Our Ultimate Baked Tuscan Chicken: A New Favourite for One-Pan Dinners

Are you on the hunt for a dinner that truly impresses, yet is remarkably simple to prepare? A dish that can transport you to the idyllic Italian countryside without ever leaving your kitchen? We’ve all had those moments, gazing into the fridge, wanting something special for dinner but feeling pressed for time. Fortunately, your search ends here.

We believe that exceptional meals don’t need to be complicated. That’s the philosophy behind our recipe for Baked Tuscan Chicken. This dish strikes a beautiful balance between rustic simplicity and sophisticated flavour. Imagine tender, succulent chicken breasts swimming in a luxuriously creamy sauce, brought to life by the vibrant sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic garlic. It’s a feast for the senses that gives the impression of hours of work, yet it all comes together in a single pan. Let’s begin this culinary journey!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Symphony of Flavours: The blend of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a velvety cream sauce delivers a depth of flavour that is truly memorable.
• The Perfect One-Pan Meal: From searing the chicken to simmering the delectable sauce, every step happens in one oven-safe skillet. This maximises flavour and, crucially, minimises washing up! It is the quintessential One-pan chicken recipe.
• Ideal for Busy Evenings: Despite its gourmet feel, this entire meal is ready in less than an hour, making it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight when you’re craving something a little extraordinary.
• Gourmet Dining in Your Own Kitchen: This is precisely the kind of dish you would be delighted to find on the menu at a fine Italian eatery. We’re here to guide you in recreating that same magic at home.
• Wonderfully Adaptable: Consider this recipe a brilliant starting point. Feel free to customise it by adding mushrooms, using kale instead of spinach, or opting for chicken thighs over breasts.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 150-180g each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or oil from the sun-dried tomato jar)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 80g sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and roughly chopped
• 250ml chicken stock
• 300ml double cream
• 60g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 150g fresh spinach
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Mastering Your Baked Tuscan Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this dish is an enjoyable process that builds layer upon layer of flavour. We have broken it down into easy-to-follow steps to guarantee a flawless outcome every time. So, grab your best oven-safe skillet, and let’s get started.

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

The first and most crucial step for achieving moist, tender chicken is to sear it properly. This technique not only gives the chicken a gorgeous golden-brown exterior but also seals in its delicious juices.

1. To begin, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan / Gas Mark 6).
2. Ensure the chicken breasts are patted completely dry with a paper towel. This is vital for developing a crisp, golden crust.
3. In a small bowl, create your seasoning blend by mixing the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture thoroughly over all surfaces of the chicken breasts.
4. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over a medium-high heat. When the oil begins to shimmer, gently lay the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan.
5. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they are beautifully browned. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, as it will finish in the oven. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

Now, we will use that very same skillet to craft the heart of our dish: the sauce. All those flavourful browned bits left in the pan from searing the chicken (the ‘fond’) will dissolve into the sauce, creating an incredible richness. This is the key to an authentic Creamy Tuscan garlic chicken.

1. Lower the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant, taking care not to let it brown.
3. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute to allow their intense, sweet flavour to bloom.
4. Pour the chicken stock into the pan to deglaze it. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes so the liquid reduces slightly.
5. Turn the heat down to low before stirring in the double cream and the freshly grated Parmesan. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, creamy, and has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if you wish.

Step 3: Combine and Bake to Perfection

In this final step, all the elements come together in a beautiful harmony of flavour and texture before the dish goes into the oven to finish.

1. Add the fresh spinach to the sauce, one handful at a time, stirring continuously until it has completely wilted. This should only take a minute or two.
2. Carefully place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon a little of the sauce over each piece of chicken.
3. Transfer the skillet into your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is gently bubbling. For accuracy, the chicken’s internal temperature should register 74°C (165°F). A meat thermometer is the best way to confirm this, as recommended by the Food Standards Agency.
4. When it’s ready, carefully take the skillet out of the oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley just before serving.

What to Serve with Your Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

This Sun-dried tomato chicken is a wonderfully versatile centrepiece that pairs beautifully with a range of side dishes designed to soak up every last bit of that exquisite sauce. We wouldn’t want any to go to waste!

• Pasta: A bed of tagliatelle, pappardelle, or penne is perfect for catching all the creamy goodness.
• Crusty Bread: We think a warm, crusty loaf is essential for mopping up the skillet clean.
• Mashed Potatoes: For a truly comforting meal, serve alongside a helping of creamy mashed potatoes.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans will add a lovely freshness and bite.
• Rice or Orzo: Fluffy steamed rice or orzo provides a simple, neutral canvas for the rich flavours of the dish.

Tips for the Perfect Italian Chicken Dinner

Are you ready to take your Tuscan chicken from great to truly unforgettable? Here are some of our best professional tips to help you perfect this Italian chicken dinner every time you make it.

• Give the Chicken Space: When searing the chicken, ensure the pieces aren’t touching. If your pan is overcrowded, the chicken will steam rather than sear, and you won’t achieve that delicious golden crust. If needed, work in two batches.
• Choose Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: We always recommend using sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil, as they are more tender and flavourful. You can even use a spoonful of the oil from the jar to cook the onions for an extra layer of flavour.
• Fresh is Always Best: While dried herbs are convenient, using fresh garlic and grating your own Parmesan from a block will significantly enhance the final taste. Pre-shredded cheese often has coatings that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Mind the Temperature: When you add the cream and cheese, ensure the heat is on low. If the sauce gets too hot, it could separate or curdle. A gentle, steady heat is your friend when creating a velvety, smooth sauce. For another amazing chicken recipe, you might like our Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs.

FAQ

Your New Go-To Dinner Awaits

And there you have it—a straightforward, elegant, and deeply satisfying Baked Tuscan Chicken that we are sure will become a regular feature in your weekly meal plan. This recipe proves that you don’t need a lengthy, complicated ingredient list or hours of effort to produce a truly memorable dish. The rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken offer pure comfort with every bite.

We are thrilled for you to bring a taste of Tuscany into your own home. This dish is perfect for a relaxed family meal, a special dinner for two, or even to impress friends at your next gathering. For another cheesy and comforting meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser, why not try our Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread?

We would be delighted to hear how your Baked Tuscan Chicken turns out! Please feel free to leave a comment below to share your thoughts or any unique variations you tried. Happy cooking!

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Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 150-180g each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 80g sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 250ml chicken stock
• 300ml double cream
• 60g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 150g fresh spinach
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C Fan). Pat chicken breasts dry and season all over with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Allow to simmer and reduce for a few minutes.
5. Lower the heat and stir in the double cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts into the sauce.
7. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over each breast.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaches 74°C / 165°F).
9. Rest for a few minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 725, Carbs: 9 g, Protein: 52 g, Fat: 51 g