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Baked Tuscan Chicken 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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