Introduction
Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your dinner table. Juicy, seared chicken breasts are enveloped in a creamy sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also makes for an impressive meal that’s easy to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please the entire family.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
To prepare this dish, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until it becomes fragrant. This step infuses the oil with a lovely aroma. Next, add chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Incorporating sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves into the sauce will elevate the dish; cook until the spinach wilts down, making for a colorful and nutritious addition.
Carefully return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce generously over them. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken is fully cooked, serve it warm with the creamy Tuscan sauce drizzled on top, perhaps alongside a side of pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy the rich flavors of Tuscany right at home with this simple yet elegant baked chicken dish!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and retains moisture.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and generously season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Make sure to coat all sides for full flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. After searing, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet that you used for the chicken, add the minced garlic. Sauté it until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
After the garlic is fragrant, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Spinach
Once the sauce is smooth, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves. Stir and cook until the spinach wilts and is tender, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Return Chicken to Skillet
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Use a spoon to drizzle the sauce over the top of the chicken breasts.
Step 8: Bake the Chicken
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 9: Serve
Once the chicken is done cooking, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Serve the chicken warm, spooning the creamy sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes over the top.
Notes
Cooking Time
Total cooking time is approximately 45 minutes, including preparation and baking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Seasoning Chicken
Seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning enhances the flavor before cooking.
Searing the Chicken
Searing the chicken in olive oil creates a golden-brown crust and adds depth of flavor.
Sautéing
Sautéing garlic in the skillet releases its aromatic oils, improving the overall flavor of the sauce.
Creating the Sauce
Combining chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce for the chicken.
Incorporating Vegetables
Adding sun-dried tomatoes and spinach not only enhances the flavor but also adds color and nutrients to the dish.
Baking
Baking the chicken in the oven ensures that it cooks through while absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative for a lighter option.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?
Searing is not mandatory, but it helps develop flavor and texture in the chicken.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added to the dish for more variety.
What should I serve with Baked Tuscan Chicken?
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad to complement the flavors.
Conclusion
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that comes together in just 45 minutes. The creamy sauce, enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, pairs perfectly with tender chicken breasts. It’s an ideal dish for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to serve at a special gathering. Enjoy the comforting warmth of this meal, and let it transport you to the sunny landscapes of Tuscany.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
A quick and satisfying dish, this pasta is tossed with succulent shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for those who love seafood.
Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
These mushrooms offer a fresh burst of flavors, stuffed with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, making for a delightful vegetarian option.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Marinate chicken breasts in a zesty lemon and herb marinade and grill them for a fresh and flavorful meal that pairs well with a side salad.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Take the flavors of your Baked Tuscan Chicken further by stuffing chicken breasts with a mixture of spinach and feta cheese, then bake for a savory twist.
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl
A healthy and hearty option, this bowl is filled with roasted vegetables and fluffy quinoa, making it a perfect side dish or main vegetarian meal.