If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the Italian countryside, this Tuscan Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a creamy, garlicky, and vibrant meal bursting with fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all lovingly embraced by tender, well-seasoned chicken nestled in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. Each bite transports you to a charming Tuscan kitchen where simple ingredients combine to create unforgettable flavors that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of a shiny silver pan placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, there are four thin pieces of meat, each lightly coated with flour, giving them a powdery white texture. The meat pieces have a pale pink color beneath the flour and are frying in a pool of melted butter, which is a golden yellow liquid spreading across the bottom of the pan. The edges of the meat pieces are soft and uneven, with some parts slightly curled up. The pan handles extend outwards on both sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Tuscan Chicken Recipe uses humble ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish full of depth and balance. Each component plays its role—from the garlic that adds aromatic richness to the sun-dried tomatoes offering bursts of tangy sweetness, making every forkful a delight.

  • Salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors in the dish, so season carefully and taste as you go.
  • Pepper (to taste): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and complexity.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings that authentic Tuscan-inspired flair.
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced lengthwise into 2 pieces each): Pounding them thin ensures quick cooking and juicy tenderness.
  • 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (or olive oil): This infuses the chicken with a lovely tomato essence and adds richness to the sauce.
  • 2 tbsp butter: For a velvety finish and perfect browning of the chicken.
  • ½ cup flour: Helps create a light crust on the chicken and slightly thickens the sauce.
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic’s signature aroma makes the whole dish irresistible.
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (sliced): Brings vibrant color and a sweet, tangy chewyness.
  • 3 cups spinach (fresh, baby, chopped): Adds freshness and a pop of green, making it a naturally healthy addition.
  • ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, etc.): Used to deglaze the pan, it lifts all the flavors beautifully.
  • ⅓ cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce decadently creamy and luscious.
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
  • ½ cup basil (fresh, chiffonade): The fresh basil on top lends a fragrant, herbal brightness to this comforting dish.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing each chicken breast lengthwise into two thin cutlets. If they still feel thick, give them a gentle pounding between sheets of plastic wrap until they’re about half an inch thick—this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before lightly dredging each piece in flour for a perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the sun-dried tomato oil along with butter. When the butter melts, carefully lay in the chicken breasts. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown color. Remove the chicken and set aside; this step locks in juicy moisture and creates those mouthwatering crispy edges.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Into the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 2 to 3 minutes—take care not to let it burn because that could turn bitter. Then toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh chopped spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts slightly. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits from the pan, and let it reduce to a simmering boil.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Cheese

Next, stir in the chicken broth which adds a subtle savory element. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the chicken. Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them gently into the sauce to warm through.

Step 5: Garnish and Finish

Once everything is heated and the sauce has thickened just right, scatter fresh chiffonade basil over the top. The fresh herbs add a finishing touch that balances the richness with their inviting aroma, signaling that your delicious Tuscan Chicken Recipe is ready to serve!

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves aren’t just for looks; they bring a burst of fresh herbal sweetness that cuts through the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can add a salty finish and a bit of grated lemon zest can brighten the dish beautifully if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This Tuscan Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, which soak up every bit of that velvety sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can lend contrast and freshness to balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken on a wide platter and drizzle the sauce liberally over the top. Garnish with basil leaves and a few extra sun-dried tomatoes for pops of color. Or plate each serving atop a bed of saffron rice or roasted asparagus for an elegant, restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Tuscan Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container to maintain moisture and preserve all those rich flavors.

Freezing

If you want to make this ahead for busy days, freezing is a good option, though the texture of spinach might change slightly. Freeze the chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to avoid curdling the cream. Stir occasionally until warmed through to enjoy the dish as if freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful twist. Just adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a non-alcoholic alternative for the white wine?

If you prefer to skip the wine, use additional chicken broth with a splash of white grape juice or a teaspoon of lemon juice to mimic the acidity and depth the wine provides.

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative along with nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to keep the creamy texture and some cheesy notes.

Is it necessary to pound the chicken thin?

Pounding ensures even cooking and tender chicken that soaks up the flavors well. If your chicken breasts are already thin or evenly sliced, you can skip this step, but it’s highly recommended for best results.

How spicy is this dish?

This Tuscan Chicken Recipe is mild and comforting, relying on herbs and garlic rather than heat. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes after adding the garlic if you want a subtle spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way this Tuscan Chicken Recipe comes together, turning simple pantry staples into a comforting, elegant meal. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant flavors. Don’t just take my word for it—grab those ingredients and bring a taste of Tuscany right to your table!

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Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Tuscan Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, white wine, and parmesan cheese. Bursting with Italian-inspired flavors, this dish is simple to prepare in just 25 minutes and serves 4, making it perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced lengthwise into 2 pieces each)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup flour

Sauce and Cooking

  • 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (or olive oil)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (sliced)
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach (chopped)
  • ½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • ⅓ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup fresh basil (chiffonade)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast lengthwise into two thin cutlets. If necessary, pound the chicken between plastic wrap until the cutlets are evenly thin for faster, even cooking.
  2. Season: Generously season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for robust flavor.
  3. Dredge in Flour: Coat each piece of chicken evenly in flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a light crust when cooked.
  4. Heat the Skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium heat, then add the sun-dried tomato oil and butter to melt together, creating a flavorful cooking fat.
  5. Brown Chicken: Place the floured chicken cutlets in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove from the pan and set aside.
  6. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning and releasing its aromatic flavor into the pan.
  7. Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and chopped spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt down slightly.
  8. Deglaze Pan: Pour the dry white wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and bring the liquid to a simmering boil to concentrate flavors.
  9. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and let it combine with the wine and vegetables.
  10. Create Creamy Sauce: Whisk in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
  11. Return Chicken: Nestle the browned chicken cutlets back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Allow everything to heat through together for a couple of minutes.
  12. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the fresh chiffonade basil over the dish, and serve warm. Enjoy your flavorful Tuscan Chicken!

Notes

  • If white wine is not available, chicken broth can be used alone, though the wine adds a distinctive depth to the sauce.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for dredging.
  • Ensure not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter and affect the flavor of the sauce.
  • This dish pairs excellently with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Use fresh basil for the best aromatic garnish; dried basil will not provide the same brightness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

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