Tuscan Garlic Chicken: A Savory and Creamy Delight

If you’re looking for a simple yet decadent dish that combines the bold flavors of garlic, spinach, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese, then Tuscan Garlic Chicken is the recipe for you! This dish brings the rustic, comforting flavors of Tuscany right to your kitchen. It’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even an elegant meal for guests. The combination of tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, savory sauce is simply irresistible.

For more ideas on flavorful chicken dishes, check out Delish’s collection of chicken recipes or visit The Kitchn for more Italian-inspired meals.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

To make Tuscan Garlic Chicken, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful dish. Here’s everything you need and how to prepare it:

Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe – Creamy and Flavorful Chicken with Spinach, Artichokes, and Mozzarella

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and creamy dish that brings the tastes of Italy right to your kitchen. Tender chicken breasts are cooked with garlic, spinach, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese, creating a rich and savory meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or when you want to impress your guests with a delicious and easy-to-make meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 chicken breasts)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• 2 oz fresh baby spinach
• 14 oz can artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
• 8.5 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes (drained, with 1 tablespoon oil reserved, and chopped)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

4. Prepare the Tuscan Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach has wilted. Stir occasionally.

5. Assemble the Dish:
   Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the spinach-artichoke-tomato mixture over the top of each chicken breast, and sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake:
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the chicken is fully cooked.

7. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and serve the Tuscan Garlic Chicken immediately. You can serve it with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

For extra creaminess, you can add a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce mixture before adding the chicken back to the skillet.

If you don’t have a skillet that’s oven-safe, you can transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before baking in the oven.

Feel free to use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach if that’s what you have on hand—just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Skillet and Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 44g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and allow the other ingredients to shine through.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be sure not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Add the Spinach, Artichokes, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the fresh spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts and the mixture is well combined.
5. Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the spinach and artichoke mixture, allowing it to melt into the sauce. This will create a creamy, cheesy base for your chicken.
6. Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the cheesy mixture. Spoon some of the creamy spinach and artichoke sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the chicken is fully coated and the cheese has melted into a rich, creamy sauce.
7. Serve: Once everything is combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Tuscan Garlic Chicken with your favorite side, such as roasted potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad. Enjoy!

Advanced Techniques for Perfect Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Although the recipe is simple, there are a few advanced techniques that can elevate your Tuscan Garlic Chicken and make it even more delicious:

Perfecting the Chicken

To ensure the chicken is tender and juicy, you can lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and reduce the risk of dry spots. You can use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently flatten the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness.

Additionally, you can sear the chicken breasts in butter or olive oil before finishing them in the skillet with the creamy sauce for extra flavor and richness.

Enhancing the Sauce

For a richer, more velvety sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the spinach and artichoke mixture after adding the mozzarella. This will make the sauce extra creamy and luxurious. You can also use Parmesan cheese in addition to mozzarella for a more robust, cheesy flavor.

For extra depth, a splash of white wine or chicken broth can be added to the skillet after sautéing the garlic. This will help deglaze the pan and add extra flavor to the sauce.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

If you have leftovers or want to make the recipe ahead of time, here’s how to store and reheat your Tuscan Garlic Chicken:

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Tuscan Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat and stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Alternatively, you can microwave the chicken in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.

Freezing Tips

You can also freeze Tuscan Garlic Chicken for later use. Once the dish has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. The chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, it’s best to thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it up on the stovetop or in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken without drying it out, add a little splash of cream or chicken broth to the sauce and warm it over low heat. Cover the pan to ensure the chicken stays moist.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

If you have dietary restrictions, don’t worry! Tuscan Garlic Chicken is highly adaptable. Here are some ways you can modify the recipe to meet your needs:

Gluten-Free Version

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you don’t need to make any substitutions if you’re following a gluten-free diet. Just make sure that the sun-dried tomatoes and other canned ingredients are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten in their preservatives.

Dairy-Free Version

For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy cheese such as a vegan mozzarella or another plant-based cheese alternative. You can also substitute the cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream.

Low-Carb / Keto-Friendly Version

To make the dish more keto-friendly, serve the Tuscan Garlic Chicken over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. You can also use a low-carb cheese, such as full-fat mozzarella or parmesan, and make sure to skip any breaded coatings.

FAQs About the Recipe

Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful option. Chicken thighs are generally juicier and will work beautifully in this dish.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the skillet. Frozen spinach will have a slightly different texture, but it will still provide the same great flavor.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, Tuscan Garlic Chicken can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the chicken and sauce, then store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken and sauce before serving.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a wonderful dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures. The combination of garlic, spinach, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes creates an unforgettable sauce that’s perfect for coating the chicken. It’s a versatile and easy recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Whether you’re preparing this for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. With its simple ingredients and customizable variations, Tuscan Garlic Chicken can easily be adapted to fit different dietary needs and preferences. Give it a try today, and enjoy a taste of Tuscany in every bite!