Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe

The Best Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Succulent chicken breasts infused with tuscan chicken breasts recipe flavors promise a delightful culinary journey.

Aromatic herbs and rich spices dance together, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple yet elegant dish.

Each bite delivers a burst of savory goodness that transports you to the rolling hills of Tuscany.

The recipe transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort.

Tender, juicy, and packed with robust flavors, this dish will become a new favorite at your dinner table.

You won’t be able to resist the irresistible aroma and incredible taste of this Tuscan-inspired creation.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts?

The key ingredients include chicken breasts, olive oil, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

While delicious, this dish is relatively high in calories due to heavy cream and cheese. It provides protein from chicken and nutrients from spinach, but should be enjoyed in moderation.

  • Can I substitute any ingredients?

You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, use different cheeses like Romano, and swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard.

  • What skills do I need to make this recipe?

Basic cooking skills like searing chicken, sautéing, and understanding oven temperatures are helpful. The recipe is relatively straightforward for intermediate home cooks.

What Makes These Baked Tuscan Breasts a Favorite

  • Savor Rich Flavor Combinations: Dive into a delightful mix of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and creamy Parmesan sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet experience.
  • Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour with simple steps that require minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients.
  • Customize for Diet Preferences: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients to create low-carb, gluten-free, or lighter versions without compromising taste and texture.
  • Impress Dinner Guests: Wow friends and family with a sophisticated Tuscan-inspired dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but takes minimal effort to prepare.

Key Ingredients for Baked Tuscan Chicken

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein for this Tuscan-inspired dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich and creamy base that creates a luxurious sauce with deep flavor.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor to enhance the sauce.
  • Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that provides nutrients and vibrant color to the dish.
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and adds a smooth, rich base for cooking.
  • Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic spice blend that gives the chicken a robust and aromatic flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Provides a warm, pungent taste that complements the creamy sauce and chicken.

Steps to Juicy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Season And Sear The Chicken

  • Chicken breasts
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning
  • Olive oil

Heat olive oil in a skillet.

Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden and gorgeous.

Step 3: Create Fragrant Garlic Base

Pull chicken out and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté garlic until it releases its mouth-watering aroma.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Sauce

  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Sun-dried tomatoes

Stir heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet.

Let the mixture simmer and get deliciously thick for 2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Leafy Greens

Toss spinach into the sauce and cook until it wilts and becomes tender.

Step 6: Assemble And Bake

Transfer chicken to a baking dish.

Pour the luxurious sauce over the chicken, making sure every inch is covered.

Step 7: Finish With Perfect Cooking

Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 8: Serve And Devour

Plate your stunning Tuscan chicken and enjoy every single bite!

Handy Tips for Perfect Baked Tuscan Chicken

  • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden sear and better flavor absorption.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, preventing dry chicken and maintaining juicy texture.
  • Let sauce simmer gently to prevent separation and achieve smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
  • Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving to add brightness and extra flavor dimension.

Fresh Takes on Tuscan Chicken Breasts

  • Low-Carb Mediterranean Chicken: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt and coconut milk, swap sun-dried tomatoes for fresh cherry tomatoes, and use cauliflower rice as a side.
  • Dairy-Free Herb Chicken: Substitute heavy cream with almond milk, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and add fresh basil and oregano for extra flavor.
  • Keto-Friendly Chicken: Use full-fat coconut cream, add extra Parmesan cheese, replace spinach with kale, and serve with roasted zucchini noodles.
  • Lighter Protein Option: Use chicken tenders instead of breasts, replace heavy cream with chicken broth, add red pepper flakes, and serve with steamed broccoli.

Plating Up Baked Tuscan Chicken Deliciously

  • Tuscan Breeze Plating: Arrange the golden-brown chicken on a rustic wooden board, drizzling extra sauce around the edges for a restaurant-style presentation.
  • Creamy Companion Sides: Pair with garlic roasted baby potatoes or creamy risotto to soak up the rich, sun-dried tomato sauce. The starchy sides complement the chicken's bold flavors perfectly.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving. The green herbs add a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy, warm dish and elevate the visual appeal.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Serve with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the cream sauce and enhances the overall dining experience.

Storing Leftover Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

  • Store leftover Tuscan chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent drying out. Stir sauce midway to distribute heat evenly.
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Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe

Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Tuscan chicken breasts bring Mediterranean flavors dancing across dinner plates with irresistible charm. Italian herbs and creamy sauce create a luxurious experience you’ll savor from first delicious bite to last satisfying morsel.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cream:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup (40 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking dish for the chicken.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame and sear chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.
  5. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until aromatic and releasing its fragrance.
  6. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
  7. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 minutes, developing rich flavors.
  8. Fold fresh spinach leaves into the creamy mixture, cooking until they wilt and integrate with the sauce.
  9. Arrange seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
  10. Generously ladle the creamy spinach and tomato sauce over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
  11. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes.
  12. Verify chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  13. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
  14. Plate and garnish with additional Parmesan if desired, serving immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Customize seasonings by swapping Italian blend with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a personalized flavor profile.
  • Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories and accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Pat chicken breasts completely dry before searing to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and enhances the overall texture.
  • Prevent dry chicken by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely, avoiding overcooking and maintaining juicy, tender results.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 482 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 510 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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