There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts filling your kitchen. Juicy, tender chicken is paired with a luscious, creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach—a flavor combination that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
I discovered this recipe while experimenting with ways to upgrade plain chicken breasts for a family dinner. With minimal prep and loads of flavor, it quickly became a go-to weeknight meal that's as impressive as it is easy to make. Ready to elevate your chicken game? Let’s dive in.
Why You'll Love This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this recipe! It’s the perfect balance of simplicity, flavor, and elegance, making it a dish you’ll want to cook again and again.
First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare. The entire dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Second, the flavors are out of this world. Creamy garlic sauce meets tangy sun-dried tomatoes and earthy spinach, creating a dish that tastes like it came straight from a fancy Italian restaurant.
This recipe is also a fantastic option for anyone watching their carbs. Pair it with roasted veggies or a light salad, and you have a satisfying, low-carb meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or impressing dinner guests, these Tuscan chicken breasts deliver every single time.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet flavor-packed ingredients. Here’s what makes each one shine:
Chicken breasts are the star of the show. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe. Be sure to pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking and juicy results.
Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Opt for the oil-packed variety for extra richness, and don’t forget to drain them before use.
Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients to the dish. It wilts down perfectly in the sauce, balancing its richness with a hint of freshness.
Heavy cream is the base of the luscious sauce. It provides a velvety texture that coats every bite of chicken. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce will be thinner.
Parmesan cheese takes the sauce to the next level. Its nutty, salty flavor enhances the creaminess, making every bite irresistible. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.
You’ll also need garlic, chicken broth, and a touch of Italian seasoning to tie everything together. No special equipment is needed—just a skillet and a baking dish!
How To Make This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe
Creating this delicious dish is straightforward, with just a few simple steps to follow.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, adding a splash of olive oil once it’s hot.
Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through—they’ll finish baking in the oven. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, letting the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
Once the sauce is ready, add the fresh spinach, stirring until wilted. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven, letting it rest for a few minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, making it even more luxurious.
Storage Options
Got leftovers? This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or saving for another day.
Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent the sauce from separating.
For longer storage, you can freeze this dish. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result.
- Add mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy twist. Sauté them with the garlic for extra depth of flavor.
- Use kale instead of spinach for a heartier green that holds up well in the sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for the heavy cream and Parmesan.
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
No matter how you customize it, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Experiment, have fun, and enjoy every bite!
PrintBaked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts recipe is a rich and creamy dish made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious sauce. Perfect for a flavorful and comforting dinner, it's easy to prepare and packed with Italian-inspired goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until smooth.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted. Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and transfer to the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve warm with the creamy sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Pair with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
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