Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy dish that’s packed with bold Italian flavors. Inspired by the classic Tuscan-style chicken, this casserole combines tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, all baked together for a mouthwatering meal. It's the perfect comfort food for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, and it pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal option for busy nights.

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What is Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole takes the flavors of creamy Tuscan chicken—think garlic, Parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes—and turns them into a hearty, baked casserole. The chicken is cooked in a creamy sauce that’s bursting with rich Italian flavors, including Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs, while sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add texture and brightness. Topped with melted cheese and baked to perfection, this casserole is as delicious as it is easy to make, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients List for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

For the chicken and casserole:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra color and flavor)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, drained if oil-packed)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the creamy sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredients for an Optional Marinade (Optional)

Marinating the chicken beforehand will add even more flavor. Here’s a simple marinade option:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Substitutions and Variations

This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is versatile, and you can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitution and variation ideas:

1. Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
2. Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or cauliflower for a delicious vegetarian casserole.
3. Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream, and use dairy-free cheese.
4. Spicy Option: If you like a bit of heat, add extra red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to the sauce.
5. Pasta Casserole: For a heartier dish, stir cooked pasta (like penne or rigatoni) into the casserole before baking to make it a complete pasta bake.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole in just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If marinating, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the fridge.

Once ready, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then cook them for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. You don’t need to cook the chicken through as it will finish in the oven. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter and the minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In your prepared baking dish, layer the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes evenly. Top with the browned chicken pieces, then pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and vegetables, making sure everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. If you want the top extra crispy, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

How to Cook Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat oven to 375°F: Get the oven ready and grease your baking dish.
2. Cook the chicken: Sear the chicken until browned but not fully cooked through.
3. Make the creamy sauce: Simmer garlic, cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, and seasonings to create a flavorful sauce.
4. Assemble the casserole: Layer spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, and the creamy sauce in the dish.
5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden, cheesy crust.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes: Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Don’t cook them fully in the skillet; let the oven finish the job to keep the chicken juicy.
• Too Much Liquid: Be careful not to add too much liquid to the sauce or the casserole will turn out soupy. Let the sauce simmer and reduce for a few minutes to thicken.
• Burning the Cheese: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking, especially if you broil it. The cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly!

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is rich and creamy, so it pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance the flavors. Here are some ideas:

1. Serve with Pasta or Rice: The creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus to add freshness and crunch to the meal.
3. Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread is ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce.
4. Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette (such as arugula or mixed greens) will complement the richness of the casserole.

How to Serve Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

Serve Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole family-style by bringing the casserole dish straight to the table, allowing everyone to help themselves. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and serve with a side of pasta, rice, or bread for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

• Family-Style Casserole: Serve the casserole directly in the baking dish, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and accompanied by crusty bread or a light salad.
• Individual Plates: For a more formal presentation, plate individual portions of the casserole alongside pasta or rice, and drizzle with a little extra sauce from the dish.
• Elegant Cast Iron: Bake and serve the casserole in a cast iron skillet for a rustic yet elegant presentation.

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

1. Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply pop it into the oven and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
2. Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
3. Leftover Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
4. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker option, use shredded rotisserie chicken. Simply skip the step where you cook the chicken, and mix the shredded rotisserie chicken with the sauce before assembling the casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes! If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the casserole.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery?
A: To prevent the sauce from becoming watery, allow the cream and chicken broth mixture to simmer and reduce for a few minutes before assembling the casserole. This thickens the sauce, ensuring a creamy consistency.

Conclusion

This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is the perfect comfort food that’s packed with rich Italian flavors and easy to make. With creamy Parmesan sauce, tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and melted cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or for guests, it’s a dish that will impress every time. Try it today and enjoy the delicious taste of Tuscany in your own kitchen!

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