Easy Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe: Rich Italian Comfort

Tucked away in the heart of culinary comfort, a baked tuscan chicken casserole emerges as a delightful twist on traditional dinner fare.

Rustic Italian flavors dance through every fragrant layer of this dish.

Creamy textures and aromatic herbs promise a memorable meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of taste that beckons you to the kitchen.

Seasonal vegetables and tender chicken meld together in a harmonious celebration of simple, robust cooking.

Each forkful tells a story of Mediterranean-inspired goodness waiting to be savored.

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Ingredients List

• Chicken Breast: Tender cuts that serve as the primary protein in this hearty Tuscan-inspired casserole.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and adds rich flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a savory liquid foundation for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the sauce together.
• Garlic: Delivers a classic aromatic punch of flavor.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's taste profile.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Contribute a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor.
• Spinach: Introduces a fresh, green element with nutritional benefits.
• Oregano, Basil: Classic Italian herbs that provide authentic Tuscan seasoning.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty toppings that create a golden, bubbly crust.

Step-by-Step Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

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

Step 2: Sear The Chicken

Grab a large skillet and drizzle in olive oil.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Cook the chicken until it turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Set aside the beautifully seared chicken.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for a minute.

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until they become best friends.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh spinach
• Dried oregano
• Fresh basil

Let everything simmer and mingle for 2-3 minutes until spinach looks soft and wilted.

Step 5: Assemble The Casserole

Transfer the seared chicken into a casserole dish.

Pour the dreamy sauce all over the chicken.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and cheese turns bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to settle.

Serve hot and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Pro Tips for a Flavorful Tuscan Chicken Casserole

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Adjust the cream and broth ratio to create a thick, creamy sauce that coats the chicken without being too runny.
• Use fresh basil and oregano if possible for a more vibrant, aromatic taste compared to dried herbs.
• Cover with foil halfway through baking if the cheese starts to brown too quickly, ensuring a melted but not burnt topping.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt to make the dish more heart-friendly and diet-conscious.

Variations to Try on Tuscan Chicken Casserole

• Low-Carb Zucchini Base: Replace the traditional casserole base with thinly sliced zucchini rounds, creating a lighter, vegetable-packed version perfect for keto dieters.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap mozzarella and Parmesan with nutritional yeast and cashew cream, maintaining the creamy texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Mediterranean Herb Upgrade: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and fennel seeds to enhance the herbal profile, bringing a more intense Mediterranean flavor to the dish.
• Protein Swap Option: Use turkey breast or lean pork tenderloin instead of chicken, offering a different protein choice while keeping the core recipe structure intact.

How to Serve Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

• Rustic Dinner Companions: Serve over creamy polenta or soft herbed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
• Bread Basket Delight: Offer crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia to mop up the flavorful Tuscan-style sauce and catch every drop.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the meal's Mediterranean flavors.

Storing Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Advice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

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

The key flavors are a rich combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs like oregano and basil, and creamy mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses that create a classic Tuscan-inspired taste profile.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders as alternatives to chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

This dish is moderately healthy, offering protein from chicken, nutrients from spinach, and calcium from cheeses, though it does contain cream which adds calories and fat.

What Makes Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Special

Elevate Family Dinner: Transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality experience with this gourmet Tuscan chicken casserole that impresses everyone at the table.

Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Sear chicken quickly, combine ingredients in one skillet, then bake – creating a delicious dinner with minimal kitchen effort and cleanup.

Quick Weeknight Winner: Packed with protein, vibrant herbs, and creamy sauce, this dish delivers complex flavors in under an hour, making it perfect for busy households craving something special.

Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for different dietary preferences, this recipe works beautifully for date nights, family gatherings, or casual weekend meals with its rich, comforting Italian-inspired profile.

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Tuscan chicken casserole brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your dinner table with rich, herbaceous ingredients. Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish that promises to delight you with its hearty and satisfying blend of chicken, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a casserole dish for the rich Tuscan-inspired chicken creation.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika, then sear in hot olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior, creating a flavorful foundation.
3. Reduce skillet heat and quickly toast minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
4. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce base that will envelop the chicken with creamy texture.
5. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, oregano, and basil into the sauce, allowing ingredients to meld and spinach to gently wilt for 2-3 minutes.
6. Transfer seared chicken to the prepared casserole dish, generously coating each piece with the vibrant, herb-infused sauce.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, bubbling cheese topping.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, verifying chicken is fully cooked and cheese is melted and lightly browned.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and sauce to slightly thicken before serving.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting paprika or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, diet-friendly version.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg