Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Welcome to the delicious world of Creamy Tuscan Chicken! This dish is a true Italian classic, featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy sauce filled with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and fragrant herbs. While its exact origins are a bit unclear, many think it became popular in the U.S. thanks to Olive Garden, where it was first introduced as Tuscan Garlic Chicken. In this version, I’m adding my own twist, focusing on fresh and wholesome ingredients that make it both tasty and healthy.

Recipe Overview

Prep and Cook Time:
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare this dish and around 20 minutes to cook it. That means you can get this meal on the table in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight!

Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people, making it great for a family dinner or a small gathering with friends. You can easily adjust the servings by changing the amounts of chicken and other ingredients.

Difficulty Level:
The good news? This dish is rated as easy. Whether you’re just starting out in the kitchen or are an experienced cook looking for something quick, you can handle this!

Equipment Needed:
You’ll need a large skillet (a cast iron one works best) and a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons to get your ingredients just right. If you don’t have a large skillet, any heavy frying pan will do!

Make-Ahead Options:
If you love meal prepping, this recipe is flexible! You can mix the coconut milk and chicken broth ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Cooked chicken can last in the fridge for about 5 days, making it a great choice for planning ahead!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy delight:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• ¾ teaspoon of black pepper (plus more if needed)
• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes, packed in olive oil and drained
• 1 cup of full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
• ½ cup of chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
• ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• 3 cups of spinach
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)

If you want to switch things up, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Don’t have Italian seasoning? A mix of dried basil, thyme, parsley, and rosemary works great too! If you can’t find fresh garlic, replace it with garlic powder (¼ teaspoon of garlic powder equals one clove).

Quality matters! Using good olive oil and fresh herbs will really boost the flavor. Look for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for added richness.

Step-by-Step Method

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Creamy Tuscan Chicken:

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by drying the chicken breasts with paper towels. This helps create a nice golden crust when you cook them. Season both sides with salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
2. Heat the Skillet: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, carefully add the chicken. Let it cook for about 5 minutes without moving it, until it’s golden brown.
3. Flip and Cook: After 5 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until both sides are beautifully browned. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
4. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the chopped onion and a pinch of salt, sautéing for about 5 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, chicken broth, and nutritional yeast. Pour this sauce into the skillet, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom.
6. Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Mix until the spinach wilts into the creamy sauce.
7. Combine Everything: Once the sauce is simmering, return the chicken and any juices from the plate back into the pan. Turn the chicken gently to coat it in that delicious sauce.
8. Finish with Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs over the top just before serving for an extra pop of flavor!

While you’re cooking, look for signs like golden-brown chicken and a sauce that clings well. A common mistake is rushing the searing step; let your chicken develop that lovely crust. And remember, simmer the sauce gently!

For a little extra flavor, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine after the onions!

Variations & Customization

This dish is super versatile! You can easily tailor it to your dietary needs or personal tastes.

• Gluten-Free or Vegan: Check that all your sauces are gluten-free. If you want a vegan version, try using tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken, along with plant-based cream like cashew cream or almond milk.
• Spice Levels: Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños!
• Fancy Additions: If you’re in the mood for something special, toss in sautéed mushrooms or artichokes for a gourmet touch.
• Seasonal Twist: In fall or winter, try adding roasted butternut squash for sweetness. In spring or summer, zucchini ribbons bring a fresh crunch!

Serving & Storage

Now that your Creamy Tuscan Chicken is ready, let’s talk about how to serve it up!

• Plating: Serve the chicken over creamy polenta or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up that rich sauce. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated Parmesan adds a nice finishing touch.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve steamed asparagus or green beans on the side, or a light salad like massaged kale or a Mediterranean chickpea salad.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Gently reheat on low heat to keep the chicken moist.
• Freezing: Want to save some for later? You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating on low heat.

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite! With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy meal at home. Happy cooking!

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