Tuscan Chicken Recipe

This Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner option perfect for any night of the week. Tender boneless skinless chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and paired with a rich, creamy sauce made with chicken broth, white wine, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. The sauce is thickened with cornstarch, creating a velvety finish that’s elevated with a touch of heavy cream and cream cheese. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and flavor, making this dish a satisfying and well-rounded meal. Serve this delicious chicken recipe over pasta or rice for a complete dinner your family will love!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 chicken bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• ⅓ cup white wine (see notes)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup spinach

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Instructions

Prep Work:

1. In a bowl, combine chicken broth, bouillon, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
2. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small container, shake to combine, and keep cool.
3. Slice each chicken breast into 2-3 thinner pieces. Use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken evenly to about ½ inch thickness. Pat dry with paper towels.

Dredge and Sear the Chicken:

1. Lightly season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
   • Pro Tip: Adjust the heat as needed during cooking, and don’t disturb the chicken while searing for a perfect crust. Add more olive oil if necessary.

Deglaze the Pan:

1. Reduce the heat to low and carefully remove any excess oil while leaving the browned bits (fond) in the pan.
2. Add white wine, garlic, and tomato paste. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan with a silicone spatula. Let the mixture simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until reduced by half.

Prepare the Sauce:

1. Add sun-dried tomatoes and the prepared chicken broth mixture. Increase heat slightly and bring to a gentle boil. Let it reduce for 10 minutes.
2. Shake the cornstarch mixture and slowly stir it into the bubbling sauce until it thickens. Lower the heat to a simmer.
3. Once the sauce has stopped bubbling, stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully incorporated.
4. Fold in the spinach and mix until wilted.

Finish and Serve:

1. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it heat through for 3-4 minutes.
2. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The sauce combines heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes for a luxurious taste.
• Versatile: Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
• Restaurant-Quality: This dish looks and tastes like it’s straight from a Tuscan bistro but is easy to make at home.

Tips

• Chicken Prep: Use evenly sliced chicken pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
• White Wine Substitute: If you don’t have wine, use additional chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice.
• Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cornstarch mixture or additional broth.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Swap chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a twist.
• Greens: Replace spinach with kale or arugula.
• Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
• Herbs: Add fresh basil or thyme for an aromatic boost.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken separately. Combine and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Tuscan chicken?
Yes, but omit the spinach until reheating to maintain its texture. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What should I serve with this dish?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables are excellent options.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over fettuccine, penne, or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Pair with a crisp side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Top with additional Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper for extra flavor.

Enjoy this Tuscan-inspired chicken dish that’s perfect for any occasion!