Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Searing · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
To make Tuscan garlic chicken, sear seasoned chicken breasts, prepare a creamy garlic sauce, and combine everything for a rich, flavorful dish.
Tuscan garlic chicken is the dish that effortlessly transports you to the sun-soaked landscapes of Italy, even when you're sitting in your New York City kitchen. As the holiday season approaches, I love to find recipes that embody warmth and comfort, making this dish perfect for upcoming gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The rich flavors of garlic, fresh herbs, and tender chicken are a sublime combination that promises to impress your guests.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Transport yourself to Tuscany with every delicious bite.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
- Rich, creamy sauce balanced with fresh herbs and garlic.
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy cooks.
- Impressive enough to wow your guests and family.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful Tuscan garlic chicken:
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Sauce
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make Tuscan Garlic Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering Tuscan garlic chicken that will delight everyone at your table.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This seasoning will form a lovely crust that enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In your skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sear each side for about 5-7 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Create the Base
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let this simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the chicken to the skillet and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over everything. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low for about 10 more minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is creamy. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
Step 6: Garnish
Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh basil. This vibrant green herb adds a pop of color and offers a fresh touch to your dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not drying the chicken: Patting the chicken dry is crucial for achieving a good sear. Moisture can prevent browning and result in steaming rather than searing.
- Burning the garlic: Be attentive while sautéing garlic. It can quickly change from fragrant to burnt in seconds, which can impart a bitter flavor to your dish.
- Skipping the scraping: Don't overlook the importance of scraping the fond from the skillet-it holds essential flavors that elevate your sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian herbs for at least an hour before cooking.
- You can swap the chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer dark meat; they tend to be juicier.
- Pair this dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh arugula salad to balance the richness.
Variations
- Use grilled chicken instead of seared for a different flavor profile.
- Add mushrooms for an earthy component.
- Incorporate different greens like kale or Swiss chard in place of spinach.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
How to Serve
- Serve over pasta for a heartier meal.
- Accompany with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley for presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat to maintain the creamy consistency.
- Freezing: It's best to freeze the sauce separately if you anticipate leftovers to preserve texture.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While testing this recipe, I discovered the beauty of balancing rich flavors with fresh herbs. It serves as a terrific reminder that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most delightful meals. Embrace the process, and you'll find joy in every bite.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~550 calories · 40g protein · 8g carbs · 40g fat
Recipe by:
Delicious Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over everything, cover, and simmer on low for about 10 more minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
FAQs
What can I serve with Tuscan garlic chicken?
Tuscan garlic chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh arugula salad, or even garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as needed until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat to maintain the dish's creamy consistency.
