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Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Skillet

creamy tuscan garlic chicken skillet - featured image

A quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, perfect for cozy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g), pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained with some oil reserved)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (about 60 g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (blend of basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound each breast to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet. When melted and foaming, stir in minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic is lightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with remaining Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Add chopped spinach to the sauce and cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over each piece and warm together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over the chicken. Pairs well with mashed potatoes, garlic bread, pasta, or sautéed vegetables.

Notes

Do not burn the garlic to avoid bitterness. Let chicken rest after searing to keep it juicy. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For low-carb, serve with cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini ribbons.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy garlic chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, easy dinner, skillet recipe, quick chicken dinner, creamy sauce, spinach chicken