If you love a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, you are going to adore this Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe. It brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts and a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach, topped with Parmesan for that irresistible savory finish. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to impress company, making it a true kitchen superstar you’ll want to turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is key, but you’ll be happy to know they are straightforward and packed with flavor. Each component plays its part—from the olive oil that helps get the perfect sear on the chicken to the creamy Parmesan finish that ties everything together with richness and depth.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing juicy, tender protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for searing the chicken and adding a subtle fruity undertone.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that adds authentic Mediterranean flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right kick and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a delicious aromatic punch.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped: Provides a tangy sweetness and rich color.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a nutritious touch.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy base that makes this sauce heavenly.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the sauce its sharp, nutty finish.
How to Make Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add a little extra flavor as your chicken bakes.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Season each chicken breast evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until it develops a gorgeous golden crust. This step locks in juices and builds a flavorful base for your sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Flavors in the Skillet
Transfer the seared chicken to your baking dish to rest for a moment. Into the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly for about 30 seconds until its scent fills the kitchen, making your mouth water already.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach into the skillet next, cooking just long enough for the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to warm through. Then, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir gently and let it simmer just until you get a silky, bubbling sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Pour that decadent creamy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts nestled in your baking dish. Pop the whole thing into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened and bubbling. This step ensures every bite is full of moisture and flavor.
How to Serve Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the final presentation, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving. A little extra grated Parmesan doesn’t hurt either. These touches brighten the dish visually and bring an extra hit of freshness to balance the rich cream sauce.
Side Dishes
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious sauce, or a light arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. Roasted vegetables or crusty bread also make fantastic companions for a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or al dente pasta to turn this comfort dish into a showstopper entree. Drizzle the sauce artfully on the plate and add a few sun-dried tomatoes and spinach leaves for a lush, colorful flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The chicken and sauce will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep the joy of this Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe for longer, it freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container and you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help restore the saucy richness when warming it back up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, and they work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese, though it may be a bit less rich and creamy. Coconut cream is an option for dairy-free adaptation and adds an interesting twist.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the thickest part to check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe as is does not contain gluten, so it’s naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your seasonings and Parmesan cheese don’t have any hidden gluten additives.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic or stir some chopped fresh chili into the sauce for an exciting kick.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite in your rotation. The combination of creamy sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and tender spinach all over perfectly seared chicken is simply irresistible. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and share it with the people you love—it’s the kind of dish everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Baked Tuscan Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a rich and creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh baby spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an easy yet flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish combines sautéing and baking techniques to create a delicious Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Prepare Garlic: Transfer the seared chicken to the baking dish. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant; this step builds the base flavor for the sauce.
- Cook Vegetables and Make Sauce: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet; cook for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring they’re well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake to Finish: Bake the chicken for 20–25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and the sauce is bubbling. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream to lighten the dish or make it dairy-free, but this may alter the richness of the sauce.
- For more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in Italian seasoning and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
