Tuscan-Style Herb Chicken

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a dish that brings the warmth and aromas of Tuscany to your table, this Tuscan-Style Herb Chicken is just the ticket. With its rich, creamy sauce and bright flavors, it's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients for Tuscan-Style Herb Chicken

Chicken breasts are the main protein, offering lean meat that's easy to cook and takes on flavors well. Olive oil and butter help to brown the chicken and build a flavorful base. Garlic adds depth and aroma. Heavy cream creates the rich, velvety sauce. Chicken broth provides a savory background that enhances the sauce's flavor. Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty taste. Sun-dried tomatoes introduce a tangy sweetness, while spinach adds a fresh, earthy note. Oregano and basil bring herbal aromas that evoke a Tuscan garden. Finally, red pepper flakes give a subtle kick to balance the creaminess.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the chicken back in.
  • For a more intense herb flavor, use fresh oregano and basil if you have them on hand.
  • Feel free to swap sun-dried tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for a fresher taste.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a simple risotto. To keep things on the lighter side, consider serving it with a fresh green salad and crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream?
You can substitute with coconut cream for a different flavor profile or use a plant-based cream.

Tuscan-Style Herb Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step ensures that your chicken is flavorful through and through. Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's nice and hot, add the chicken breasts. Give them a good 5-7 minutes on each side until they're golden brown and cooked through. Then, take them out and set them aside for later.

In the same skillet, toss in a tablespoon of butter with the minced garlic. Stir them around until the garlic is fragrant — this only takes about a minute. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine the liquids into one luscious, creamy base.

Slowly add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously. You want the cheese to melt seamlessly into the sauce, which should take only a minute or so. Once melted, fold in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Add the oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to spice things up just a touch.

Now, return the chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer in that beautiful sauce for about 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken a bit more. Make sure the chicken is fully heated through. Serve hot, spooning the sauce generously over the chicken.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The combination of herbs gives it a fragrant, fresh taste.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness.
  • It's a one-pan dish, which means less cleanup!
  • The sauce is rich and creamy, making it a comfort food classic.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup fresh spinach leaves
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
5. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted into the sauce.
6. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
7. Return chicken to the skillet, simmering for an additional 5 minutes until heated through and sauce thickens.
8. Serve hot with sauce spooned over the chicken.

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