Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious chicken dish, Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast is a great choice. This recipe combines juicy chicken with a creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s quick to prepare and uses the dump and bake method, making cleanup easy. With about 37 grams of protein per serving, it’s a nutritious option too. So, what do you need to know to make this tasty meal? Let’s find out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner option, this Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast recipe stands out.

You’ll love how quick it’s to prepare, with minimal kitchen tools needed. The hands-off cooking method means you can spend less time at the stove, allowing the oven to do most of the work. The recipe features a dump and bake method, which simplifies the cooking process even further.

Each serving packs about 37 grams of protein, making it a healthy choice for dinner. Plus, the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add vitamins A and C to your meal.

It’s versatile too; serve it with pasta, rice, or zoodles. You can even use leftovers in other dishes, like chicken curry or pot pie.

This recipe makes dinner both simple and satisfying!

History

Tuscan cuisine has a rich history that reflects the region’s changes over time. It dates back to the Etruscan people, who cultivated ingredients like legumes and raised livestock.

Although Roman colonization occurred, the simple and practical nature of Tuscan cooking remained. During the decline of the Roman Empire, only noble families enjoyed elaborate meals, while peasants made do with basic soups.

The Renaissance brought significant advancements, introducing luxurious ingredients and complex preparations. Local products and new foods from the Americas began to shape Tuscan meals, leading to sumptuous banquets. Significantly, the publication of “The Book of Cocina” highlighted the growing importance of food culture, paving the way for what we now recognize as contemporary Tuscan cuisine. Baked Tuscan Chicken is a perfect example of how traditional flavors have evolved into modern, easy-to-make dishes.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 4 chicken breasts
– Olive oil
– Salt
– Italian seasoning
– Paprika
– Pepper
– Herbes de Provence
– Garlic powder
– Heavy cream
– Cornstarch
– 2 cloves minced garlic
– Chopped sundried tomatoes
– Parmesan cheese
– Chicken broth (optional)
– Fresh basil
– Fresh baby spinach

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a 9×13″ baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a rolling pin or meat mallet. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, pepper, herbes de Provence, and garlic powder.
In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, cornstarch, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. If desired, add chicken broth for extra flavor.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the sauce over them, ensuring the sauce covers the chicken without completely submerging it.
Bake the chicken for 16-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and stir in fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt in the hot sauce.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving. Stir the sauce again if needed, then plate the chicken with the creamy sauce and wilted spinach. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also yields a restaurant-quality dinner that impresses guests.

For best results, remember to let your chicken rest after baking. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.

Additionally, using fresh baby spinach not only enhances the dish’s presentation but also contributes to a more vibrant flavor.

Feel free to customize the herbs and seasonings to suit your taste preferences, making this dish uniquely yours!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your cooking experience, it’s important to remember that the Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast isn’t just a meal; it’s a chance to impress with minimal effort.

This dish combines simplistic yet flavorful ingredients like sundried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning, creating a rich taste everyone will enjoy. The nutritious balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates makes it a great choice for any weeknight dinner. Additionally, this recipe features a high protein content that supports muscle recovery, making it a wholesome option for those focused on fitness.

To achieve juicy results, guarantee even cooking by pounding the chicken to a uniform thickness and using a meat thermometer. Don’t forget to let the chicken rest after baking; this helps retain moisture.

Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite herbs or vegetables for an added twist. Enjoy your delicious creation!

FAQ

Have you ever wondered what makes the Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast such a popular dish? One common question is how long it takes to bake. You’ll need about 16-20 minutes at 425 degrees F. It’s crucial to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F to make sure it’s safe to eat. Flattening the chicken breasts helps them cook evenly, so don’t skip that step! The dish is also suitable for cooler weather cooking, making it a comforting option during fall and winter months.

You can serve Tuscan chicken with pasta, as it complements the flavors nicely. While it’s best to make the sauce fresh to avoid separation, you can still add variations like artichoke hearts or lemon juice. Finally, resting the chicken for at least 10 minutes keeps it juicy and flavorful.