Rustic Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe

Zesty Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe: A Flavor Adventure

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this tantalizing Tuscan garlic chicken recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Golden chicken breasts sizzle with robust Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate.

Fragrant garlic and herbs meld together, creating a sauce so rich and creamy you’ll want to savor every single bite.

Tender chicken nestled in a luxurious blend of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes promises a restaurant-worthy meal straight from your kitchen.

Simple ingredients combine to craft an extraordinary dish that feels both comforting and elegant.

Weeknight cooking never looked so delicious – this recipe will become your new dinner superhero.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10min

Cook Time: 15min

Total Time: 25min

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Tuscan Garlic Chicken

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean cuts that provide a hearty base for the dish, choose fresh, high-quality chicken with minimal visible fat for the best flavor and texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty depth to the sauce, opt for freshly grated cheese for maximum flavor intensity and smooth melting.
For Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Creates a smooth cooking base with a subtle Mediterranean essence, select extra virgin olive oil for the most robust taste.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers a luxurious, velvety consistency to the sauce, look for fresh, high-fat content cream for maximum richness.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid foundation that intensifies the overall flavor profile, choose low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.
  • Garlic Powder: Offers a concentrated garlic flavor without overwhelming the dish, ensure it's fresh and aromatic.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings a classic herb blend that captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine, select a high-quality mix with vibrant dried herbs.
For Vegetable and Garnish Components:
  • Spinach: Adds a fresh, nutritious green element that wilts beautifully into the sauce, pick crisp, bright green leaves.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduces a tangy, concentrated tomato flavor with a chewy texture, choose plump and rich-colored varieties.

Kitchen Tools for Tuscan Garlic Chicken

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and cheese.
  • Tongs: Great for flipping and handling chicken while cooking.
  • Cutting board: Useful for prepping ingredients like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for chopping or slicing ingredients if necessary.

Tuscan Garlic Chicken: Step-by-Step Cooking

Tuscan Garlic Chicken Delight

  • Sizzling Chicken Transformation

Heat up a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Cook chicken pieces until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and reach perfect doneness. The chicken should look crispy and feel firm when touched. Remove the beauties from the pan and let them rest momentarily.

  • Creamy Sauce Magic

Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the same skillet. Sprinkle in garlic powder and Italian seasoning for a flavor explosion. Stir in parmesan cheese, watching the sauce transform into a luxurious, velvety mixture that starts to thicken and dance around the pan.

  • Vibrant Vegetable Symphony

Toss fresh spinach leaves and tangy sun-dried tomatoes into the simmering sauce. Watch the spinach gently wilt and the tomatoes release their intense, concentrated flavor. The colors will become rich and inviting.

  • Final Flourish

Nestle the cooked chicken back into the creamy sauce. Let everything mingle and warm through. Serve this gorgeous dish over pasta or enjoy as a standalone masterpiece. Each bite promises a burst of Mediterranean-inspired comfort.

Flavor Tips for Tuscan Garlic Chicken

  • Replace chicken with tender shrimp, sliced turkey breast, or plant-based chicken alternatives for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
  • Toss in extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or zucchini to increase nutrition and add vibrant colors to the dish.
  • Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for those who love a bit of heat in their Tuscan-inspired meal.
  • Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version that keeps all the delicious flavor intact.

Serving Ideas for Tuscan Garlic Chicken

  • Pasta Paradise: Serve this Tuscan garlic chicken over a bed of fettuccine or linguine, allowing the creamy sauce to coat each strand and create a luxurious dining experience.
  • Salad Sidekick: Pair the dish with a crisp mixed green salad featuring fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy chicken.
  • Bread Companion: Complement the meal with warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to soak up the delicious parmesan cream sauce, adding an extra layer of comfort and flavor.

Tuscan Garlic Chicken Storage Advice

  • Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover Tuscan Garlic Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place the chicken and sauce separately to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
  • Freezer Friendly Approach: Cool the chicken completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and store for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent sauce separation. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
  • Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare chicken and sauce in advance, storing components separately. Keep spinach and sun-dried tomatoes fresh until final serving. This method helps maintain ingredient quality and reduces day-of cooking time.
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Rustic Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe

Rustic Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 25min
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Sizzling Tuscan garlic chicken brings Mediterranean warmth to home kitchens with creamy, herb-infused flavors. Home cooks can savor this simple yet elegant dish that delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup (30 g) spinach, chopped
  • ½ cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes, drained

Instructions

  1. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cooking chicken pieces until golden-brown and fully cooked through, ensuring no pink remains in the center.
  2. Create Sauce Base: Remove chicken and set aside, then whisk heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in the same skillet to develop a smooth, rich foundation.
  3. Develop Flavor Layers: Stir in parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens, then introduce sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, allowing the greens to gently wilt and absorb the robust flavors.
  4. Finish and Plate: Return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly with the aromatic sauce, and serve over pasta to complete this decadent Tuscan-inspired dish.

Notes

  • Master Golden Sear: Achieve a perfect golden-brown chicken exterior by using medium-high heat and avoiding overcrowding in the skillet for optimal caramelization.
  • Sauce Consistency Secret: Whisk continuously when adding cream and broth to prevent lumps and create a silky, smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
  • Spinach Wilting Technique: Add fresh spinach at the last moment to preserve its vibrant color and prevent overcooking, ensuring a fresh and tender green element.
  • Flavor Layering Pro: Allow sun-dried tomatoes to mingle with the creamy sauce, releasing their intense, concentrated taste throughout the entire dish.
  • Prep Time: 10min
  • Cook Time: 15min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 44g
  • Saturated Fat: 22g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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