This creamy Tuscan chicken dish is perfect for a hearty mid-week dinner, especially when served with pasta. Creamy sauces can add significant volume to a simple chicken meal, particularly when there is enough sauce to drizzle over mashed potatoes, macaroni, or vegetables.
This recipe combines golden chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella into a rich, flavorful sauce. Since the dish cooks in just one skillet, it is a practical option for a complete meal without a complicated cooking process.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
To make this dish, you will need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 3 cloves of minced garlic, ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs, and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Fresh rosemary is used for garnish.
Cooking Instructions
First, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Then, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet, cook for about one minute, stirring constantly so the garlic does not burn. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently until thickened.
Return the chicken to the skillet and pour some of the sauce over it. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet and continue to cook over low heat until the mozzarella is completely melted and the chicken is cooked through. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley and garnish with fresh rosemary.
How to Prevent Chicken Breasts from Drying Out?
The main secret is not to overcook the chicken. Since chicken breasts are lean, they can quickly go from tender to dry, especially if they are thick. Pre-searing gives them color, and subsequent cooking in the sauce allows the meat to be cooked more gently. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the breasts. For reliable checking, use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken; the internal temperature must reach 74°C before serving.
If the breasts are very thick, you can cut them horizontally into thinner pieces before cooking. This promotes more even cooking and reduces the chance of the outside being done while the center is not. You can also use chicken thighs instead of breasts; they typically contain more fat, making them less prone to drying out, although due to size variation, the cooking time will need adjustment. It is important to ensure that the thickest part of the chicken reaches 74°C.
What to Serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
The sauce is quite rich, so it pairs well with a simple side dish that can absorb its flavor. Mashed potatoes are considered an especially good choice, and macaroni turns the chicken and sauce into a heartier meal. Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots, can also be served for a lighter accompaniment. For a quick weekday dinner, you do not need to prepare many complex sides; the chicken and sauce are the main element, so one simple addition is sufficient.