Oh, Tuscan chicken—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: tender chicken nestled in a creamy, garlicky sauce, dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget the world for a moment, especially when paired with a glass of wine and maybe, just maybe, a Taylor Swift song playing softly in the background.
Steps
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add an additional tablespoon of oil and sauté the chopped onions for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for about a minute until it begins to wilt. Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Allow the chicken to cook for about 5 minutes until it is heated through. Remove from heat, noting that the sauce will thicken as it cools.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (with dairy-free options like coconut cream or homemade cashew cream)
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (or 1 to 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2380kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 120g | Fat: 196g | Saturated Fat: 96g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 72g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 716mg | Sodium: 3584mg | Potassium: 3400mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 11976IU | Vitamin C: 88mg | Calcium: 632mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- What is the origin of Tuscan Chicken?
- Tuscan Chicken doesn’t have a single defined origin. It’s likely a variation of a classic Florentine sauce, which includes white wine, cream, and spinach, with a Tuscan twist by adding garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. It gained popularity in America, notably through Olive Garden’s Tuscan Garlic Chicken.
- What ingredients are essential for making Tuscan Chicken?
- Key ingredients for Tuscan Chicken include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Italian seasoning, garlic, onions, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. There are dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, while the recipe typically uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can substitute chicken thighs if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
- Is it possible to store and freeze Tuscan Chicken?
- Absolutely. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- What are some serving suggestions for Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
- You can serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken over rice, lentils, polenta, mashed potatoes, or mashed cauliflower to soak up the sauce. For a side, a massaged kale salad or a Mediterranean Chickpea salad complements the dish nicely.
Tips
- Enhance the chicken’s flavor by using the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar instead of regular olive oil when searing the chicken. This small substitution can give your dish an extra depth of taste.
- If you prefer a slightly tangier sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions. This will help deglaze the pan and blend well with the creamy sauce.
- Don’t hesitate to pack the spinach into your measuring cup before adding it to the skillet. As it cooks, spinach wilts significantly, so using a generous amount ensures you get enough greens in each bite.
- For those using larger or thicker chicken breasts, ensure even cooking by pounding them to an even thickness or butterflying them before searing. This will help them cook more evenly and reduce the overall cooking time.
Equipment
- Large Skillet: A high-quality skillet for searing and simmering the chicken and sauce.
- Tongs: Useful for handling and turning the chicken breasts.
- Garlic Press: For mincing garlic cloves efficiently.
- Grater: Specifically for freshly grating parmesan cheese.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients like cream and seasoning.
