Ultimate Easy One-Pan Tuscan Chicken
Ultimate Easy One-Pan Tuscan Chicken
Introduction
Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans! Our Ultimate Easy One-Pan Tuscan Chicken brings the vibrant, sun-kissed flavors of Tuscany right to your dinner table with minimal fuss. This dish is a true weeknight hero, featuring tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all cooked to perfection in a single pan. It's a symphony of gourmet taste designed for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this effortlessly elegant meal!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4-6), or breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oil drained
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the hot skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts into the sauce, which usually takes 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Heat through for another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Chicken Cuts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work wonderfully too! Just ensure they are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking and adjust searing time as needed.
- Add a Kick: For a touch of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Make it Lighter: While heavy cream offers the best richness, you can substitute with half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce, though it may not be as thick.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is fantastic on its own, but also pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover Tuscan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried? A: While fresh tomatoes won't provide the same intense, concentrated flavor, you could add a handful of chopped cherry tomatoes along with the spinach for a burst of freshness.
- Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly? A: While it can be frozen, dishes with heavy cream sometimes separate upon thawing and reheating, affecting the texture. It's best enjoyed fresh or from the refrigerator.
- Q: What kind of skillet should I use? A: A large (10-12 inch) oven-safe skillet is ideal. Cast iron or stainless steel work perfectly for searing and building the sauce.
- Q: Can I make this dairy-free? A: Substituting the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk (from a can) and using a dairy-free Parmesan alternative can work, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.