Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that feels like a special occasion, this Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast is just the ticket! It’s a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you still want to impress your family or guests. The creamy sauce, with its delightful blend of sundried tomatoes and fresh spinach, makes this meal feel luxurious without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

What I love most about this dish is how easy it is to prepare. With minimal effort, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in 30 minutes or less. It’s not just great for dinner; it’s also fantastic for meal prep or even family gatherings. This recipe will surely become a cherished part of your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Whip up this flavorful dish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The rich creamy sauce combined with sundried tomatoes is simply irresistible.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the tastes in this comforting meal.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will make cooking a breeze! Let’s take a look at what you need to create this scrumptious Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast.

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon corn starch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chopped fresh spinach

Variations

This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for different flavors and textures.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini to boost the veggie content and add color to your dish.
• Change the cheese: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, use mozzarella or feta for a different twist on flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce if you enjoy a little heat in your meals.

How to Make Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F. This high temperature ensures that your chicken cooks quickly while keeping it juicy and tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Gently flatten the thicker side using a rolling pin or small frying pan until they are an even thickness. This step helps them cook uniformly, avoiding any dry spots.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a baking dish, arrange the chicken breasts with some space between them—this allows for even cooking. Drizzle with canola oil and rub in a mixture of salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. This seasoning adds wonderful flavor right into the meat!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, minced garlic, corn starch, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in chopped sundried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese before pouring around (but not completely over) the chicken in your baking dish. The sauce should enhance but not overpower the chicken.

Step 5: Bake It Up!

Bake at 425 degrees F for 16-20 minutes. Check that an internal temperature of 165 degrees F is reached at the thickest part of each breast. Keep an eye on them; cook time may vary based on size!

Step 6: Finish with Spinach

Once cooked through, take out your baking dish and stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Don’t worry if the sauce separates as it cooks—it’s perfectly normal! Just give it a good stir before covering and letting it rest for about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Uncover your delicious creation and serve warm! This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast pairs beautifully with pasta or crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness.

Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, especially when it comes to perfecting this Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast! Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish:

• Flatten the Chicken Evenly: Ensuring that the chicken breasts are of even thickness promotes even cooking. This way, you won’t end up with dry edges while waiting for the center to cook through.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opting for fresh spinach and high-quality sundried tomatoes will enhance the flavors significantly. Fresh ingredients bring vibrant tastes and nutrients, making your meal not only delicious but also wholesome.

• Monitor Internal Temperature: Invest in a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F; this ensures juiciness without compromising food safety.

• Stir the Sauce Before Serving: If the sauce separates during baking, don’t worry! A quick stir before serving helps bring everything back together and enhances the creamy texture.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking is crucial. It lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.

How to Serve Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast

Presenting your Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast beautifully can make all the difference at mealtime. Here are some ideas to inspire you!

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor that complements the Tuscan elements beautifully.
• Lemon Zest: A light grating of lemon zest over the top brightens up the dish and balances out the creaminess with a hint of citrus.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish, allowing you to savor every drop of that creamy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers add a crunchy contrast and bring healthy colors to your plate.
• Pasta: Serve it over a bed of cooked pasta (like fettuccine or penne) to soak up all that delicious sauce – it’s comfort food at its finest!
• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad offers a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy chicken, making it an excellent addition to your meal.

With these serving suggestions and tips, your Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on your dining table! Enjoy your culinary creation!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to keep the sauce separate if possible, to maintain its creamy texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the chicken cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
• Heat at 350 degrees F until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes).
• Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe:

Can I use other types of chicken for Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast?

Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal, you can also use chicken thighs or even chicken tenders. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What should I serve with Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a fresh garden salad. The creamy sauce also makes a great dip for crusty bread!

How do I make Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast healthier?

You can lighten it up by using low-fat cream or substituting half of the cream with chicken broth. Adding more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers can also boost nutrition.

Can I make Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can bake it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast as delightful as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings comfort and joy to your dinner table. Enjoy making this recipe and don’t hesitate to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!