Tuscan Chicken is a rich and creamy dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a velvety sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce. Perfectly seared chicken is bathed in a luscious sauce, making every bite a comforting indulgence. Serve it over pasta, rice, or just with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that goodness.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Tuscan Chicken
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For even more flavour, consider using bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. The bone imparts an extra richness to the sauce.
- Low and Slow for a Tender Chicken: If you prefer a juicier, more tender chicken, try cooking it on low heat after searing it to ensure it stays moist.
- Add More Veggies: While spinach is the traditional green used in Tuscan Chicken, you can also add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to enhance the flavour and texture.
- Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grated fresh parmesan adds a more authentic and bold flavour compared to pre-shredded versions.
Variations of Tuscan Chicken
- Tuscan Chicken with Mushrooms: For a richer flavour, sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic before adding the broth. The earthy mushrooms pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Tuscan Chicken with Bacon: Add crispy, crumbled bacon into the sauce for an extra layer of smoky flavour that complements the richness of the dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: This dish is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure you’re using gluten-free broth if you’re sensitive to gluten.
- Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken: For a low-carb variation, skip the pasta and serve your Tuscan Chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Tuscan Chicken with Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve your chicken over cooked fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne pasta. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with any pasta.
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken
Tuscan Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- With Pasta: A classic way to serve this dish is over a bed of pasta. The rich, creamy sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, especially fettuccine or penne.
- With Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting side dish, mashed potatoes soak up the creamy sauce wonderfully, making every bite more indulgent.
- With Rice: A fluffy, aromatic rice like jasmine or basmati is a great option to balance out the richness of the sauce.
- On a Salad: For a lighter meal, serve Tuscan Chicken over a bed of greens, such as arugula or mixed lettuce. Drizzle some of the creamy sauce over the top for extra flavor.
How to Store Tuscan Chicken
Tuscan Chicken makes for excellent leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
- Refrigeration: Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze Tuscan Chicken for up to 3 months. To do this, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. When reheating, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the fridge before warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer darker meat. They will add extra flavour and tenderness to the dish.
2. Can I make Tuscan Chicken ahead of time? Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. Prepare the entire dish and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
3. Is there a vegetarian version of Tuscan Chicken? Yes! To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for firm tofu or use a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add some plant-based protein like chickpeas for extra substance.
4. Can I use a lighter version of the cream? You can use half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce, but the flavour and texture may not be as rich and creamy. For the best results, stick with heavy cream, but feel free to adjust based on your preferences.
5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes? While sun-dried tomatoes give the dish a concentrated, tangy flavour, you can substitute them with fresh tomatoes. However, the dish might lack the deep richness that sun-dried tomatoes provide.
Tuscan Chicken
Tuscan Chicken is a rich and creamy dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a velvety sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce. Perfectly seared chicken is bathed in a luscious sauce, making every bite a comforting indulgence. Serve it over pasta, rice, or just with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that goodness.
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, or a mix of individual spices such as oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side. If your chicken is thicker, cook a bit longer. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil and sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes. Then, toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Pile the spinach into the skillet and sauté for about a minute until it begins to wilt down.
- Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let it simmer so all the flavors can blend into a creamy, savory sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. The sauce will thicken as it cools, making it extra rich!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 507Total Fat 46gSaturated Fat 23gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 19gCholesterol 132mgSodium 495mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 2gSugar 6gProtein 16g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Tuscan Chicken is a simple yet indulgent recipe that brings the best of Italian flavours to your kitchen. With its creamy sauce, savoury chicken, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, it’s a dish that will please the whole family. Whether served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this versatile recipe is sure to be a hit. Follow the tips and tricks to make it even better, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your variations. Enjoy your Tuscan Chicken today, and bring a taste of Tuscany into your home!
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