Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe

Zesty Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe: A Family Dinner Winner

Tuscan garlic chicken delivers a mouthwatering culinary experience that refines ordinary weeknight dinners into something spectacular.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance across your palate with robust, aromatic ingredients that elevate simple protein to gourmet status.

Succulent chicken becomes an irresistible canvas for rich, creamy sauces and fragrant herbs.

Layers of complex seasonings create a harmonious blend that promises comfort and excitement in every bite.

Delicate garlic notes intertwine with hearty ingredients, producing a dish that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Tender meat absorbs intense flavors, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.

Home cooks can easily master this elegant recipe that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality preparation.

How to Cook Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 3-5 minutes per side. Ensure chicken is no longer pink in the center. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

Combine the following ingredients in the same skillet:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Parmesan cheese

Whisk ingredients together over medium-high heat until the sauce starts to thicken and become smooth.

Step 3: Add Fresh Greens and Tomatoes

Gently stir in:
  • Fresh spinach leaves
  • Sun-dried tomatoes

Allow the mixture to simmer until spinach begins to wilt and soften.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it with the luxurious sauce. Optional: Serve over pasta for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestion: Plate the chicken and sauce, garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your restaurant-quality Tuscan Garlic Chicken right at home!

Expert Tips for Tender Tuscan Garlic Chicken

  • Sear Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken dry with paper towels before cooking to achieve a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
  • Control Cream Sauce Consistency: Slowly whisk parmesan cheese and stir continuously to prevent sauce from becoming lumpy or separating.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Toast garlic powder briefly in the pan before adding liquid ingredients to enhance its aromatic qualities.
  • Prevent Wilted Spinach: Add spinach at the very end of cooking to maintain its bright green color and fresh texture.
  • Choose Quality Ingredients: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor impact.

Storing and Reheating Tuscan Garlic Chicken

  • Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring even heating and preserving the creamy sauce's texture.
  • Freeze: Pack cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the dish's original flavor and consistency.
  • Sip and Savor Chardonnay: The creamy garlic sauce pairs perfectly with a crisp, buttery Chardonnay that complements the rich flavors and cuts through the heaviness of the dish.
  • Enhance with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, toasted garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful crunch to each bite.
  • Brighten with Arugula Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the Tuscan chicken and provide a fresh, peppery contrast.
  • Match with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus to add extra nutrition and a complementary earthy flavor that echoes the sun-dried tomatoes.

Tuscan Garlic Chicken Variations

  • Herb-Infused Chicken Delight: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil for a more aromatic and garden-fresh flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, artichoke hearts, and kalamata olives to enhance the Mediterranean-style dish with extra texture and tangy notes.
  • Spicy Tuscan Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes and a splash of white wine to give the sauce a zesty, bold character that elevates the chicken's richness.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap pasta with roasted cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the original recipe's delicious essence.

Tuscan Garlic Chicken with Herb‑Infused Sauce

  • Savor Creamy Comfort: This Tuscan garlic chicken offers a luxurious, velvety sauce that hugs each bite of tender chicken, creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: From skillet to table in under 20 minutes, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful dish that'll make busy families cheer with delight.
  • Nutrient-Packed Pleasure: Packed with protein-rich chicken, vibrant spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, this meal delivers both incredible taste and nutritional goodness in every forkful.
  • Foolproof Flavor Fusion: Even novice cooks can nail this recipe, with easy-to-follow steps that guarantee a delicious outcome every single time, making it a confidence-boosting culinary adventure.

Ingredients for Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean, tender meat that absorbs flavors well and provides the main protein for the dish.
Dairy and Cream:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich, creamy base that creates a luxurious sauce with depth of flavor; choose fresh, high-quality cheese for best results.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic blend that adds classic Tuscan flavor; Italian seasoning offers a mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
Vegetable Additions:
  • Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Nutrient-packed greens that add color, texture, and Mediterranean flair; spinach wilts quickly and sun-dried tomatoes provide intense, concentrated tomato taste.
Cooking Liquids:
  • Olive Oil, Chicken Broth: Essential for cooking and creating sauce; extra virgin olive oil adds rich flavor, while chicken broth enhances overall taste profile.
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Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe

Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Tuscan garlic chicken brings Mediterranean magic to your dinner table with tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, herb-infused sauce. Rich parmesan and aromatic garlic blend seamlessly, inviting souls to savor Italian-inspired comfort in each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully searing chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach complete internal doneness, ensuring no pink remains in the center.
  2. Carefully remove chicken from the skillet, transferring to a clean plate while maintaining its warmth.
  3. Introduce heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the same skillet, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, harmonious sauce.
  4. Gradually incorporate parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the mixture transforms into a luxuriously thickened consistency.
  5. Gently fold sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach into the creamy sauce, allowing the greens to delicately wilt and absorb the rich flavors.
  6. Delicately return the perfectly cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the aromatic sauce.
  7. Optional: Serve this sumptuous Tuscan-inspired dish atop a bed of pasta, allowing the sauce to cascade elegantly over the chicken and accompanying ingredients.

Notes

  • Perfectly sear chicken by using a high-heat method to lock in juicy flavors and create a golden-brown exterior.
  • Create a luxurious cream sauce by whisking parmesan and seasonings until it reaches a smooth, velvety consistency.
  • Quickly wilt fresh spinach directly in the sauce to preserve its vibrant color and nutritional benefits.
  • Choose sun-dried tomatoes for an intense burst of concentrated tomato flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Serve immediately over pasta or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and quick-cooking protein option.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 42g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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