Tuscan Garlic Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that somehow strikes that perfect balance between rustic Italian charm and weeknight dinner convenience. Think tender, golden chicken, bathed in a velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce, studded with sun-dried tomatoes and vibrant spinach. Each bite is a warm embrace of bold, savory flavors, and this dish just happens to be effortless enough to make on even your busiest days.

Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The appeal of Tuscan Garlic Chicken lies not only in its flavor but in its simplicity. Each ingredient here does heavy lifting to create the creamy, tangy, herby sauce and juicy, golden chicken. Don’t underestimate the power of freshness and a good handful of quality sun-dried tomatoes!

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts serve as the perfect canvas for soaking up all that decadent sauce; pound them thin so they cook evenly.
Salt: Just enough to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
Black Pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and gentle heat that balances the creamy elements.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives the chicken a thin, airy crust and also helps thicken the sauce slightly as it cooks.
Olive Oil: The classic Italian base for sautéing, imparting the chicken with extra richness and flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced for the most aromatic and punchy flavor—this is not the moment to use garlic powder!
Heavy Cream: Where the luxurious creaminess comes from; you can swap in half-and-half for a lighter version if you want.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and ensures the sauce doesn’t get overly thick.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for a nutty, melty finish that makes the sauce irresistible.
Italian Seasoning: A pinch is all you need to round out those Mediterranean vibes.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their concentrated tangy sweetness explodes in every mouthful; chop them up so they distribute evenly.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Just toss it in at the end for a punch of color and tender greens that mellow out the richness of the sauce.

How to Make Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken breasts an even thickness (about ½-inch is perfect) so they cook evenly every time. Lay each one between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, and then lightly dredge the chicken in flour. This thin coating not only gives the chicken a light crust but also helps the sauce stick beautifully later on.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—you want just enough oil to shimmer and cover the bottom. Add your floured chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side. When they’re perfectly golden and cooked through, transfer to a plate and keep them warm. This step locks in moisture and builds those essential pan drippings for your sauce.

Step 3: Create the Garlic-Parmesan Sauce

With the chicken set aside, keep all those beautiful golden bits in your skillet! Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant—careful, as garlic can burn quickly. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up all the flavorful bits from the pan. Stir in the grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning, letting the cheese melt and the sauce thicken over the next few minutes to a dreamy, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Add Veggies and Simmer

Now for those Tuscan touches: add your chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach right into the bubbling sauce. The tomatoes bring a sweet-tart depth and gorgeous color, while the spinach wilts into tender, vibrant ribbons. This stage is where the sauce turns truly luscious and inviting.

Step 5: Finish and Serve Your Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Return your golden chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece and let the whole pan simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This last little bubble marries all the flavors and ensures your chicken is perfectly coated and succulent. Serve hot, and get ready for second helpings!

How to Serve Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

Tuscan Garlic Chicken begs for a little finishing touch! Try a final scattering of freshly chopped parsley or basil for brightness, extra Parmesan for salty crunch, or a tiny drizzle of quality olive oil for silky sheen. If you like a touch of heat, a pinch of red chili flakes right before serving adds a lovely zing.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside simple sides that soak up that garlicky, cheesy sauce—think al dente pasta, buttery mashed potatoes, or hunks of warm, crusty bread. For a lighter pairing, steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette add freshness and balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your Tuscan Garlic Chicken for a dinner party by slicing the chicken and arranging it atop creamy polenta or a swirl of herbed risotto. Serve in a big skillet family-style for a rustic, homey feel, or plate each serving individually with a pretty sprinkle of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach on top. Either way, expect plenty of “wow” moments at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers from your Tuscan Garlic Chicken? Store any cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it good for lunches or a second dinner later in the week.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze extra portions, let the Tuscan Garlic Chicken cool completely first. Place individual portions in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, laying the chicken flat if possible. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months, though the cream sauce may thicken a bit upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce needs loosening. The microwave works in a pinch, just use a lower power setting to avoid overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and add extra juiciness to Tuscan Garlic Chicken. Just adjust cooking time as needed—thighs may take a few extra minutes.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

Definitely. Feel free to swap in half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce. It won’t be quite as rich but remains delicious and creamy.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

No worries! Roasted red peppers or even a handful of cherry tomatoes work well as a substitute, bringing a different twist to your Tuscan Garlic Chicken.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Just use your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour in place of regular all-purpose flour—everything else in Tuscan Garlic Chicken is naturally gluten-free.

Can I add other veggies?

Of course! Mushrooms and zucchini are fantastic choices, just sauté them after the garlic and before you add the cream. The sauce is quite flexible and welcomes extra veggies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s deeply satisfying and crowd-pleasing but secretly easy, Tuscan Garlic Chicken is your answer. Gather your ingredients and give it a try—one bite in, and you’ll want this creamy, garlicky classic on repeat!

Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Tuscan Garlic Chicken, a creamy and savory dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and smothered in a luscious cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and spinach.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
2 cups fresh baby spinach

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, season with salt and pepper, and coat with flour.
Cook the Chicken: Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, then add cream, broth, Parmesan, and seasonings. Cook until thickened.
Finish the Dish: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and chicken back to the skillet. Simmer and serve hot.