Regarding quick and delicious meals, the Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts recipe stands out. This dish offers a rich, creamy flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying dinner that makes you feel like a gourmet chef.
Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts [VIDEO] – The Recipe Rebel
Baked Tuscan Chicken – Bites with Bri
Tuscan Chicken Recipe (Just 8 Ingredients) | The Kitchn
Simple Baked Tuscan Chicken | Lemons & Zest
The Origin of Tuscan Cuisine
Tuscan cuisine has its roots in the beautiful region of Tuscany in Italy. Known for its simplicity and use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, Tuscan dishes are often celebrated for their rustic charm. Baked Tuscan Chicken reflects this philosophy by showcasing the natural flavors of chicken combined with a luscious sauce.
While chicken is not a traditional staple of Tuscan cuisine, incorporating local ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and herbs makes this dish a delightful update to a classic Italian theme.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken
Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein that provides numerous health benefits. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked chicken breast contains approximately:
- 31 grams of protein
- 3.6 grams of fat
- 0 grams of carbohydrates
- Various vitamins and minerals
This high protein content helps build and repair tissues, making it an excellent choice for those who lead an active lifestyle. Incorporating chicken into your meals ensures you get enough protein while keeping your calorie intake in check.
The Creamy Sauce: A Crowd-Pleaser
One of the highlights of the Baked Tuscan Chicken recipe is undoubtedly the creamy sauce. Typically made with ingredients like cream cheese, spinach, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes, this sauce brings an irresistible flavor profile to the dish.
The Magic of Spinach
Spinach, a key ingredient in the creamy sauce, is packed with nutrients. Just one cup of cooked spinach has:
- 41 calories
- 5 grams of protein
- 6 grams of carbohydrates
- Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron
Its mild flavor and vibrant green color enhance the dish’s aesthetic and nutritional value, making it a smart choice for a wholesome meal.
Adding sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce infuses it with rich flavor and is an excellent source of antioxidants. High in vitamins A, C, and K, these tomatoes offer numerous health benefits while providing a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
Quick Preparation for Busy Lives
Finding time to prepare a homemade meal can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world. The beauty of the Baked Tuscan Chicken recipe is its quick and straightforward preparation.
With just a few steps—seasoning the chicken, preparing the sauce, and baking—you can make a wholesome meal without the fuss. This especially benefits families and busy professionals seeking a quick, satisfying dinner solution.
Pairing Suggestions
To make the most of your Baked Tuscan Chicken, pair it with options that enhance the overall meal experience. Here are a few suggestions:
- Pasta: A bed of fettuccine or penne is perfect to soak up the creamy sauce, creating a hearty meal.
- Salad: A fresh garden salad with light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the chicken and sauce.
- Garlic Bread: No Italian meal is complete without garlic bread! Pairing it with your chicken dish adds a crunchy texture that complements the meal.
Baked Tuscan Chicken is not just about its deliciousness but also versatility. You can modify the recipe to include other vegetables—like bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms—according to your preference. Additionally, substituting chicken breasts with thighs or even fish opens new flavor avenues.
A Perfect Family Meal
Baked Tuscan Chicken is excellent for family dinners thanks to its delightful taste and simple preparation. Children and adults alike will appreciate the creamy sauce and tender chicken. Furthermore, it can serve as a base for teaching kids about cooking and introducing them to working with different ingredients in the kitchen.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
One of the advantages of cooking Baked Tuscan Chicken is that it stores well. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheating can be done in the oven or microwave, preserving the flavors and textures of the original dish. This makes it a great option for meal prepping for the week ahead.
Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (breast halves)
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- **Cream 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
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Chicken
- Take the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board.
- Cover them with a piece of plastic wrap.
- Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or small frying pan, gently flatten the thick side of each chicken breast.
- Aim for an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
Arrange in Baking Dish
- Place the flattened chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish (or a larger one if necessary).
- Make sure they are not crowded together, as this can affect cooking time.
Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, combine:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- Drizzle oil over the chicken breasts and rub the seasoning mixture on top (the bottom will be in the sauce).
Prepare the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup cream
- 2-3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- Once combined, stir in:
- ½ cup chopped sundried tomatoes
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pour this mixture around the chicken in the baking dish.
- It's okay if it covers the chicken slightly.
Bake the Chicken
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.
- Cooking time may vary based on chicken size.
Add Spinach
- Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven.
- Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach into the sauce.
- If the sauce separates, just stir it to combine again; that’s normal!
Rest and Serve
- Cover the pan and let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes.
- This allows the spinach to wilt and the juices to redistribute.
- After resting, uncover the dish and serve hot.
Hey readers! Chip Holland here, and I’m a Manager of this website. My passion for writing about it only matches my passion for BBQ. Follow my blog for mouth-watering recipes, tips, and tricks for the perfect smoke, grill, and BBQ. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!