🍗 Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe – Creamy, Flavorful & Easy!
If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality chicken dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests, Baked Tuscan Chicken is a must-try! This rich, creamy dish combines tender baked chicken with a garlic parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach – all baked to perfection. It’s comfort food at its best with an irresistible Tuscan flair.
đź›’ Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained & chopped)
- 1½ cups fresh baby spinach
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Rub each piece with olive oil, then season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a hot skillet, sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side just until golden brown (not fully cooked).
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook for 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts.
3. Combine & Bake
- Place the seared chicken into a baking dish.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
4. Garnish & Serve
- Once baked, let the dish rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or extra parmesan, if desired.
- Serve hot with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread!
🧄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- âś… One-pan, easy cleanup
- âś… Ultra creamy without being too heavy
- âś… Kid-friendly & full of flavor
- âś… Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
đź’ˇ Tips & Variations
- Want it dairy-free? Swap the cream and parmesan with coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
- Add mushrooms for an earthier flavor.
- Use thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.
- Make it low-carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
📌 Final Thoughts
Baked Tuscan Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its rich, creamy texture and bold Italian-inspired flavors, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests. Plus, it’s simple enough for even beginner cooks to master.
Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out in the comments! 🍽️