Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often stay juicier than breasts. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach 165°F internal temperature.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make this lighter?

For a lighter version, try half-and-half or whole milk with an extra teaspoon of flour to help thicken the sauce. You could also use unsweetened canned coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that still provides creaminess.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! This dish reheats wonderfully. Prepare it up to a day ahead, store in the refrigerator, and gently reheat on the stovetop. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to refresh the sauce, and throw in some fresh spinach just before serving for the best color and texture.

My sauce isn't thickening properly. What did I do wrong?

If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce, or make a quick slurry with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce. Common issues include not cooking the flour long enough in the butter or using reduced-fat dairy products.

Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Name: Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, lightly pounded to even thickness; 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons European-style butter; ¼ cup European-style butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 8.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, drained and rinsed (1 jar); 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup baby spinach, chopped; Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

This mouthwatering Tuscan Chicken is the dinner solution you’ve been searching for! Tender chicken breasts nestled in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach create a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. The combination of savory Italian herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates layers of flavor that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: From pan to plate in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have hours to spend cooking.
Restaurant Quality at Home: This dish rivals what you’d find at your favorite Italian restaurant, but at a fraction of the cost. Your family will think you’ve been taking secret cooking classes!
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to what you have on hand, and pairs beautifully with nearly any side dish from pasta to roasted vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts: The star of the show! Pounding them to even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Italian seasoning: This herb blend provides that classic Tuscan flavor profile without having to measure multiple herbs.
Flour: Creates a light coating on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce to silky perfection.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth to both the chicken coating and the sauce. Always grate it fresh for the best flavor!
European-style butter: Has a higher fat content than regular butter, creating a richer, more flavorful sauce. It’s worth seeking out!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is non-negotiable here – it forms the aromatic foundation of the sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These little flavor bombs add sweetness, acidity, and a beautiful red color to the dish.
Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety sauce texture that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
Chicken broth: Adds depth while keeping the sauce from being too heavy.
Baby spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness that balances the richness of the sauce.
Fresh parsley: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat, or try using pork cutlets or even salmon fillets for a completely different spin.

Veggie Additions

Add mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers to the sauce for even more veggie goodness and flavor complexity.

Dairy Alternatives

If heavy cream isn’t available, use half-and-half combined with a bit more flour for thickening. For a lighter version, try using evaporated milk.

Spice it Up

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat, or throw in some capers for a briny kick that complements the sun-dried tomatoes beautifully.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix flour and Parmesan in a shallow dish, then dredge each chicken breast to coat both sides evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Remove to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Start the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining ¼ cup butter and melt it down. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the chicken. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste. This creates the base for your thick, luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Finish

Toss in the chopped spinach and reduce heat to a simmer. Let the spinach wilt into the sauce, then return the chicken to the pan, turning to coat each piece. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until chicken is heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pound the Chicken: Taking the time to pound the chicken to even thickness means it will cook evenly without drying out.
Don’t Rush the Browning: Let the chicken develop a golden crust before flipping – this creates deeper flavor in both the chicken and the sauce.
Taste as You Go: Sauce needs more flavor? Add a pinch of salt or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan rather than more Italian seasoning, which can quickly become overpowering.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Take the chicken out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even cooking, and let the cream warm slightly to prevent it from curdling when added to the hot pan.
Use the Right Pan: A heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast iron or stainless steel, gives the best browning and heat distribution.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this Tuscan chicken over pasta (fettuccine or penne work beautifully), with crusty bread for sauce-sopping, or alongside roasted potatoes. For a lower-carb option, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Wine Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or an unoaked Chardonnay. The acidity cuts through the richness of the cream sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich chicken. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans also complement the dish without competing with its flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Tuscan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together!

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Freeze in individual portions for easy single-serving meals.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works in a pinch, but heat at 50% power and stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often stay juicier than breasts. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach 165°F internal temperature.
What can I substitute for heavy cream to make this lighter?

For a lighter version, try half-and-half or whole milk with an extra teaspoon of flour to help thicken the sauce. You could also use unsweetened canned coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that still provides creaminess.
Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! This dish reheats wonderfully. Prepare it up to a day ahead, store in the refrigerator, and gently reheat on the stovetop. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to refresh the sauce, and throw in some fresh spinach just before serving for the best color and texture.
My sauce isn’t thickening properly. What did I do wrong?

If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce, or make a quick slurry with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce. Common issues include not cooking the flour long enough in the butter or using reduced-fat dairy products.

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan Chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a meal that feels special enough for company, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream creates a sauce that you’ll be tempted to eat with a spoon! Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to chicken recipe – it’s certainly become mine. Give it a try tonight, and watch as your family asks for seconds (and the recipe)!