Tuscan Chicken

Impress your dinner guests with this delicious Tuscan chicken recipe. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with Italian spices and cooked to perfection in a luxurious cream sauce packed with flavor.

Ingredients for Tuscan Chicken

There are different methods to prepare the Tuscan sauce - you can use either fresh cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes, and choose between dairy or dairy-free options. In this recipe, sun-dried tomatoes are used for their rich and intense flavor that enhances the dish. I have opted for the classic dairy version, but feel free to customize it to your preference! Below are the ingredients along with some alternative suggestions:

Chicken: This dish is typically made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. But you could also use chicken thighs as well if that’s more your thing.

Italian Seasoning: You can usually find Italian seasoning at the market. If not, just use a mix of mix of individual spices such as oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary.

Garlic and Onion: Lots of garlic is always welcome. And for onions, you can use white, yellow, or even shallots.

Sun Dried Tomatoes: After trying several jars from different brands, I came across this jar of sun-dried tomatoes that tasted so fresh and delicious. Plus, it’s the perfect amount for this recipe!

Spinach: Feel free to go heavy on the baby spinach (I really pack it in the measuring cup) since it wilts down to teeny bits as it cooks!

Heavy Cream: While dairy-based heavy cream is traditionally used, you have dairy free options as well. You can use a can of coconut cream (not to be confused with coconut milk) or you can make cashew cream at home.

Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is the way to go here. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast mimics a similar cheesy, nutty flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, or a mix of individual spices such as oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or your favorite oil)

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced

• 2 cups baby spinach

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

3. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.

4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

5. In the same skillet, add onions and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until onions are translucent.

6. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

7. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.

8. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.

9. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.

10. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

11. Serve the Tuscan chicken hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

    
    

How to Enjoy Creamy Tuscan Chicken

To turn this into a satisfying meal, place the chicken (along with generous amounts of sauce) over rice, lentils, noodles, polenta, mashed potatoes, or mashed cauliflower. Any of these choices will perfectly complement the sauce. Enjoy!

This recipe inspired from Downshiftology