🥘 Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Chicken Recipe (So Delish!)
💬 Why You'll Love This Dish
Creamy Tuscan chicken is like a hug in food form. It's creamy, garlicky, rich, and bursting with flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, parmesan cheese, and juicy seared chicken. What makes this dish really special is that it's elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. And yes — your hubby will probably ask for it again. And again. And again.
📋 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
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1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
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2 cups baby spinach (or more if you love it)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start with fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If they’re too thick, slice them in half horizontally to make cutlets. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels — this is super important for getting that golden-brown sear.
Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This seasoning mix adds flavor and color.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet (cast iron is perfect here), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is shimmering and the butter is melted, add the chicken. Don't overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed.
Cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F / 74°C).
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Keep it warm by tenting it with foil.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add a little more butter if the pan looks dry.
Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds — just until fragrant. Don’t let it burn.
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the brown bits from the bottom of the pan — flavor central!
Add in the heavy cream, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
Let it simmer for about 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Cook until spinach is wilted and sauce is creamy — another 2–3 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning — add more salt, pepper, or cheese if you like.
Step 4: Return Chicken to Pan
Nestle the cooked chicken back into the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes so the chicken can soak in the flavor.
At this point, the sauce should be thick, luscious, and incredibly aromatic.
🧑🍳 Tips for Success
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Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness – They’re more forgiving than breasts and hard to overcook.
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Add a splash of white wine – Before the broth for added depth.
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Go big on garlic – Don’t be shy if you're a garlic lover.
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Deglaze like a pro – Scrape all those caramelized chicken bits into your sauce for max flavor.
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Don’t over-thicken – The sauce thickens more as it cools, so stop cooking when it’s just slightly thinner than you want.
🥖 What to Serve With Tuscan Chicken
This dish shines best with something that soaks up the creamy sauce. Here are a few perfect pairings:
1. Pasta
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Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti — any pasta shape works. Toss with a little butter or olive oil before serving.
2. Mashed Potatoes
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Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes are next-level amazing with this.
3. Rice or Risotto
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White rice, brown rice, or even a parmesan risotto make a great base.
4. Crusty Bread
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A slice of warm, toasted sourdough or French bread is perfect for mopping up the sauce.
5. Steamed Veggies or Roasted Broccoli
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For a low-carb option, serve with a side of veggies.
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
Here are some ideas to make this dish your own:
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Low-Carb/Keto: Use cauliflower mash or zoodles instead of pasta or potatoes.
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Add Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy kick.
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Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast (though the flavor will be different).
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Cheese Swap: Try romano or asiago for a different flavor twist.
🍷 Wine Pairings
A rich and creamy dish like this pairs beautifully with:
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Chardonnay – Especially oaked versions that complement the creaminess.
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Pinot Grigio – Offers acidity to cut through the richness.
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Rosé – A chilled dry rosé balances the bold flavors.
🧼 Storage & Reheating
Tuscan chicken stores beautifully and can be meal prepped!
To Store:
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Let it cool completely.
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Transfer to an airtight container.
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Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
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Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat:
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Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
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Microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.
📝 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 520–650 (depending on chicken and cream quantity)
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Protein: 35g
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Fat: 35g
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Carbs: 10g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 3g
This is a rich dish, so a little goes a long way — but the flavor is absolutely worth it!
🧡 A Few Final Words
This creamy Tuscan chicken is one of those meals that gets better every time you make it. It’s not just tasty — it feels like comfort. From the golden seared chicken to the garlicky cream sauce with ribbons of spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, every bite is a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and hearty.
Whether you're making it for date night, Sunday dinner, or just a Wednesday evening when you want to spoil yourself (or your hubby!), it hits the spot every time.
So go ahead — cook this once, and it just might become your family's favorite too.
📣 Your Turn!
Have leftovers? Turn them into a creamy chicken pasta bake! Or slice the chicken for a next-day sandwich with arugula and a swipe of that leftover sauce.
Tag your own twist on the recipe — add mushrooms, swap out the spinach for kale, throw in a splash of lemon… The possibilities are endless. Bon appétit!
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