Description
This Easy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast is a creamy, flavorful dish with a rich cream sauce and the perfect combination of savory sundried tomatoes and fresh spinach. The chicken breasts are tender and juicy, and the creamy sauce adds depth and richness to every bite. This recipe is simple yet impressive, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Substitute with thighs for a richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (Olive or avocado oil work well too)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (Substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (Smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream (Half-and-half or coconut cream can be used for a lighter option)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (Garlic powder works if fresh isn’t available)
- 1 teaspoon corn starch (All-purpose flour can be substituted as a thickener)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped (Fresh cherry tomatoes can be used but yield a different flavor)
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (Pecorino Romano is a good substitute)
- ½ cup fresh spinach, chopped (Kale or arugula can replace spinach)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. - Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. - Cook the Chicken
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and corn starch (or flour). Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. - Assemble the Dish
Add the sundried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach to the cream sauce. Stir to combine, then pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. - Bake the Chicken
Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through. - Serve
Serve the chicken with extra sauce poured over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Variation: Add mushrooms to the cream sauce for an extra earthy flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Chicken
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Keywords: Baked Chicken, Tuscan Chicken, Creamy Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Chicken Breast Recipe