Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, savory aroma of Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts filling your kitchen. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken with a creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese—a classic Italian-inspired dish that's as elegant as it is easy to make.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe during a family trip to Tuscany, where the flavors of fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and olive oil were unforgettable. Bringing those flavors home, I adapted this recipe to fit our busy weeknight schedule while keeping the essence of Italy intact.

Let’s dive in and see why this recipe deserves a spot on your dinner table!

Why You'll Love This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for this flavorful and easy-to-make dish! This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts recipe offers so much to love, and here’s why:

First off, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have this dish in the oven in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

The flavor profile is downright irresistible. The creamy Parmesan sauce, combined with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the earthiness of spinach, creates a harmony of flavors that’s hard to beat.

It’s a crowd-pleaser for all occasions. Whether you’re serving this at a family dinner or a dinner party, the rich, creamy sauce and perfectly baked chicken will have everyone asking for seconds.

Lastly, this recipe is versatile. Pair it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce—it works beautifully with just about anything!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean and tender protein. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures even cooking.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little bursts of sweetness are the star of the show. Use the kind packed in olive oil for added flavor.
• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach works best here, adding a pop of color and nutrition to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan lends the sauce its creamy, nutty depth. Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
• Heavy Cream: This is the base of the sauce, creating a luscious and indulgent texture. For a lighter version, half-and-half can be substituted.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates the sauce with its aromatic punch.
• Chicken Broth: Adds a savory note to the sauce and helps thin it to the perfect consistency.

You'll also need an oven-safe skillet or baking dish to make transitioning from stovetop to oven seamless.

How To Make This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe

Making Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts is a breeze! Here’s how to create this stunning dish step-by-step:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat a bit of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, letting it simmer until slightly thickened.
3. Add Spinach: Toss in the spinach, stirring until it wilts. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each piece.
4. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil for a restaurant-quality finish.

This dish takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this recipe stores beautifully.

• Refrigerator: Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring the sauce covers the chicken to prevent freezer burn.

To reheat, thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge overnight if necessary. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency of the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious! Here are some ways to customize it to suit your preferences:

• Swap the Protein: Try this recipe with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even pork chops for a richer flavor.
• Go Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute to make the dish suitable for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Add Veggies: Enhance the nutritional profile by adding mushrooms, artichokes, or roasted red peppers alongside the spinach.
• Make it Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce adds just the right amount of heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative with this dish!

With its vibrant flavors and creamy texture, Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try and experience the magic of Tuscany from your very own kitchen!

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