Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

If you are looking for a delicious meal full of flavor then you are going to love this Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe. It is so delicious that you can serve it for a special occasion meal yet it comes together so quick that it is also perfect to make on a busy weeknight.

With the combination of juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach tossed in a smooth, rich sauce, this dish is packed full of flavor. You can’t go wrong with this hearty and comforting Italian inspired meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Whether you serve it on its own or as a one-pot meal or serve it over pasta or rice, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. 

Prepare The Chicken

To begin, you want to first prepare the chicken breasts. Take two large chicken breasts and carefully slice each one down the center, lengthwise to create a total of four thin breasts. Be sure to use a non-slip cutting board and a sharp knife to safely cut through the chicken. 

If one side of the chicken is thicker than the other, pound them gently until each breast is of equal thickness. You can use plastic wrap underneath and over each piece to pound them with a meat tenderizer, a rolling pin, or your fist.

Once the chicken breasts are in even thickness season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Set the chicken aside.

Then in a shallow bowl, place ⅔ cup of all purpose flour in the bowl. Next, working with one chicken breast at a time cover the chicken completely in the flour.

Make sure all sides are coated evenly and gently shake off the excess flour back into the bowl. Now it is time to sear the chicken.

In a large skillet, over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted, gently add the floured chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. 

Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a light golden brown and are firm throughout.  Then remove the chicken from the skillet and set them aside.

Make the Tuscan Chicken Sauce

Start by adding the remaining butter to the skillet to melt. Next, add the diced sweet onion and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the onions begin to cook down and caramelize slightly. The caramelization makes the onions slightly sweet which helps to create a great tasting sauce. 

Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. You want to cook the garlic quickly and not let it burn as it will become bitter.  

Next, add in your sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Continue sautéing for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the concentrated sweet tomato flavor to blend with the other ingredients. Reduce the heat and stir the sauce and allow it to reduce for about 4-5 minutes.

Stir the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture until it completely melts. The sauce will become smooth and creamy and it will begin to thicken.

Now, add the spinach. Once it is wilted, place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the creamy Tuscan sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and gently flip the chicken breasts to coat the other side with the sauce.

Finally, let your Tuscan chicken simmer for about 3-4 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or more grated Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.

How To Serve Tuscan Chicken

On its own, this meal makes a wholesome satisfying lower carb dinner option.  However, there are some great sides that you can pair with your Tuscan chicken.  

For example, try plating the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and dinner rolls. Or for a super easy meal, plate your chicken over cooked white rice or pasta allowing the rich flavors of the sauce to soak into those grains. 

Common Recipe Modifications

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, but keep in mind that the sauce will be thinner and less creamy.

You can also modify the spice by adding more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.  Finally, feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or sliced mushrooms for more delicious texture and flavor.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1/4 sweet onion diced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1/4 cup jarred sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil & thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 3 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 1/2 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves
• salt and pepper to taste
• hot pepper flakes, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Slice each breast in half lengthwise, so you have 4 thin breasts. If one side of the breasts are much thicker than the other side, pound them until each breast is equal thickness across all areas.

2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the flour in a small shallow bowl and then dredge each breast in the flour (both sides) and shake off any excess. Place on a plate and set aside.

3. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the flour coated chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown in color. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Sauce

4. Add the remaining butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then add onion and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes or until onions just begin to cook down. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant (30 seconds – 1 minute).

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then add the diced sun-dried tomatoes and continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes.

6.Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cream into the skillet and stir. Simmer until the cream slightly reduces, about 4-5 minutes.

7. Stir the Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture and stir until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth.

8. Add the spinach leaves to the skillet and stir until they have wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season with mixture with salt, pepper and hot pepper flakes, to taste.

Add The Chicken Back To The Skillet

9. Add the chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon some sauce over the chicken and flip and spoon more sauce over the other side. Continue to simmer for 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F when checked with an instant read digital thermometer.

10. Lastly, serve warm with a serving of mashed potatoes, or over rice or pasta.

If you have a pressure cooker, be sure to check out my Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe. It is a great way to get dinner on the table with very little hands on time required.

Enjoy! Mary

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