easy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast

Juicy chicken breasts are baked in a luscious cream sauce with sundried tomatoes, Parmesan, and spinach, making it perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or crusty bread. It’s a 30-minute meal you’ll make on repeat!

Why This Recipe Works

  • Juicy Every Time: Flattening the chicken ensures it cooks evenly, producing perfectly tender meat every time.
  • Luxurious Cream Sauce: This sauce combines heavy cream, Parmesan, and sundried tomatoes for an irresistible flavour.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Substitute with thighs for a richer flavour.
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil: Use olive or avocado oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Swap with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper flavour.
  • 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 flavour.
  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano is a good substitute.
  • ½ cup fresh spinach, chopped: Kale or arugula can replace spinach.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Quick Overview

  1. Preheat the oven and prep the chicken.
  2. Season and place chicken in the baking dish.
  3. Whisk and pour the cream sauce.
  4. Bake, add spinach and rest.

Detailed Steps

  1. Prepare the Chicken
    • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
    • Flatten the thick side of the chicken breasts with a rolling pin or meat mallet to ensure even thickness.
  2. Season and Arrange
    • Place the chicken breasts in a 9×13″ baking dish, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
    • Drizzle with canola oil and rub the top of the chicken with salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper.
  3. Make the Cream Sauce
    • Whisk together heavy cream, minced garlic, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
    • Stir in chopped sundried tomatoes and shredded Parmesan cheese. Pour the sauce around the chicken (it’s okay if it partially covers the chicken).
  4. Bake the Chicken
    • Bake for 16–20 minutes or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Add Spinach and Rest
    • Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir chopped spinach into the sauce. Cover and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt.
  6. Serve
    • Stir the sauce to recombine if it has separated, then serve hot over your favourite side dish.

Serving Ideas

  • Spoon the chicken and sauce over al dente pasta or creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
  • Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for a lighter option.

Pro Tips

  1. Even Cooking: Flattening the chicken ensures even baking and prevents dry spots.
  2. Avoid Overcrowding: Leave space between chicken breasts to allow for even cooking.
  3. Perfect Sauce Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a chicken broth or milk splash after baking.

Customizations & Add-Ons

  • Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for baked tofu or roasted cauliflower.
  • Add Protein: Toss in cooked bacon bits or sautéed shrimp for extra flavour.
  • Herb Upgrade: Add fresh basil or parsley to burst freshness before serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

A: Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure even cooking.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan Parmesan alternative.

This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast is creamy, comforting, and quick—a recipe sure to become a family favourite!

Related Posts

Leave a Comment