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This Italian-inspired dish combines tender chicken breasts with a medley of aromatic herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy spinach for a mouthwatering meal that will transport you straight to Italy. You can also pair it with rice or potatoes for a simple weeknight supper that’s ready in under 40 minutes. The flavor and aroma of this savory chicken dish makes it a comforting family favorite, yet it serves well for special occasions.
Whether you’re looking for a go-to recipe for those busy weeknights or you’re planning a delightful dinner to impress, Baked Tuscan Chicken casserole is your ticket to success. The easy Tuscan chicken is incredibly simple but has the power to elevate any dinner gathering. The best part is the flavorful Tuscan chicken sauce. It’s decadent, velvety, and infused with the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Be sure to serve with crusty bread to mop up every last bit.
If you love sun-dried tomatoes, try my Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta, Cheesy Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken or Sundried Tomato Chicken and Broccoli.
Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Quick weeknight meal. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile: Serve the Baked Tuscan Chicken with your choice of sides, such as roasted potatoes, pasta, or a simple salad, making it adaptable to various preferences.
- It’s family-friendly. The tender chicken and creamy spinach sauce are sure to win over even the pickiest eaters in your family.
Tuscan Chicken Ingredients
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you’ll appreciate how this recipe brings together traditional Tuscan ingredients in a modern and convenient preparation. Here’s what you need for this dish.
For the Herb Infused Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts: We used boneless, skinless chicken breasts but you can substitute with chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle flavor and a touch of color. You can also use smoked paprika.
- Italian Seasonings: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can make your own blend using these individual herbs in similar quantities.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances and adds depth of flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
- Olive Oil: Use any light, neutral-flavored oil.
For Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but keep in mind that the sauce might be less thick. You can add cream cheese to help with the consistency or more cornstarch.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of intense tomato flavor. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes (drained), though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Parmesan Cheese: Shredded parmesan contributes a rich, nutty taste to the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides that aromatic garlicky goodness.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce. If you’re avoiding cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as a substitute.
- Crushed Red Chili Flakes: Adds a gentle kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the overall taste.
- Spinach: Chopped fresh spinach introduces color and texture. You can also use kale or omit the greens altogether.
- Parsley: To garnish. Use other fresh herbs like basil or thyme if you prefer.
How To Make Baked Tuscan Chicken
- Prepare the equipment. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a baking dish with oil and set it aside.
- Season the chicken. Pat dry the chicken breasts with a kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture. Then season the chicken on both sides with paprika, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. Rub the seasoning onto the chicken breasts then massage the chicken breasts with olive oil to coat them evenly.
- Prepare the sauce. In a large bowl, combine the sauce ingredients and mix until smooth and well combined. Add 1 cup of chopped spinach to the sauce mixture and stir to incorporate then pour the sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the chicken. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the sauce in the baking dish. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Garnish and serve. Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken cool down for about 10 minutes. Garnish the chicken with chopped parsley for added freshness. Serve the chicken over pasta, mashed potatoes or your preferred side dish.
Tips To Make Easy Tuscan Chicken
- Pat Dry the Chicken: Before seasoning, make sure to pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the herbs and spices stick better and promotes a nice sear during cooking.
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season your chicken breasts generously before searing. This creates a flavorful crust and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Sear for Flavor: Searing the chicken breasts in a hot skillet before baking not only adds a delicious crispy exterior but also locks in the juices, resulting in a moist and flavorful chicken.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
- Opt. for Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil for its rich, fruity flavor. It not only adds a touch of Mediterranean authenticity but also helps keep the chicken moist.
- Customize Sides: Consider pairing your Baked Tuscan Chicken with sides like roasted potatoes, pasta, or a simple green salad. The versatility of the dish allows you to personalize your meal.
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the juices a chance to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful bite.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: When serving, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh herbs for a final burst of flavor and a visually appealing presentation.
- Experiment and Adapt: Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. While the traditional recipe is delightful, don’t hesitate to add your own twist by incorporating ingredients like olives, capers, or roasted red peppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can easily substitute with chicken thighs, which tend to be more forgiving and juicy. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through but are less prone to overcooking.
You can use half-and-half or whole milk to make a lighter version of the sauce. Keep in mind that the sauce might not be as thick or rich, but it’ll still be flavorful. You can also add a little bit of cream cheese to thicken the sauce.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the microwave or oven, making sure not to overcook it. You can stir in a little cream to return the sauce to its creamy consistency.
While the chicken itself can freeze well, the creamy sauce might not retain its texture upon thawing and reheating. If you plan to freeze the leftovers, consider storing the chicken separately from the sauce, and make a fresh batch of sauce when reheating.
Pasta is a classic pairing, but you can also serve the chicken and sauce over rice, quinoa, or even with a side of roasted vegetables. The sauce is versatile and complements a variety of options. Some of our favorite pairings include Air Fryer Asparagus, Air Fryer Potato Wedges, or Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
More Chicken Recipes
- Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Charcoal Grilled Whole Chicken
- Grilled Half Chicken
- Baked Panko Chicken Tenders
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Tuscan Chicken Thighs Recipe
Easy to prepare and bursting with healthful ingredients, this dish is poised to become a favorite on your dining table. I hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this delicious Tuscan Chicken Sauce recipe. I hope you try it, enjoy it, rate it, and share it with your friends and family!
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Baked Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chopped fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a baking dish with oil and set it aside.
- Pat dry the chicken breasts with a kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture. Then season the chicken on both sides with paprika, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. Rub the seasoning onto the chicken breasts then massage the chicken breasts with olive oil to coat them evenly.
- n a large bowl, combine the sauce ingredients and mix until smooth and well combined. Add 1 cup of chopped spinach to the sauce mixture and stir to incorporate then pour the sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the sauce in the baking dish.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken cool down for about 10 minutes. Garnish the chicken with chopped parsley for added freshness. Serve the chicken over pasta, mashed potatoes or your preferred side dish.
Notes
-
- Pat Dry the Chicken: Before seasoning, make sure to pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the herbs and spices stick better and promotes a nice sear during cooking.
- Sear for Flavor: Searing the chicken breasts in a hot skillet before baking not only adds a delicious crispy exterior but also locks in the juices, resulting in a moist and flavorful chicken.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
- Customize Sides: Consider pairing your Baked Tuscan Chicken with sides like roasted potatoes, pasta, or a simple green salad. The versatility of the dish allows you to personalize your meal.
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the juices a chance to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful bite.
- Experiment and Adapt: Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. While the traditional recipe is delightful, don’t hesitate to add your own twist by incorporating ingredients like olives, capers, or roasted red peppers
Can you prep night before and bake next day
You could yes. Just make sure to cover it well with saran wrap or aluminum foil.