Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Tuscan Chicken is a rich and savory dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful Tuscan-inspired sauce. The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese creates a delicious, hearty sauce that perfectly complements the chicken. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor and protein, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup spinach, chopped
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ cup heavy cream
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish) (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
Swap the spinach for kale or arugula for a different green.
Use coconut cream or Greek yogurt as a lighter substitute for heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs, but make sure to adjust the cooking time since thighs take a little longer to cook through.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then assemble and bake it when you’re ready to eat.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is not spicy by default, but you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Can I make this recipe without the sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, you can omit the sun-dried tomatoes if you prefer, but they add a lot of flavor to the dish.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, quinoa, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Can I make this recipe without the cream?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lighter version of cream, or make it a tomato-based sauce for a different variation.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Bake it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and check for doneness.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

You can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking.

Conclusion

Baked Tuscan Chicken is a delicious, protein-packed meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The creamy, savory sauce and tender chicken make it the perfect weeknight dinner that will leave you satisfied. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a healthy and delicious meal, this recipe is sure to impress.