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Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken

creamy tuscan garlic chicken - featured image
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A cozy and indulgent weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts in a luscious garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Perfect for busy families craving comfort food with a touch of elegance.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g), pounded slightly for even cooking
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach (about 90 g), roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme mix)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thick. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm. (10 minutes)
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. (1 minute)
  4. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook until spinach wilts down, about 2-3 minutes. (3 minutes)
  5. Slowly stir in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom. Let cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce slightly thickens. (5 minutes)
  6. Stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. (2 minutes)
  7. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken, cover loosely, and simmer on low for 3-5 minutes to meld flavors and warm through. (5 minutes)
  8. Serve the chicken hot, spooning extra sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream. Pat chicken dry before searing for a golden crust. Avoid browning garlic to prevent bitterness. Can substitute chicken thighs with adjusted cooking time. For dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy garlic chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/creamy-tuscan-garlic-chicken-recipe-easy-cozy-dinner-idea-for-families/