If there's one type of dish I love making for my family, it's a one pan dinner that takes no time to prep, cook, and serve. Tuscan chicken is absolutely one of those types of dishes, where everything has a turn cooking in the same pan, and it all comes together at the end. Creamy tuscan chicken is typically a creamy sauce with pan seared chicken nestled in between with vegetables. Plus, this recipe pairs with a slew of different sides, so read on for more!
This recipe is perfect 365 days a year, 7 days a week, and doesn't warrant any type of occasion, it's perfect for any time!
Chicken recipes are constantly inspiring one another such as my chicken francese, roasted chicken thighs, and who can forget the best and juiciest chicken cutlets on earth?!
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What are the ingredients for this recipe?
Making this creamy tuscan chicken recipe is very easy and the ingredients can be found at any grocery store, another reason I love making this is due to how approachable and accessible this recipe is.
- Chicken breasts: You can either buy thin sliced already, or filet the chicken yourself
- Spinach
- Roasted Red Peppers: Adds a charred sweet flavor to the dish
- Heavy Cream: the base for the sauce
- Garlic
- Butter: Used for sautéing the garlic
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken
- Salt
- Pepper
See the recipe card below for specific information about quantities.
How do I make this recipe?
When I say this recipe is easy to make, trust me, it's EASY. You'll only need one pan and about 30 minutes from start to finish.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and place the chicken breasts into the oil to pan sear. Season with salt and pepper as the chicken cooks. Sear on each side for 5-6 minutes or until fully cooked. Once cooked, remove from the pan on a paper towel lined plate.
To the same pan, add the butter and fresh chopped garlic and cook until fragrant. Add in the spinach and cook until the spinach wilts. Add in the heavy cream and chicken back into the skillet. Turn the heat to a medium-low flame.
To the creamy chicken, add in the red peppers and stir to combine. HINT: Lower the flame to simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes. Season with an additional salt and pepper sprinkling and serve as desired.
Swaps and Substitutions
Can I use a dairy alternative for the cream sauce?
I think using a coconut cream would be really great here as a swap, but note it'll likely taste like coconut.
Do I have to add spinach? What other veggies can I add?
You can add whatever veggies you'd like to this tuscan chicken recipe. I love hearing when you make recipes your own! Throw in some broccoli, broccoli rabe, asparagus, or go classic with sun dried tomatoes and mushrooms
Can I swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs?
I love this swap, and if you know me, you know my love for chicken thighs. I would suggest using boneless thighs here, as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook.
How do I serve this recipe?
One of the best things about making this recipe is the versatility of serving it. Here's some of my favorite ways to make pair tuscan chicken and serve:
- Over a bed of rice or risotto: You can make rice with bone broth to add more flavor.
- Mashed potatoes: The potatoes absorb the delicious creamy sauce and make for a perfect side.
- Pasta: I mean, this recipe is literally screaming for some fettuccine or rigatoni, or my creamy spinach pasta
- Side of veggies: We sometimes will make this dish and have it with a side of roasted brussel sprouts or string beans. No carbs attached!
How do I vary this recipe?
Use this recipe as a base for your tastebuds and your liking! Here's a few ways you can vary this recipe:
- Spicy - add chili pepper flakes while cooking to imbue heat into the dish!
- Wrap it up - throw the chicken into a sturdy wrap for an on-the-go lunch
- Kid friendly - top it over some buttered noodles, or don't add the red peppers and keep it with spinach
Kitchen Equipment and Tools
Making this chicken recipe doesn't require a bunch of kitchen equipment or tools, all you need is:
- a trusty frying pan
- tongs
- two cutting boards: one for the garlic and vegetables, the other for the chicken.
REMINDER: You do not want to use the same cutting board for meats and vegetables, as this will cross contaminate and risk getting ill and salmonella. Please clean your cutting boards with hot water and soap.
How do I store this recipe?
You can store the leftovers in an airtight container or a tupperware and eat within two to three days. I would not suggest freezing this recipe as the heavy cream will not stay.
PRO TIP:
To get the chicken really tender, after slicing the chicken, lay some saran or cling wrap over the top and use a meat tenderizer to get the meat tender, this will yield really juicy chicken once they are pan fried.
Hungry for more?
Looking for other chicken recipes for the family? Check these out!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large frying pan
- tongs
- 2 cutting board one for the chicken, one of the vegetables (garlic, onions, etc.)
Ingredients
- 6 chicken breasts sliced thin
- 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ cup heavy cream half and half works too!
- 2 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup roasted red peppers chopped
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and place the chicken breasts into the oil to pan sear. Season with salt and pepper as the chicken cooks. Sear on each side for 5-6 minutes or until fully cooked. Once cooked, remove from the pan on a paper towel lined plate.
- To the same pan, add the butter and fresh chopped garlic and cook until fragrant. Add in the spinach and cook until the spinach wilts.
- Add in the heavy cream and chicken back into the skillet. Turn the heat to a medium-low flame.
- To the creamy chicken, add in the red peppers and stir to combine. Lower the flame to simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Season with an additional salt and pepper sprinkling and serve as desired.
Sofie
I was very nervous making this because it felt like it would be heavy, but not at ALL. I made it for my partner and my roomate, and we had it with some orzo pasta. DELICIOUS. Can't wait to make it again.
Morgan Peaceman
i loveeee this recipe, so happy you enjoyed!