Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Crispy Prosciutto Recipe

Irresistibly Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Crispy Prosciutto Recipe

Whipping up a delectable tuscan chicken that marries rich, velvety flavors with crispy prosciutto creates a culinary masterpiece.

Layers of intense seasonings meld perfectly with tender meat.

Succulent chicken breasts become the canvas for an irresistible Italian-inspired dish.

Herbs and creamy sauce dance together, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully crafted bite.

Textures contrast beautifully between silky sauce and crunchy prosciutto.

Ingredients For Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A tender and lean protein that serves as the centerpiece of this Tuscan-inspired dish.
  • Prosciutto: A thin, crispy Italian cured ham that adds a salty and crunchy element to the recipe.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Shallots, Garlic: Provide a deep, aromatic base that adds complexity and depth to the sauce.
  • Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Contribute layers of herbal, spicy, and savory notes that elevate the overall flavor profile.
Sauce and Additional Ingredients:
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bring a concentrated, tangy sweetness that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that helps tenderize the chicken and potatoes.
  • Heavy Cream, Dijon Mustard, Lemon Juice: Work together to create a rich, tangy, and creamy sauce with bright undertones.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the sauce's richness.
  • Tuscan Kale: Introduces a nutritious green element with a slightly bitter and earthy taste.
  • Potatoes: Provide a hearty and filling component to the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Serves as a cooking fat for searing and sautéing ingredients.
  • Fresh Basil: Offers a fresh, aromatic garnish that brightens the final presentation.
  • Flour: Used for dredging the chicken to create a light, crispy exterior.

How To Cook Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Cooking

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs generously over both sides of the chicken.

Dip each piece into flour, ensuring a complete and even coating by pressing gently.

Step 2: Crisp Up Prosciutto

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add olive oil and carefully lay prosciutto slices in the pan.

Cook until edges turn golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.

Transfer crispy prosciutto to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

In the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil.

Carefully place seasoned chicken pieces into the hot pan.

Cook until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

Reduce heat to medium.

Toss finely chopped shallots and minced garlic into the skillet.

Stir constantly to prevent burning.

Add:
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth and add potatoes with the seared chicken.

Cover partially and simmer until potatoes become tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Step 5: Create Creamy Tuscan Sauce

Uncover the skillet.

Pour in heavy cream and whisk in:
  • Dijon mustard
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Chopped Tuscan kale

Stir and cook until kale wilts and sauce thickens slightly, around 4-5 minutes.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer chicken and creamy sauce to serving plates.

Top with crispy prosciutto pieces and torn fresh basil leaves.

Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Tips For Creamy Tuscan Chicken Success

  • Cook prosciutto slowly and evenly to achieve maximum crunchiness without burning, ensuring a delightful textural contrast in the dish.
  • Press flour gently but firmly onto chicken to create a light, even layer that helps seal in moisture and promotes beautiful golden browning.
  • Add kale towards the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant green color, nutrients, and prevent overcooking, maintaining a fresh and tender texture.
  • Build depth by sautéing shallots and garlic first, then introducing sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings to develop a rich, complex taste profile.
  • Check potato doneness by piercing with a fork – they should slide in easily without resistance, indicating perfect cooking throughout the dish.

Flavor Variations For Creamy Tuscan Chicken

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based protein-packed meal that maintains the creamy Tuscan flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch for dredging. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. Use less cream and more broth to keep the dish light and nutritious while maintaining the rich Tuscan essence.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese to preserve the creamy texture and umami flavor.

Serving Suggestions For Creamy Tuscan Chicken

  • Rustic Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table and create a warm, inviting atmosphere with crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
  • Elegant Dinner Party Plating: Arrange the chicken on a large white platter, drizzle the creamy sauce over top, and sprinkle crispy prosciutto and fresh basil for a stunning presentation.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, creamy flavors with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a medium-bodied Chardonnay that balances the dish's robust Tuscan-inspired profile.
  • Healthy Side Harmony: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add a fresh, peppery contrast to the creamy chicken.

Storage Advice For Creamy Tuscan Chicken

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air and seal tightly. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  • Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients that make this Tuscan chicken unique?

The key ingredients are sun-dried tomatoes, prosciutto, Tuscan kale, and parmesan cheese, which give the dish its rich, authentic Italian flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

While delicious, the dish is moderately indulgent due to cream and olive oil. It includes nutritious ingredients like kale and lean chicken, offering a balanced meal with protein and vegetables.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything on hand?

Yes, you can replace Tuscan kale with spinach, swap prosciutto with bacon, and use regular kale or another leafy green if Tuscan kale is unavailable. The core flavors will remain similar.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken With Crispy Prosciutto

  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like kale for spinach or add different herbs to match your taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for various palates.
  • Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Achieve a gourmet dining experience without leaving your kitchen, with restaurant-level flavors and impressive presentation that will wow your family or guests.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup and cooking complexity by preparing this entire dish in a single skillet, reducing kitchen mess and saving valuable time during meal preparation.
  • Nutritious and Flavorful Combination: Packed with protein from chicken, greens from kale, and rich flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan, this recipe delivers a balanced and delicious meal in one pan.
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Crispy Prosciutto Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Crispy Prosciutto Recipe


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4.5 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Crispy Prosciutto elevates home cooking with Italian-inspired elegance. Delicate chicken nestles in a rich, herbed sauce, crowned with salty prosciutto for a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) thin cut chicken breasts
  • 3 ounces (85 grams) prosciutto (torn)
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 2 shallots (chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • 1 cup peeled and chopped raw potatoes
  • 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 bunch Tuscan kale (roughly chopped)
  • fresh basil

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • kosher salt
  • black pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose or gluten-free flour
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken by generously seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Coat each piece thoroughly in flour, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Crisp prosciutto until golden and crunchy, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  3. In the same skillet, sear chicken pieces until rich golden-brown on both sides, roughly 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  4. Sauté shallots and garlic until aromatic, releasing their fragrant essence. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously for 2 minutes.
  5. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, then carefully nestle potatoes and seared chicken back into the mixture. Cover partially and simmer on medium heat until potatoes become tender, about 12 minutes.
  6. Uncover and introduce heavy cream, dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and grated parmesan. Gently fold in Tuscan kale, allowing it to wilt and soften for 4-5 minutes.
  7. Plate the chicken with abundant sauce, garnish with crispy prosciutto and fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Enhance chicken flavor by generously massaging seasoning into the meat before flouring, ensuring every bite bursts with Mediterranean-inspired taste.
  • Create extra crispy prosciutto by patting it completely dry before cooking, allowing it to crisp evenly without releasing excess moisture.
  • Swap Tuscan kale with spinach or Swiss chard for different nutrient profiles and texture variations, making the dish adaptable to personal preferences or seasonal availability.
  • Reduce sauce calories by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, maintaining creamy consistency while cutting down on fat content without sacrificing richness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 385 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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