Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Baked Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until smooth.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some sauce over each piece. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh spinach for a brighter flavor, but frozen works well too—just be sure to drain any excess water.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you prefer a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
• For extra depth, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering.

Storage

Store leftover Baked Tuscan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will remain juicy. Adjust baking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the sauce and season the chicken in advance, then refrigerate separately. When ready to cook, sear the chicken, combine with sauce, and bake as directed for best results.

Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 120 reviews

Baked Tuscan Chicken is a rich and creamy dish featuring golden seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious sauce of heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This easy oven-baked recipe combines vibrant flavors with a comforting, hearty texture, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken later.
2. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on all sides for a flavorful crust.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside temporarily.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
5. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine all ingredients. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine and Bake: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

• You can use fresh or frozen spinach depending on what you have available.
• Using an oven-safe skillet eliminates the need to transfer the chicken to another dish for baking.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative, but note that the sauce may be less rich.
• Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy chicken recipe, baked chicken breasts, Italian chicken dish, sun-dried tomato chicken