If there’s one thing that brings warmth and comfort to a weeknight dinner, it’s the aroma of Baked Tuscan Chicken wafting through your kitchen. The heart of Tuscany is known for its rustic ingredients, sun-kissed flavors, and a sense of effortless elegance.
Imagine juicy chicken breasts nestled in a creamy sauce, infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a hint of Italian herbs—ready in under an hour. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply want to treat your family, baked Tuscan chicken recipes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
This blog post will guide you through the ultimate baked Tuscan chicken experience, from classic creamy versions to lighter, one-pan variations. Get ready to discover why this dish is beloved by home cooks everywhere, and find your new favorite method to bring a taste of Italy to your table—no passport required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Satisfying Flavors: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan delivers a uniquely savory and slightly tangy sauce, balanced by the creaminess of the finish.
- Easy, One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy dinner with loved ones.
- Versatile: Perfect for weeknights or special occasions. It can be adapted for keto, gluten-free, or lighter diets.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Impress your guests with a dish that tastes like it came from a Tuscan trattoria!
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 (about 2 lbs) |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Salt & black pepper | To taste |
Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
Cherry tomatoes (halved) or sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) | 1 cup |
Baby spinach | 2 cups |
Heavy cream (or half & half for lighter version) | 1 cup |
Chicken broth | 1/2 cup |
Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
Crushed red pepper flakes | 1/4 teaspoon (optional) |
Fresh basil, chopped | 2 tablespoons (for garnish) |
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)
- Instant-read thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or cherry tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom with a wooden spoon. Lower the heat to medium.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the baby spinach, stirring until just wilted. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as desired.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of each piece.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven (or pour everything into a baking dish if needed). Bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving. Enjoy immediately!
For extra juicy chicken, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute!
Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half & half or unsweetened coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Use thighs instead of breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are extra juicy and flavorful—just adjust baking time as needed.
- Add mushrooms: Sliced cremini or button mushrooms sautéed with the garlic add earthiness.
- Make it keto: Skip the sun-dried tomatoes and increase the spinach for a lower-carb version.
- Double the sauce: If you like extra sauce for pasta or rice, double the cream and broth.
- Meal prep: This dish reheats beautifully and is perfect for prepping lunches!
“Tuscan chicken pairs beautifully with a side of buttery noodles, roasted veggies, or a slice of crusty bread for mopping up every last drop of that creamy sauce.”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | 425 |
Protein | 38g |
Carbohydrates | 8g |
Fat | 26g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 3g |
Sodium | 690mg |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients and modifications.
Serving Suggestions
- With pasta: Serve over fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti to soak up the sauce.
- With rice or grains: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or creamy polenta make excellent bases.
- Low-carb sides: Try with zucchini noodles, steamed broccoli, or roasted cauliflower.
- Crusty bread: A hunk of artisan bread is perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
- Fresh salad: Pair with a light salad, such as a Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for extra greens.
Conclusion
Baked Tuscan chicken recipes are truly the best of both worlds: they’re simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner, yet luxurious enough to serve at a dinner party. With its creamy, garlicky sauce, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and earthy spinach, this dish captures the spirit of Italian home cooking in every bite.
Plus, it’s easy to adapt to your dietary needs and personal tastes.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for hearty, flavorful meals, try branching out with recipes like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, or cozy up with a bowl of Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.
For a vegetarian spin on comfort food, explore Best Vegetarian Recipes Without Tofu for Every Meal and discover new family favorites.
So next time you crave something satisfying and just a little bit special, reach for these baked Tuscan chicken recipes. Buon appetito!
Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipes: Best Variations to Try
Because the keyword is “baked tuscan chicken recipes,” here are the most mouthwatering ways to enjoy this dish—each with its own twist!
Classic Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken
- The recipe above is your go-to for a crowd-pleasing, creamy, and indulgent meal. Serve with pasta or rice for classic comfort.
Baked Tuscan Chicken Thighs
- Swap chicken breasts for bone-in, skinless thighs for even juicier results. Sear the thighs skin-side down for maximum flavor and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the meat is tender.
Dairy-Free Baked Tuscan Chicken
- Use unsweetened coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and substitute vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, lactose-friendly version. The flavor stays rich and comforting!
Sheet Pan Tuscan Chicken & Veggies
- For a one-pan meal, arrange chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and sliced bell peppers on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil and seasonings, bake at 425°F for 25 minutes. Add a splash of cream during the last 5 minutes for a luscious finish.
Low-Carb Baked Tuscan Chicken
- Skip the tomatoes and increase the greens. Serve with cauliflower rice, making this dish perfect for keto and low-carb eaters.
Baked Tuscan Chicken with Mushrooms
- Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic, then continue as usual. The mushrooms add a deep, earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
Tuscan Chicken Stuffed Peppers
- Mix cooked, chopped chicken with the creamy Tuscan sauce. Stuff into halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. A fun, colorful twist!
Light & Lemony Tuscan Chicken
- Add the juice and zest of one lemon to the sauce and finish with extra fresh basil. This brightens the dish and is perfect for spring and summer.
Tuscan Chicken Bake with Artichokes
- Fold in a cup of quartered artichoke hearts with the spinach for a Mediterranean spin and extra fiber.
Double Batch Meal Prep Tuscan Chicken
- Double the recipe and portion into containers with pasta, rice, or zoodles. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Swap chicken breasts for bone-in, skinless thighs for even juicier results. Sear the thighs skin-side down for maximum flavor and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the meat is tender.
Dairy-Free Baked Tuscan Chicken
- Use unsweetened coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and substitute vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, lactose-friendly version. The flavor stays rich and comforting!
Sheet Pan Tuscan Chicken & Veggies
- For a one-pan meal, arrange chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and sliced bell peppers on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil and seasonings, bake at 425°F for 25 minutes. Add a splash of cream during the last 5 minutes for a luscious finish.
Low-Carb Baked Tuscan Chicken
- Skip the tomatoes and increase the greens. Serve with cauliflower rice, making this dish perfect for keto and low-carb eaters.
Baked Tuscan Chicken with Mushrooms
- Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic, then continue as usual. The mushrooms add a deep, earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
Tuscan Chicken Stuffed Peppers
- Mix cooked, chopped chicken with the creamy Tuscan sauce. Stuff into halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. A fun, colorful twist!
Light & Lemony Tuscan Chicken
- Add the juice and zest of one lemon to the sauce and finish with extra fresh basil. This brightens the dish and is perfect for spring and summer.
Tuscan Chicken Bake with Artichokes
- Fold in a cup of quartered artichoke hearts with the spinach for a Mediterranean spin and extra fiber.
Double Batch Meal Prep Tuscan Chicken
- Double the recipe and portion into containers with pasta, rice, or zoodles. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- For a one-pan meal, arrange chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and sliced bell peppers on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil and seasonings, bake at 425°F for 25 minutes. Add a splash of cream during the last 5 minutes for a luscious finish.
Low-Carb Baked Tuscan Chicken
- Skip the tomatoes and increase the greens. Serve with cauliflower rice, making this dish perfect for keto and low-carb eaters.
Baked Tuscan Chicken with Mushrooms
- Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic, then continue as usual. The mushrooms add a deep, earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
Tuscan Chicken Stuffed Peppers
- Mix cooked, chopped chicken with the creamy Tuscan sauce. Stuff into halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. A fun, colorful twist!
Light & Lemony Tuscan Chicken
- Add the juice and zest of one lemon to the sauce and finish with extra fresh basil. This brightens the dish and is perfect for spring and summer.
Tuscan Chicken Bake with Artichokes
- Fold in a cup of quartered artichoke hearts with the spinach for a Mediterranean spin and extra fiber.
Double Batch Meal Prep Tuscan Chicken
- Double the recipe and portion into containers with pasta, rice, or zoodles. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic, then continue as usual. The mushrooms add a deep, earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
Tuscan Chicken Stuffed Peppers
- Mix cooked, chopped chicken with the creamy Tuscan sauce. Stuff into halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. A fun, colorful twist!
Light & Lemony Tuscan Chicken
- Add the juice and zest of one lemon to the sauce and finish with extra fresh basil. This brightens the dish and is perfect for spring and summer.
Tuscan Chicken Bake with Artichokes
- Fold in a cup of quartered artichoke hearts with the spinach for a Mediterranean spin and extra fiber.
Double Batch Meal Prep Tuscan Chicken
- Double the recipe and portion into containers with pasta, rice, or zoodles. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Add the juice and zest of one lemon to the sauce and finish with extra fresh basil. This brightens the dish and is perfect for spring and summer.
Tuscan Chicken Bake with Artichokes
- Fold in a cup of quartered artichoke hearts with the spinach for a Mediterranean spin and extra fiber.
Double Batch Meal Prep Tuscan Chicken
- Double the recipe and portion into containers with pasta, rice, or zoodles. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Double the recipe and portion into containers with pasta, rice, or zoodles. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Experiment with these baked Tuscan chicken recipes to keep weeknights exciting and delicious. Don’t forget to check out our other globally inspired recipes, like Chinese Veg Fried Rice Recipe In Marathi Made Easy or try a beautiful Australian Vegetarian Christmas Recipes for Festive Feasts for your next special occasion!
📖 Recipe Card: Baked Tuscan Chicken
Description: This creamy baked Tuscan chicken is packed with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce. It's an easy, flavorful dinner that's perfect for any night of the week.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; cook until slightly thickened.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach; cook until spinach wilts.
- Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 480 kcal | Protein: 38 g | Fat: 29 g | Carbs: 9 g
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