This Tuscan chicken recipe brings the rich flavors of Italy to your dinner table. With a creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach, this dish is both comforting and elegant. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. For instance, sun-dried tomatoes add a unique tangy flavor and can usually be found in the canned vegetable aisle or the deli section of your supermarket. Heavy cream is essential for the creamy sauce and is typically located in the dairy section. Make sure to grab fresh baby spinach from the produce section to add a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.
Ingredients for Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein component of the dish.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and adding a rich flavor.
Heavy cream: Provides the creamy base for the sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Offer a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Dried oregano: Brings a slightly bitter and earthy flavor.
Dried basil: Adds a sweet and slightly peppery flavor.
Fresh baby spinach: Adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When cooking the chicken breasts, ensure they are of even thickness to promote uniform cooking. If needed, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This will help achieve a golden brown exterior while ensuring the inside is cooked through without drying out.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good replacement for olive oil.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a rich and creamy texture similar to heavy cream, with a slight coconut flavor.
low sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar depth of flavor and is a good option for those looking to reduce meat consumption.
chopped sun-dried tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can provide a fresh and slightly sweet flavor, though they lack the concentrated taste of sun-dried tomatoes.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent than fresh minced garlic.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a similar earthy flavor and can be used as a substitute for oregano.
dried basil - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley offers a mild flavor that can complement the other herbs in the dish.
fresh baby spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and can provide a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and spice, offering a different but enjoyable flavor profile.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the Tuscan chicken to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the chicken breasts and sauce into an airtight container. Make sure the container is large enough to hold the chicken without squishing it.
- For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The Tuscan chicken will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- If you plan to store the dish for a longer period, consider freezing it. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
- When using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps maintain the quality and flavor of the chicken and sauce.
- Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of how long it has been stored.
- To reheat, thaw the Tuscan chicken in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the chicken.
- Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.
- If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen it up while reheating.
- Enjoy your reheated Tuscan chicken with a fresh side of baby spinach or a light salad to complement the rich flavors.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to the pan.
- Once the liquid is warm, add the leftover Tuscan chicken.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is creamy again.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Tuscan chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Heat in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
- For an extra touch, you can add a bit more heavy cream or chicken broth before covering with foil to keep it moist.
Microwave Method:
- Place the Tuscan chicken in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to keep it moist.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, then stir and check the temperature. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the chicken is thoroughly warmed.
Sous Vide Method:
- Place the Tuscan chicken in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
- Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
- Submerge the bag in the water bath and let it heat for about 30 minutes.
- Once done, you can quickly sear the chicken in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil for a crispy exterior before serving.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large skillet: A wide and deep pan used for cooking the chicken breasts and preparing the sauce.
Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken breasts to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the olive oil, oregano, and basil.
Measuring cups: Needed to measure the heavy cream, chicken broth, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients together in the skillet.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the sun-dried tomatoes and mincing the garlic.
Chef's knife: A sharp knife used for chopping the sun-dried tomatoes and mincing the garlic.
Plate: Used to set aside the cooked chicken breasts while preparing the sauce.
Spatula: Useful for scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavors into the sauce.
Serving dish: A dish to present the finished Tuscan chicken when serving.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-cut ingredients: Chop garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach in advance to save time during cooking.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Substitute with pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken breasts to reduce cooking time.
One-pan method: Cook everything in one skillet to minimize cleanup and streamline the process.
Simmer efficiently: Use a lid to help the chicken cook faster and more evenly.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Chicken Broth low sodium
- 1 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 cup Baby Spinach fresh
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine.
- 3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- 4. Return chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Dish
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