Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts: A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make dinner recipe, look no further than Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts. This dish is a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a special dinner party. With its rich cream sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant Tuscan-inspired flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a dump-and-bake recipe, meaning minimal prep and maximum flavor!

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts, including tips, tricks, and step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. Creamy and Flavorful: The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, parmesan, and Italian seasoning, pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Every bite is bursting with flavor.
3. Versatile: Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or garlic bread. It’s a versatile recipe that works for any occasion.
4. Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe makes great leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and reheat for a quick and delicious meal.

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Ingredients for Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy and flavorful dish:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
• 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the dish its Tuscan flair.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: For a hint of savory garlic flavor.
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper: Adds a touch of heat (optional).
• 1/2 tsp sea salt: Enhances the flavors.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: For a bit of spice.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained of oil), chopped: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
• 10 oz. white mushrooms, sliced: Provides an earthy taste and hearty texture.
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped: Adds a pop of color and nutrients.

For the Cream Sauce:

• 3/4 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich and creamy base.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the creaminess.
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened: Makes the sauce extra creamy and luscious.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce.
• 2-3 tsp garlic cloves, minced: For a bold garlic flavor.
• Salt and pepper, as desired: To taste.
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty and salty flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures the chicken cooks quickly and stays juicy.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a plastic bag or cover them with plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This step is crucial for even cooking and preventing dry spots.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and paprika. This seasoning blend gives the chicken a flavorful crust.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Scatter the sliced mushrooms and chopped sun-dried tomatoes around the chicken in the baking dish. These vegetables will soak up the creamy sauce and add amazing flavor.

Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Add the heavy cream, cream cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken

Pour the cream sauce evenly over the chicken, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes. Make sure everything is well-coated.

Step 7: Bake the Chicken

Bake in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 162°F-163°F (72°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for the juiciest results.

Step 8: Add the Spinach

Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the chopped spinach over the top. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts over pasta, rice, or with your favorite side dishes. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra parmesan cheese if desired.

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The Perfect Creamy Sauce for Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

The creamy sauce is the star of this Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts recipe, tying all the flavors together into one harmonious dish. Made with heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, and parmesan, this sauce is rich, velvety, and packed with flavor. The addition of garlic and Italian seasoning gives it a robust, savory taste that complements the chicken and vegetables perfectly.

To achieve the perfect consistency, it’s important to whisk the cornstarch into the chicken broth before adding the other ingredients. This step ensures the sauce thickens beautifully as it bakes, coating the chicken and vegetables in a luscious, creamy layer. The cream cheese adds an extra level of richness, while the parmesan cheese brings a nutty, salty depth that elevates the dish.

One of the best things about this sauce is its versatility. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of the cream cheese and parmesan. No matter how you tweak it, this sauce is guaranteed to make your Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts unforgettable.

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 Why Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Are Key Ingredients

Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach are two ingredients that truly make this Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts recipe shine. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and savory chicken. They also provide a chewy texture that adds depth to every bite. When choosing sun-dried tomatoes, opt for ones packed in oil for the best flavor, but be sure to drain them well to avoid making the dish too greasy.

Spinach, on the other hand, brings a fresh, earthy element to the dish. It wilts perfectly in the oven, soaking up the creamy sauce and adding a pop of vibrant green color. Spinach is also packed with nutrients like iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.

If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can easily swap it out for kale or arugula. Both greens hold up well in the oven and add their own unique flavors. Similarly, if you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, you can use roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes for a slightly different but equally delicious twist.

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 Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Breasts Every Time

The key to perfect Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts lies in how you prepare and cook the chicken. Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, preventing dry spots and undercooked areas. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to gently flatten the thicker parts of the breast until it’s uniformly thick.

Seasoning is another crucial step. Don’t be shy with the spices! The combination of paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper creates a flavorful crust that enhances the natural taste of the chicken. For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the seasoning blend for 30 minutes before baking.

Finally, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection. Remove the dish from the oven when the chicken reaches 162°F-163°F (72°C). Let it rest for a few minutes, and the residual heat will bring it up to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This method guarantees juicy, tender chicken every time.

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Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 436 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 144mg
• Sodium: 660mg
• Potassium: 1281mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 9g
• Vitamin A: 1945 IU
• Vitamin C: 11mg
• Calcium: 161mg
• Iron: 3mg

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking.

Can I Freeze Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts?

While you can freeze this dish, the cream sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. To freeze, store the baked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

What Can I Serve with Baked Tuscan Chicken?

This dish pairs well with:

• Pasta (like fettuccine or penne)
• Rice or mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables (like asparagus or broccoli)
• Garlic bread or a fresh salad

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Final Thoughts

Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich cream sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is a winner.