantly transports you to a sun-baked Italian terrace, even if you’re just in your own kitchen on a busy weeknight. Imagine juicy chicken breasts nestled in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, dotted with sweet-tart sun-dried and cherry tomatoes, handfuls of wilted spinach, and fragrant garlic. Made in just one skillet and in under 40 minutes, this recipe brings together colorful Mediterranean ingredients for a satisfying and impressive meal that feels cozy and elevated all at once. If you’re looking for a way to dress up chicken without complicated steps or hard-to-find pantry items, Tuscan Chicken is sure to become your new weeknight hero.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Tuscan Chicken couldn’t be easier, but each one plays a starring role—whether it’s adding creaminess, bursts of flavor, rich color, or those classic Italian herb notes. Here’s what you’ll need to bring your skillet to life:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and ready to soak up all those savory flavors.
• Olive oil: A gorgeous Mediterranean base for searing, giving the chicken deep flavor and color.
• Salt: Essential for highlighting every flavor in the pan.
• Black pepper: A little sharpness that brightens up the whole dish.
• Italian seasoning: The classic blend that infuses your chicken with the herbs of Tuscany.
• Garlic: Minced for powerful, aromatic notes that scream comfort.
• Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness pops in every bite.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Chewy, tangy, and concentrated, they’re the heart of any true Tuscan Chicken.
• Baby spinach: Wilts beautifully into the sauce and brings a fresh, vibrant color.
• Heavy cream: The dreamy base of our signature sauce, adding richness to every bite.
• Chicken broth: Infuses the sauce with depth and ties all the flavors together.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated for a salty, nutty finish and velvety texture.
• Butter: Adds extra silkiness and rounds out the sauce.
• Fresh basil (optional): For a finishing touch of herby brightness if you want to go the extra mile.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle each side generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This not only gives that beautiful golden crust as it sears but also builds your dish’s flavor from the very start.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 5 to 6 minutes, until they develop a deep golden color and are cooked through (juices should run clear). Remove the chicken and set aside—you’ll bring them back for a triumphant return!

Step 3: Start the Flavor Base

Reduce the heat slightly and melt the butter in the same pan. Toss in the minced garlic and give it about a minute—just until it’s fragrant. The kitchen should already be smelling incredible at this point!

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes

Add both the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes as they soften and release their sweet, tangy juices, mingling beautifully with the garlicky butter.

Step 5: Deglaze and Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, using your spoon to scrape any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and let it bubble away for 3 to 4 minutes until you have a smooth, slightly thickened sauce that’s irresistibly creamy.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach

Toss the baby spinach into the skillet and stir until it just wilts, turning bright green and adding a boost of nutrition and fresh color to your Tuscan Chicken.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spooning plenty of the creamy sauce and tomatoes over each piece. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 more minutes so the chicken soaks up every last drop of flavor. If you love that herby finish, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil just before serving.

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken

Garnishes

A flurry of freshly chopped basil or extra parsley makes for a stunning presentation and adds a burst of brightness to each serving. For a little extra indulgence, you can even shave a touch more Parmesan cheese over the top just before bringing your Tuscan Chicken to the table.

Side Dishes

Rustic bread is absolutely made for dunking into this dreamy sauce—think a fluffy baguette or even a piece of toasted sourdough. If you’re craving something more substantial, creamy mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or buttered rice all pair perfectly, soaking up that luscious Parmesan cream and making each bite even more memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken breasts before serving for a more elegant, restaurant-style look, or serve Tuscan Chicken family-style straight from the skillet in the middle of the table. Pour any extra sauce over a bed of pasta, or spoon it onto a mound of fluffy polenta for a truly decadent touch that wows every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Tuscan Chicken and sauce to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days and makes a fantastic next-day lunch—just don’t forget some bread or pasta to stretch the goodness further!

Freezing

For longer storage, let your Tuscan Chicken cool completely and then freeze it in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag. It’s best enjoyed within two months. To preserve the creamy texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat Tuscan Chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce if needed. Microwave reheating works, too—just use a lower power setting and cover the dish to keep everything tender and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully for Tuscan Chicken—just adjust the cook time slightly, as thighs often need a couple extra minutes to cook through fully.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, and use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious, keeping your Tuscan Chicken lactose-friendly.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Your best bet is an instant-read thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, just check that the juices run clear and the center isn’t pink after slicing into the thickest part.

Can I make this dish ahead?

You can absolutely prep Tuscan Chicken a day in advance, storing it in the fridge and reheating gently before serving. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious, if not more!

Do I have to use both sun-dried and cherry tomatoes?

Using both gives that lovely sweet-tangy balance, but you can use just one if you’re short on either ingredient—Tuscan Chicken is wonderfully flexible and will still turn out delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a skillet of Tuscan Chicken—rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh, sun-kissed flavor. This dish truly brings people together and feels like a special treat any night of the week. Give it a try and let it become a new favorite in your home!

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