Tuscan Chicken

When you need a simple but delicious meal in under 30 minutes, this one-pan Tuscan chicken is the answer. With tender chicken cuts, vibrant spinach, and succulent sundried tomatoes swimming in a creamy sauce, this dish is fast, flavorful, and easy to make. 

What's not to love about this fresh and savory dish? Plus, it's a highly customizable recipe that allows you plenty of room to experiment.

If you're stuck in a dinnertime rut, consider that rut over. This classic Italian Tuscan chicken recipe will give you a tasty and elevated dish in no time.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This Tuscan chicken recipe works beautifully due to its balance of simplicity, flavor, and versatility.

Quick and easy to prepare, this Tuscan chicken skillet requires minimal prep time and uses one pan for convenient cooking and cleanup.

Additionally, the combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan sauce creates a rich, savory flavor profile that's deeply satisfying.

Furthermore, this recipe is highly customizable—you can swap in different proteins like shrimp or tofu, add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach, and adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. This flexibility makes it a perfect go-to dish for any occasion, tailored to your preferences.

Ingredients

Mixed Spices:

In a Tuscan chicken recipe, the chicken is typically seasoned with a mix of classic Italian spices to enhance its flavor. The spices commonly used are garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Feel free to experiment with any and all of them.

Chicken:

This authentic Tuscan chicken is typically made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, you can easily substitute it with other proteins for variety. Try using boneless pork chops or pork tenderloin for a slightly richer flavor. Shrimp is a great option for a lighter, seafood twist, while firm tofu or tempeh can make the dish vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing texture or taste.

Vegetables:

This Tuscan chicken recipe uses veggies that are local to the Tuscany region of Italy, such as sundried tomatoes, garlic, onion, and spinach. You can experiment with other vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, kale, or artichoke hearts.

Heavy Cream:

Heavy cream adds a rich, velvety texture and creamy consistency to the Tuscan chicken sauce. If you prefer a lighter option or need a substitute, use half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a bit of cornstarch. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk or cashew cream works well, maintaining the creaminess without the dairy.

Parmesan Cheese:

Parmesan cheese brings a nutty, salty depth of flavor to Tuscan chicken, enhancing the savory taste and adding a slightly sharp finish. If you need a substitute, both Pecorino Romano and Grana Padano offer a similar flavor profile but are slightly tangier. For a dairy-free alternative, use nutritional yeast, which provides a cheesy, umami flavor without the dairy.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken

Step One: 

Coat your chicken breasts in the mixed spices.

Step Two: 

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

Step Three: 

Add your chicken to the pan and brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step Four:

Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt butter in the pan. Add onions and saute until softened. Add garlic, then saute until aromatic.

Step Five: 

Next, add the sundried tomatoes, spinach, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Stir to incorporate.

Step Six: 

Bring the sauce to a gentle boil and add the chicken back into the pan.

Step Seven: 

Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Step Eight: 

Serve with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese, and enjoy!

Tips

• This Tuscan chicken recipe is excellent for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for easy reheating throughout the week.
• Ensure that you cook the chicken until it is just brown. Remember that it will go back in the pan to cook more, so you don't want it to be dry and overcooked.

What to Serve With Tuscan Chicken

When considering what to serve with Tuscan chicken, there are a number of different side dish options. For a comforting meal, serve it over creamy polenta or alongside garlic mashed potatoes.

For a lighter option, pair it with a fresh Caprese salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or sautéed vegetables like spinach or asparagus. Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce, and a side of pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, provides a hearty, satisfying accompaniment.

FAQs

Can I make Tuscan chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by browning the chicken and preparing the sauce as directed, then cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender.

How do I thicken the sauce for Tuscan chicken?

To thicken the sauce, simmer uncovered until it reduces to your desired consistency. If you need it thicker more quickly, add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Thaw it thoroughly in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor absorption. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken from frozen, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.

For how long can leftover Tuscan chicken be kept fresh?

If you do end up with leftover Tuscan chicken, it can be kept fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer-term storage, freeze it for up to three months, ensuring it's properly sealed to maintain flavor and texture.

More Italian Recipes

If you are looking to live la dolce vita without having to hop on a plane, then you will love this collection of our favorite Italian recipes—delicious homemade meals just like Mama used to make, without having to leave your kitchen.

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Beef Braciole

Italian Beef Sandwich

Chicken Piccata