Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe

The Juiciest Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting a delectable tuscan chicken breasts recipe promises a culinary adventure that transports you straight to the rolling hills of italy.

Aromatic herbs and rich flavors dance together, creating a symphony of taste on your plate.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully seasoned bite.

Succulent chicken transforms into a mouthwatering masterpiece with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Pantry staples blend seamlessly to produce an impressive dinner that looks like it came from a gourmet kitchen.

Creamy textures and bold seasonings ensure this dish will become a instant favorite at your table.

We promise this recipe will spark joy and satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Tuscan Chicken Breasts: Baked To Perfection

Tuscan Chicken Breasts: Baked To Perfection
  • Unleash Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold Tuscan-inspired ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan, this dish delivers a mouthwatering taste adventure in every bite.
  • Master One-Pan Magic: By using an oven-safe skillet, you'll minimize cleanup and simplify the cooking process, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking convenience.
  • Customize with Ease: The recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions, letting you adjust seasoning or vegetables to match your family's preferences without compromising the delicious core concept.
  • Wow-Worthy Weeknight Dinner: Impressive enough for guests yet quick enough for weeknight meals, this chicken recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that feels special without complicated techniques.

Tuscan Chicken Breasts Ingredients For Success

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that serves as the central element of this Tuscan-inspired dish.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A classic seasoning mix that adds depth and enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a rich base for searing and cooking the chicken.
  • Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Create a smooth and creamy sauce base with rich, savory notes.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings a concentrated, tangy sweetness to the dish.
  • Spinach: Adds a fresh, green element and nutritional value to the recipe.

Simple Steps To Baked Tuscan Chicken

Simple Steps To Baked Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) so it’s ready for our delicious chicken adventure.

Step 2: Spice Up The Chicken

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Massage the seasonings into the meat for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Create A Golden Sear

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

Gently place chicken breasts and cook until each side turns a beautiful golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Then transfer the chicken to a plate.

Step 4: Build The Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and cook for a quick minute.

Pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Sun-dried tomatoes

Stir everything until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 5: Add Some Green

Throw in fresh spinach and cook until it wilts and blends into the sauce.

Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet and coat with the luscious sauce.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C).

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out the skillet and drizzle that creamy sauce over the chicken.

Serve immediately while it’s hot and irresistible.

Pro Tips For Juicy Tuscan Chicken

  • Get a golden-brown crust by patting chicken dry before seasoning and using a hot skillet with just enough oil to prevent sticking.
  • Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and thicken naturally, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and avoid overcooking, ensuring juicy and tender chicken breasts.
  • Toast Parmesan cheese briefly in the skillet to enhance its nutty flavor before adding liquid ingredients.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative that keeps the creamy sauce rich and satisfying.

Ways To Switch Up Tuscan Chicken Breasts

  • Dairy-Free Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free alternative.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap sun-dried tomatoes for lower-carb roasted red peppers and increase the amount of spinach to boost vegetable content while maintaining low-carb macros.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano to the seasoning mix for an enhanced herbal flavor profile that complements the Tuscan-style chicken.
  • Spicy Tuscan Chicken Option: Incorporate red pepper flakes and a dash of cayenne into the sauce for those who enjoy a zesty kick to their creamy chicken dish.

Serving Tuscan Chicken Breasts With Sides

  • Rustic Italian Dinner Plate: Pair the chicken with creamy polenta or al dente pasta to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a hearty Mediterranean-inspired meal.
  • Wine Country Pairing: Complement the rich, creamy dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the heaviness of the sauce.
  • Fresh Green Sidekick: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a zesty, fresh contrast to the warm, creamy chicken.
  • Bread Basket Bonus: Include crusty Italian bread or garlic crostini to mop up the remaining sun-dried tomato cream sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

Storing Baked Tuscan Chicken Properly

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep moisture.

FAQs

  • What are the key flavors in this Tuscan chicken dish?

The key flavors include garlic, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce that combines herbs and spices for a classic Tuscan-inspired taste.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs, but adjust cooking time to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature of 165F (74C), as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

While delicious, the dish is moderately rich due to heavy cream and cheese. It provides a good source of protein from chicken and nutrients from spinach, but it’s not a low-calorie meal.

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Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe

Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Tuscan chicken breasts bring Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables with rich herbs and creamy sauce. Juicy chicken nestles in a flavorful blend of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan, creating a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves

Instructions

  1. Elevate oven temperature to 375F (190C), preparing for a culinary transformation.
  2. Generously coat chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Ignite olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, creating a golden sear on chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until a rich, caramelized exterior develops. Carefully extract chicken from the skillet.
  4. Within the same skillet, unleash the aromatic potential of minced garlic for 60 seconds. Introduce heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, whisking until a velvety, uniform sauce emerges.
  5. Gently fold in fresh spinach, allowing leaves to wilt and integrate into the luxurious sauce. Reintroduce seared chicken breasts, lovingly bathing them in the creamy mixture.
  6. Transfer skillet directly into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to roast for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (74C), ensuring perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
  7. Present the dish immediately, cascading the rich, creamy sauce over the succulent chicken breasts, creating a visually stunning and flavor-packed meal.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are even thickness by gently pounding them to promote uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and help spices adhere better.
  • Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of dried spices to elevate the dish’s aromatic profile and add brightness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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