Here’s a delicious and flavorful Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast recipe that combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, garlicky Tuscan-inspired sauce. It’s an easy, yet impressive dish perfect for dinner!
Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or dried basil and oregano)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed or dry, rehydrated)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Season the Chicken:
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional):
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown (this step adds extra flavor but is optional if you prefer to skip it).
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the spinach and stir until it wilts.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the creamy Tuscan sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- For Extra Flavor: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
- Veggies: You can also add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy.