If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels effortlessly elegant, the Tuscan Chicken and Rice Skillet is your ticket to flavor paradise! This one-pan wonder brings Italian inspiration to the table, combining juicy chicken, creamy rice, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach. Every bite offers a symphony of textures and sunny Mediterranean notes, all with minimal fuss and cleanup. Whether you’re whipping up a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends on the weekend, this is a dish guaranteed to make everyone come back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in simple, flavorful components coming together perfectly. Each ingredient not only tastes delicious but also adds something essential — richness, tang, freshness, or color — making this skillet meal as delightful to see as it is to eat.
- Chicken breasts: Tender, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts soak up all the beautiful seasoning and become perfectly juicy in the skillet.
- Olive oil: Italian essentials! A splash is perfect for searing the chicken and adding a subtle richness.
- Italian seasoning: Brings aromatic, herby notes that instantly make things feel Tuscan!
- Salt and pepper: The dynamic duo for balancing and highlighting all those lovely flavors.
- Garlic: Freshly minced, this provides fragrant depth and unmistakable Italian charm.
- Long-grain white rice: The foundation that turns this skillet into a satisfying, complete meal.
- Chicken broth: Simmering the rice in broth infuses every grain with savory goodness.
- Heavy cream: Adds an irresistible, silky creaminess to bind everything together.
- Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious — don’t skip it!
- Baby spinach: These greens wilt down beautifully, adding vibrant color and gentle earthy flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Bursts of tangy-sweet flavor, plus a gorgeous pop of red.
- Fresh basil (optional): Chopped and sprinkled on top for a peppery, fresh finish that screams summertime in Tuscany.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken and Rice Skillet
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by giving those chicken breasts a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning, plus a dash of salt and pepper. Heat up the olive oil in your favorite large skillet (cast iron is amazing here if you have one!) over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until both sides are golden and delicious — about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Once you have that irresistible caramelization, set the chicken aside on a plate for now.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Toast the Rice
With the same skillet still hot and brimming with flavor, add the minced garlic. Give it about a minute — just long enough to turn fragrant and infuse the oil, but not so long that it browns. Then toss in the uncooked rice and stir it around for a minute or two. Toasting the rice is a little chef’s secret for nuttier, deeper flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Rice
Time to get things bubbling! Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a lively boil. Lower the heat, pop a lid on, and let the rice simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This step lets the rice soak up all that liquid and flavor, becoming plump and tender.
Step 4: Add Cream, Cheese, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, baby spinach, and those jewel-like sun-dried tomatoes. The spinach will wilt in seconds, and the cream and cheese will transform the mixture into a sauce that’s both creamy and luxurious.
Step 5: Nestle the Chicken Back In and Finish Cooking
Slide the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, pressing them gently down into the rice so they soak up that creamy goodness. Cover and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice has reached irresistible creaminess.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy, shower everything with fresh chopped basil just before serving. This final touch makes the flavors pop and brings a burst of color, turning your meal into an Italian sunset on a plate.
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken and Rice Skillet
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped basil is the classic choice, infusing each bite with sweet, peppery fragrance. You can also add extra Parmesan shavings or a scatter of cracked black pepper for even more flavor and flair. For a hint of brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top does wonders!
Side Dishes
Tuscan Chicken and Rice Skillet is truly a complete meal, but if you want to round things out, keep it simple: serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, crusty Italian bread for mopping up creamy sauce, or some quick-roasted veggies. The skillet’s richness pairs beautifully with greens or tangy sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Dish the skillet meal family-style right out of the pan for a cozy, rustic vibe, or plate individual servings and artfully arrange the chicken atop a fluffy bed of creamy rice. For parties, try slicing the chicken and serving bites over the rice as a fun appetizer. Don’t be shy with the basil or extra tomatoes for that wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the Tuscan Chicken and Rice Skillet cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay tasty in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for lunch or a next-day cozy dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze Tuscan Chicken and Rice Skillet for up to two months. Portion out servings in freezer-safe containers. Just note that the texture of the rice might be a little softer after thawing, but the flavors will still be amazing.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen things up if needed. Stir occasionally, and heat until everything is piping hot and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully and bring even more juiciness and flavor to your Tuscan Chicken and Rice Skillet. Just adjust the cook time as needed to make sure they’re cooked through.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The result will still be creamy and packed with Tuscan-inspired flavor.
What rice works best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can also use jasmine or basmati for a twist. If you choose brown rice, plan for a longer cook time and a bit more broth to ensure it softens up perfectly.
Can I make Tuscan Chicken and Rice Skillet ahead of time?
Definitely! You can fully cook the dish, let it cool, and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat with a splash of cream or broth to revive the luscious texture.
What other vegetables could I use?
Feel free to mix it up! Sautéed bell peppers, kale, or peas all fit wonderfully into a Tuscan Chicken and Rice Skillet, and they’ll add their own color and character alongside the classic spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new dinnertime hero, I can’t recommend Tuscan Chicken and Rice Skillet enough. It’s foolproof, crowd-pleasing, and full of sunshine-bright flavor in every creamy bite. Give it a try soon and let this dish transport you straight to Italy — all from the comfort of your kitchen!
Print
Tuscan Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Tuscan Chicken and Rice Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy rice, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, this dish is a comforting and flavorful dinner option.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Rice:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the rice: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Finish the dish: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and rice is creamy. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine with the broth.
- Substitute kale for spinach if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
