Tuscan Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking to add a little Italian sunshine to your dinner table, this Tuscan Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’re dining in a cozy trattoria, right in your own kitchen. With creamy, garlicky sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach, it’s the kind of meal that’s both comforting and fancy enough for guests.

Whenever I make this Tuscan Chicken Recipe, I get so many compliments because it hits that beautiful balance of rich flavors without being overcomplicated. It works perfectly for weeknight dinners when you want something special but don’t have hours to fuss. Plus, the sauce is so good you might just want to dip your bread straight in it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Tuscan Chicken Recipe plays a part in creating that luscious, comforting flavor. A good tip is to grab quality olive oil and parmesan—it really makes a difference in the final taste.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Ideal for tender, juicy chicken that cooks evenly and soaks up all that sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning the chicken just right.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend saves time, delivering herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary in one sprinkle.
• All-purpose flour: Helps create a light coating on the chicken, giving it a nice crust and thickening the sauce slightly.
• Olive oil: Use good quality for flavor and to keep that chicken seared beautifully.
• Chicken broth: The liquid base that makes the sauce rich and savory.
• Chicken bouillon cube or better than bouillon: Boosts flavor so your sauce tastes deep and satisfying.
• Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth without the chopping.
• Dried oregano: A classic herb that pairs beautifully with the Italian seasoning.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a wonderful hint of heat—don’t skip it if you like some kick!
• White wine: This adds acidity and brightness; use dry white wine or substitute with chicken broth if you prefer.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is a must—adds bold flavor and amazing aroma.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce.
• Sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped: For that chewy, sweet punch that gives Tuscan dishes their character.
• Cornstarch and cold water: This slurry thickens the sauce to just the right consistency.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without being too heavy.
• Cream cheese, softened: Adds richness and body to the sauce for that signature smoothness.
• Parmesan cheese, grated: For sharp, nutty flavor that pulls the whole dish together.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color, a touch of earthiness, and nutrition.

Variations

I love making this Tuscan Chicken Recipe my own by switching up ingredients or adjusting it to suit what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to play around a bit—you might discover your own favorite twist!

• Variation: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half and leave out the cream cheese. It still tastes great but feels less rich.
• Variation: Add mushrooms for an earthy depth and extra texture; I often throw in sliced cremini when I want something heartier.
• Variation: Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and parmesan—surprisingly delicious.
• Variation: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer darker meat; they stay juicy and are more forgiving if you cook a bit longer.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps the flour stick better and gives you that lovely golden crust. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Coat the chicken lightly but evenly with the flour—it’ll create a nice base for searing and help thicken the sauce later on.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 3 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. Cook about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and almost cooked through. Tip: resist flipping too early—let the crust develop for the best flavor and texture.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Remove the chicken and set it aside. Reduce heat to medium, then add garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute to deepen the flavor. Pour in white wine to deglaze, scraping up all those yummy browned bits from the bottom.

Next, add chicken broth, chicken bouillon (or better than bouillon), onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let this simmer for a few minutes to blend all those flavors together.

Step 4: Thicken and Enrich the Sauce

Make your cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce. This will thicken it nicely. Once the sauce has thickened a bit, lower the heat and add the cream, cream cheese, and parmesan, stirring gently until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach

Chop the sundried tomatoes and stir them into the sauce for that sweet-tangy pop. Toss in the fresh spinach last, allowing it to wilt gently in the warm sauce—this adds lovely color and freshness.

Step 6: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce

Return your chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Cover and let everything simmer together for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juicy. This gives the chicken a chance to soak up all those rich flavors without drying out.

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a handful of extra grated Parmesan on top along with some freshly chopped parsley. Sometimes, I add a little lemon zest for a bright, fresh finish that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Tuscan Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or even a simple pasta like fettuccine tossed in olive oil and herbs. I also love serving it alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced, colorful meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes plate this dish over a bed of risotto or polenta, garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers for some extra wow-factor. Presentation can be casual or elegant depending on your mood—it always looks inviting thanks to the vibrant colors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers of this Tuscan Chicken Recipe, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce actually continues to thicken and deepen in flavor overnight, which I consider a bonus.

Freezing

I’ve found this recipe freezes well—just be sure to cool it completely before freezing in a sealed container. It makes a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks! When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm it over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash of chicken broth or cream helps loosen it up while keeping it creamy and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and never feels like a last-minute scramble. It’s one of those meals I’m proud to serve to friends or family, and I always get asked for the recipe afterward. Give it a try—you’ll love how it brings a little taste of Tuscany into your busy weeknight dinners.

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