This quick and easy Tuscan chicken recipe takes only 25 minutes to make and is absolutely irresistible. The creamy sauce boasts restaurant-quality with a delightful blend of the best Italian-inspired flavors!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
For a meal that combines creamy richness with vibrant flavors, Creamy Tuscan Chicken is an excellent choice. This dish features seared chicken breasts immersed in a rich, creamy sauce, garnished with herbs and spices. The smooth texture of the sauce, speckled with green herbs like rosemary or parsley, adds a delightful depth of flavor.
A Symphony of Flavors
The creamy sauce is the star of this dish, providing a luscious base that pairs perfectly with the tender, seared chicken. The herbs and spices add a burst of freshness and complexity, making each bite a delightful experience. The combination of creamy and savory elements creates a harmonious balance that is both comforting and indulgent.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for guests or looking for a comforting meal to enjoy at home, Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a versatile choice. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a dish that everyone will love.
Easy to Prepare
Despite its sophisticated appearance, this dish is relatively easy to prepare. The key is to sear the chicken breasts until they are golden brown and then simmer them in the creamy sauce until they are tender and flavorful. The addition of fresh herbs enhances the overall taste and presentation.
A Crowd-Pleaser
This dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Its vibrant presentation and delicious taste make it a standout meal. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce new flavors to your dinner table, combining the familiar comfort of chicken with the rich, savory notes of Tuscan cuisine.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this creamy Tuscan chicken recipe:
- Chicken: I recommend cutting two chicken breasts in half lengthwise for quicker and more even cooking. You can also use four smaller chicken breasts, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper: These seasonings add savory flavor to the chicken.
- Flour: Used to create a golden, pan-seared exterior on the chicken cutlets.
- Olive oil and butter: These are for sautéing the chicken.
- Chicken broth: It adds another layer of flavor and forms the base of the sauce. You can also use a dry white wine like sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, or chardonnay for an elevated taste.
- Dijon mustard: A reliable way to add an extra savory note to the sauce without making it taste mustardy. Dijon enhances the overall flavor.
- Heavy cream: To make the sauce luxurious and creamy.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is the choice green for this recipe.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Opt for the kind packed in oil for a richer flavor.
- Basil: This herb complements tomatoes and contributes to the distinctive “Tuscan” flavor profile.
Substitutions and Variations:
- It’s not recommended to substitute heavy cream with alternatives like milk or half-and-half, as there’s a chance the sauce may curdle and become thinner. However, feel free to experiment if you enjoy tweaking sauces.
- If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with fresh tomatoes. Consider using a handful of grape or cherry tomatoes or cutting up one medium-sized tomato.
- For more herb-forward flavor, add 1/2 tsp of Italian seasoning.
- If you love garlic, feel free to throw in a couple of minced garlic cloves to enhance the garlic flavor.
What to Serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken:
- Grate some Parmesan over the top just before serving for extra deliciousness.
- The rich sauce pairs well with your favorite starch. Try jasmine rice, a big pile of Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, or pasta like Buttered Egg Noodles.
- For a lighter option, consider serving it with a side salad featuring mixed greens and either Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing or Creamy Balsamic Dressing.
Leftovers and Storage:
- This Tuscan chicken can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- When reheating, use a saucepan over low heat to warm it slowly until heated through. Be cautious not to reheat it too quickly or at a high temperature, as this could cause the sauce to separate.
- It’s not recommended to freeze the leftovers of this dish.
Be sure to check out these other great chicken recipes!
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Buffalo Chicken Soup
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts sliced lengthwise
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Flour for dredging
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1 heaping tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes see note
- 1 tbsp fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Cut the chicken in half lengthwise and sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat it in flour.
- Heat oil and butter in a pan on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until it turns golden. Take the chicken out and set it aside.
- In the same pan, pour in chicken broth and Dijon mustard to get the tasty bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Add cream, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Put the chicken back in. Cook for 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens a bit.
- Stir in basil and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve right away.
Notes
- If the sun-dried tomatoes are not in oil, you might want to use a bit more because the oil-packed ones have a stronger taste. Just be sure to drain the oil before adding them to the pan.
- If your chicken breasts are small, you can leave them whole and cook them a bit longer.
- To make sure the chicken is safe to eat, check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to test it for doneness.