Creamy Tuscan Baked Chicken Breast
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a bit of tuscany without forking out for a flight? honestly, these baked chicken breast recipes with a creamy tuscan twist are bangin' .
You know? it's that proper comfort food that feels a bit posh, without being a faff to make.
Quick Hook
Got chicken? Got cream? Then you're halfway there! This creamy, dreamy dish takes the humble chicken breast and elevates it with sun-dried tomato goodness. It's basically a hug in a pan, right?
Brief Overview
This tuscan chicken breast recipe, inspired by italian flavours, brings a taste of the mediterranean to your kitchen. it's dead easy to make.
From start to finish, you're looking at under an hour, and it feeds four hungry mouths.
Main Benefits
The chicken entrees are packed with protein. it's a meal that's both satisfying and good for you. serve it up for a weeknight chicken breast dinner to impress the family or wow your mates.
Let's be real, no one wants dry chicken. this recipe keeps those breasts juicy. pound those breasts! it makes all the difference.
Trust me, i learned that the hard way after serving my mother chicken that was drier than the sahara.
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. Time to gather the bits and bobs you need to make this magic happen.
The Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
I swear the quality of the ingredients is what makes or breaks this recipe. especially for the creamy tuscan baked chicken breast.
You want those sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese to be on point!
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Meat mallet
Alright, let's talk shop about what you need to make these incredible, creamy tuscan baked chicken breast recipes with a real kick! trust me, this ain't your nan's boiled chicken! we're going full flavour town, baby! and don't worry, you don't need to be gordon ramsay to pull this off.
Essential Ingredients for Cracking Chicken
Right then, here's the shopping list, easy peasy.
Chicken Time
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces / 170-225g each). Make sure they are similar in size.
- 1 tbsp olive oil ( 15ml ).
- 1 tsp salt ( 5g ).
- 1/2 tsp black pepper ( 2.5g ). Freshly ground, innit?
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning ( 5g ). The baked chicken with lemon and herbs option is a great change!.
For the chicken, try and grab breasts that aren't too thick. Pounding them out a bit helps them cook evenly. You know, nobody wants a dry bit in the middle!
Saucy Business
- 1 tbsp olive oil ( 15ml ).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Don't be shy!
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped (about 75g ). The Sun-dried tomato chicken breast bake is a must try!.
- 5 oz ( 140g ) fresh spinach, roughly chopped.
- 1 cup heavy cream ( 240ml ). Double cream if you are feeling naughty.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ( 120ml ).
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ( 25g ).
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) ( 1.25g ). For a little zing .
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Honestly, the sun-dried tomatoes are key. get the ones in oil, they are way more flavorful. about spinach and parmesan chicken recipe if you are not fan.
I once tried this with frozen spinach and it was, well, meh . fresh is best, trust me.
Spice It Up!
Let's talk about the magic dust, shall we?
Flavour Town Calling
Italian seasoning is your pal here. it's a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. you could mix your own.
Garlic is non-negotiable. it's the backbone. lemon chicken recipe ? try adding a squeeze for zing!
For a Crispy Chicken Breast alternative, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs seasoned with Italian seasoning and parmesan and bake instead.
Quick Sub
No italian seasoning? no worries! just use equal parts dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. easy peasy! and for a dairy-free version of baked chicken breast with creamy sauce swap to something non-dairy such as coconut cream.
Kit Out Your Kitchen
You don't need a fancy kitchen for a weeknight chicken breast dinner . This is what you will need.
Essentials Only
- 9x13 inch baking dish. Glass or ceramic works great.
- Large skillet. For a quick sear.
- Meat mallet (optional). For thwacking the chicken to the right thickness.
Kitchen Hacks
No meat mallet? Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Job done! No skillet? You can skip the searing step.
So, there you have it! everything you need to get started. remember, easy baked chicken breast recipes are all about flavour and fun.
Don't overthink it! just get in the kitchen and give it a go. you might even end up with the best chicken entrees you have ever made!.
Let's Get Baking: Creamy Tuscan Baked Chicken Breast
Oh my gosh, you guys, i'm so excited to share this recipe. i call it my creamy tuscan baked chicken breast .
It's seriously restaurant quality but, like, super easy to make at home. honestly, this dish ticks all the boxes. it's comforting, it's packed with flavour, and it's surprisingly simple.
Let's be honest, who doesn't love a good chicken entrees on a weeknight?
Prep Like a Pro
First things first: mise en place. basically, get all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. chop your veggies. measure out your spices.
This saves so much time. i always preheat my oven to 375° f ( 190° c) right at the start.
It's just one less thing to worry about later.
Pro Tip: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is key for even cooking.
step-by-step to Tuscan Heaven
- Prep the Chicken: Pat those chicken breasts dry and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear (Optional, but do it!): Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Sear the chicken for about 2- 3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step is totally optional, but it adds a lovely flavour and helps seal in the juices.
- Sauté the Goodness: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds. Then add the sun-dried tomatoes and chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts.
- Creamy Dreamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes , until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick). Season with salt and pepper to taste. We should be looking at Easy baked chicken breast recipes at this stage.
- Assemble and Bake: Pop the chicken into a baking dish and pour the creamy Tuscan sauce over it.
- Bake it 'til it's Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 25- 30 minutes , or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a meat thermometer.
- Rest. Before serving, let it rest for 5 minutes . It’s essential to get a Crispy Chicken Breast .
Insider Secrets
Don't skip the searing step. Trust me, it adds a ton of flavour. Also, be careful not to overcook the chicken. Dry chicken is sad chicken.
Oh, and did you know? Sun-dried tomatoes are packed with vitamin C and iron. So you're basically eating healthy, right?
If you’re looking for more baked chicken breast recipes with a Tuscan flair, you are in the right place.
Honestly, this Lemon Chicken Recipe is my go-to when I want something comforting but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Your Secret Weapons for Success
Right then, let's talk about those little extra bits that'll make your creamy tuscan baked chicken breast sing! this isn't just about following a recipe.
It's about making it yours . honestly, it's the difference between a decent dinner and something truly special.
Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!
Presentation is key, innit? plating this dish is easy peasy. pop a crispy chicken breast on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
Then drizzle with that gorgeous sauce. you could even scatter a few extra sun-dried tomatoes on top. for sides, think green beans or a simple salad.
A chilled glass of pinot grigio goes down a treat with this lemon chicken recipe , trust me.
Storage Tips: Batch Cooking Bliss
Got leftovers? lucky you! this tuscan chicken breast recipe keeps well. pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It'll be good for about 3-4 days. reheating is simple. just microwave it or warm it up in a pan on the hob.
Freezing? yeah, you can. but the sauce might split a bit when you defrost it. still tastes great, though!
Variations: Tweak It Your Way
Fancy a bit of a change? no worries! this is proper comfort food, that could serve as perfect chicken entrees , swap the spinach for kale, especially when you need a winter warmer.
To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. i did that once when my mate was visiting.
He couldn't believe it wasn't the real deal!. it is also one of the many easy baked chicken breast recipes .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
So, this baked chicken breast with creamy sauce is pretty darn delicious. but it's not all naughty. chicken is a good source of protein.
Spinach packs a punch of vitamins. the sun-dried tomatoes give you a dose of antioxidants. remember everything in moderation! i'm not a nutritionist, but i am sun-dried tomato chicken breast bake fanatic.
Honestly, making these baked chicken breast recipes with a creamy sauce is such a win. it is truly a weeknight chicken breast dinner saver.
Don't be afraid to have a go and adjust things to your liking. you know? happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My baked chicken breast is always dry. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded dry chicken! Overcooking is the usual suspect. Use a meat thermometer and aim for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature pull it out as soon as it hits that mark.
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness also helps it cook more uniformly, preventing some parts from drying out while others are still raw. Marinating beforehand can also inject moisture and flavour.
Can I prepare baked chicken breast recipes with this creamy Tuscan sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, just bring the sauce to a simmer, sear your chicken, and then pour it over and bake. This saves time on busy weeknights.
Remember to store cooked chicken separately from the sauce to avoid it becoming soggy if storing leftovers.
What's the best way to store leftover creamy Tuscan baked chicken breast?
To keep your chicken as good as new, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven (covered with foil to prevent drying) or in a skillet over low heat.
Microwaving can work in a pinch, but the chicken might get a bit rubbery add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist during reheating.
I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any lighter variations of these baked chicken breast recipes with creamy sauce?
Definitely! You can swap out the heavy cream for a lighter alternative like half and-half or even full fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Use less Parmesan cheese or opt for a lower fat variety.
Also, load up on the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrients and fiber, making it a bit more "good for you"!
Can I add other vegetables to this baked chicken breast recipe?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and artichoke hearts would all work wonderfully in this creamy Tuscan sauce. Just sauté them along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes before adding the cream and chicken broth.
Think of it like a "use-what's-in-the-fridge" kind of dish!
My sauce turned out too thin. How can I thicken it?
No worries, it happens to the best of us! If your creamy sauce is too runny, there are a couple of quick fixes. You can simmer it for a few more minutes, allowing it to reduce naturally.
Alternatively, whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce and simmer until thickened. A touch more Parmesan cheese can also add thickness and flavor.
Creamy Tuscan Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 10g |
