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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

4.4 from 66 reviews

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy blend of heavy cream and chicken broth. Perfect for an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner, this dish combines Italian-inspired flavors with a luscious texture that will delight the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (lightly pounded to even thickness)
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp European-style butter

Sauce

  • ¼ cup European-style butter (European butter has a higher fat content, e.g., Kerrygold)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes (drained and rinsed, about 1 jar)
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Season each side of the pounded chicken breasts evenly with 1 tsp Italian seasoning and kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  2. Dredge the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine 4 tbsp all-purpose flour with 3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp European-style butter. Once melted, add the chicken breasts (in batches if needed) and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is browned on both sides. Remove chicken from skillet, place on a plate, and cover with foil to keep warm.
  4. Prepare the Sauce Base: Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add ¼ cup European-style butter. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan as the butter melts, infusing the sauce with extra flavor.
  5. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: Whisk in 1 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux and thicken the sauce.
  7. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Whisk in ½ cup heavy cream, 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and ¼ tsp ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  8. Add Spinach and Simmer: Stir in the chopped baby spinach and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook until the sauce slightly thickens and the spinach wilts.
  9. Reheat Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, turning to coat them thoroughly in the creamy sauce. Let simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve the creamy Tuscan chicken hot alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Lightly pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tender texture.
  • European-style butter is recommended for its richer flavor and higher fat content but substitute with regular unsalted butter if unavailable.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy depth to the sauce; choose oil-packed tomatoes for extra richness or dry-packed for a leaner option (reconstitute in warm water).
  • To make meal prep easier, cook chicken breasts in batches rather than overcrowding the pan.
  • This dish pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F to guarantee safe consumption.

Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken, Chicken Breast, Tuscan Recipe, Creamy Chicken, Italian Chicken, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Garlic Chicken, Parmesan Chicken, Spinach Chicken