Name: Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
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)

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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.

The image shows a white baking dish filled with four golden-brown baked chicken thighs topped with melted cheese and sprinkled with green herbs and small pieces of crispy bacon. Around the chicken, there are roasted cherry tomatoes that are bright red and slightly wrinkled, adding color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled textured surface, and fresh green thyme sprigs are placed at the corner of the dish, adding a fresh touch. The chicken thighs are juicy with a crispy textured top layer, and the melted cheese layer beneath is creamy and slightly bubbly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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

A white plate holds a meal with three main parts: on the left, five halved roasted baby potatoes with light yellow insides and speckled skin; in the center, four slices of grilled chicken breast, golden brown with grill marks, topped with red sun-dried tomatoes, green basil leaves, and a creamy sauce with bits of spinach and diced onions; on the right, a bundle of green roasted asparagus spears. The plate is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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.