Name: Baked Tuscan Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 4 cloves garlic, minced and divided; 1/3 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup heavy cream; 1 cup spinach, chopped; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp chili powder; 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 8 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (reserve 1 tbsp oil from the jar); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

A succulent and creamy chicken dish inspired by the flavors of Tuscany. Tender chicken breasts are baked to perfection and enveloped in a rich sauce of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan. This elegant yet simple meal is perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Creamy Sauce: A luscious combination of cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes elevates basic chicken into a gourmet dish.
Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour.
Customizable: Spinach can be swapped for kale or arugula, and you can adjust the heat level with red pepper flakes.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained)
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

directions

Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Build the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach; cook until spinach wilts.
Add Liquids and Cheese: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan and red pepper flakes.
Bake: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74 °C (165 °F).
Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving, spooning extra sauce over each breast.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Kale & White Beans: Substitute spinach with chopped kale and add ½ cup cooked white beans for extra protein and texture.
Pesto Twist: Swirl in 2 tablespoons of basil pesto to the sauce for a fresh herbal note.
Spicy Option: Increase red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon or add a dash of hot paprika for more heat.
Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles in place of pasta or rice.

storage/reheating

Storage: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until heated through.

FAQs

What can I serve with Baked Tuscan Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with pasta (fettuccine or penne), garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes. Use 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs and adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes, until cooked through.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Ensure the sauce does not boil vigorously after adding cream. Maintain a gentle simmer and stir constantly.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Prepare the sauce and sear the chicken up to a day in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat without drying the chicken?

Heat over low heat in a covered skillet with a bit of extra liquid. Microwaving with a damp paper towel helps retain moisture.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sear the chicken, then combine all ingredients (except cheese) in the slow cooker on low for 3–4 hours. Stir in Parmesan at the end.

How do I make the dish spicier?

Increase red pepper flakes or add finely chopped fresh chili peppers when sautéing the garlic.

Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?

They add a concentrated sweetness and tang, but you can substitute with cherry tomatoes sautéed until softened.

Can I reduce the fat content?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter to 1 tablespoon; note the sauce will be lighter.

Conclusion

Baked Tuscan Chicken is an indulgent yet straightforward recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. With its creamy garlic sauce, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy its versatility by experimenting with greens, proteins, or spice levels to suit any palate.

Baked Tuscan Chicken