This creamy Tuscan garlic chicken is a delightful dish packed with flavor! It’s made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, all simmered in a rich garlic sauce.
I love how quickly this dish comes together, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Plus, the sauce is so good, I could eat it with a spoon! 😂 Serve it over pasta or rice for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness, or even cubed tofu for a vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the dish its luscious texture. If you want a lighter option, you can replace it with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream such as coconut cream. Just keep in mind, this will affect the flavor slightly.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor. If you can’t find them, try using fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers as a good alternative. They’ll change the taste but will still be delicious!
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach cooks down nicely in this dish. If you’re out of spinach, feel free to use kale or Swiss chard. Just remember, they may require a bit more cooking time to become tender.
How to Sear Chicken So It’s Juicy and Flavorful?
Searing the chicken properly is key to achieving a nice crust and keeping it juicy inside. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your skillet and oil are hot before adding chicken. A smoky sound when it’s in means you’re on the right track!
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If it’s crowded, the chicken will steam rather than sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Avoid moving the chicken around in the pan too much. Let it develop that golden crust for about 5-7 minutes on each side.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time!
Easy Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried basil and oregano)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, making a total of roughly 30 minutes to get dinner on the table! Perfect for a tasty weeknight meal without too much fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This step adds flavor right from the start!
2. Searing the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them until they are golden brown on both sides and cooked through; this should take about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a little extra olive oil if needed. Then, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes or until the onion is fragrant and translucent.
4. Adding the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another minute. This will enhance the flavor of the tomatoes.
5. Creating the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Let this mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Incorporating Cheese and Seasonings:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Allow the cheese to melt completely, and you’ll see the sauce become rich and creamy.
7. Adding the Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach to your creamy sauce and cook until it wilts down, which will take about 2 minutes.
8. Combining Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the luscious creamy sauce over the top. Let it simmer together for another 2-3 minutes so all the flavors meld beautifully.
9. Garnishing and Serving:
Before serving, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides, like pasta, mashed potatoes, or some crusty bread to enjoy that creamy sauce.
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs for added flavor and juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
No problem! If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with fresh cherry tomatoes or even roasted red peppers. Both options will provide a different but delicious flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or oat cream, and using a dairy-free cheese alternative in place of Parmesan. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will vary slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much when stored.
If you have any more questions while cooking, feel free to ask!
