Tuscan Chicken

A creamy and flavorful Tuscan chicken dish topped with cherry tomatoes and spinach, served on a white plate.

Jani

Hi, I'm Janice! I'm a chef, food photographer, and DIY enthusiast. On this blog, I share reliable, budget-friendly recipes that anyone can make, regardless of their cooking experience. Alongside these delicious dishes, I also offer a peek into my DIY projects, showing you how I’m transforming my home one step at a time. Whether you're here to cook up something tasty or get inspired to tackle a home improvement project, you'll find something to enjoy!

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Tuscan Chicken embodies the essence of Tuscany, an Italian region that exudes history, art, and a simplicity that translates into every dish. This recipe captures the heart of Tuscan cuisine by combining fresh ingredients like tomatoes, spinach, cream, Parmesan cheese, and wine. Whether paired with pasta, mashed potatoes, or another side, this dish is a delight worth savoring.


A creamy and flavorful Tuscan chicken dish topped with cherry tomatoes and spinach, served on a white plate.

🍅Tomatoes in the Recipe: Cherry vs. Traditional

Tomatoes play a key role in this recipe. Cherry tomatoes, small and juicy, add a burst of sweetness and a decorative touch. Traditional tomatoes, like Roma or plum varieties, offer a denser pulp and deeper flavors. The choice depends on your preferences, but the presentation of cherry tomatoes can elevate the dish’s visual appeal. Despite their higher cost, their contribution to flavor and aesthetics makes them worth the investment.

A Lighter Version

For a lighter alternative, substitute cream with Greek yogurt. This swap not only reduces calories but also adds a refreshing tang while maintaining the authentic Tuscan character of the dish.

Top view of a delicious and flavorful dish of chicken cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with spinach.

Essential Ingredients for Tuscan Chicken

  1. Chicken Cutlets: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this dish. Pound them thinly for even cooking.
  2. Cherry or Roma Tomatoes: Tomatoes, together with spinach and cream, are the holy trinity of Tuscan chicken. You can choose traditional or cherry tomatoes; both work wonderfully.
  3. Spinach: Adds a pop of color and a nutrient boost, perfectly complementing the other ingredients.
  4. Cream or Greek Yogurt: Cream provides richness, while yogurt offers a lighter, tangy alternative.
  5. Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan elevates the dish with its savory.
  6. Garlic: A must-have for authentic Italian dishes, garlic adds aroma.
  7. Wine or Chicken Broth: Use wine for a traditional Tuscan Cuichen version or broth for a non-alcoholic option.
  8. Herbs: Fresh oregano or rosemary.

How to make Tuscan Chicken

Simple ingredients come together to create a complex and delicious flavor. Begin by seasoning chicken cutlets with a pinch of salt, pepper, and, if desired, fresh herbs like oregano or rosemary. Cook the cutlets in a hot skillet with a touch of oil for three minutes on each side to achieve a perfect golden sear.

Using the same skillet, sauté minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, and spinach until the spinach wilts. Add wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then return the chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat and stir in cream and Parmesan cheese for a rich, velvety finish. Your Tuscan Chicken is now ready to impress.

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Variations and Substitutions

  1. Protein Alternatives: Replace chicken with turkey cutlets or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
  2. Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic and tomatoes for an earthy flavor boost.
  3. Swap Spinach with Kale: Kale can add a slightly different texture and flavor while still maintaining the dish’s Tuscan essence.

Tips and Tricks

  1. Pound the Chicken Evenly: To ensure even cooking, use a meat mallet to flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
  2. Deglaze the Pan: After searing the chicken, deglaze the skillet with wine or broth to lift all the flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
  3. Avoid Overcooking the Spinach: Add the spinach towards the end of the sautéing process to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  4. Freshly Grated Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
  5. Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

 

Tuscan Chicken

Tuscan Chicken combines tender chicken cutlets with a creamy sauce of tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for pairing with pasta, bread, or mashed potatoes, this dish offers a taste of Italy in every bite
Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Palabra clave Chicken, Chicken Dish, Cream, Spinach, Tomato, Tuscan, Tuscan Chicken
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 350kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless chicken cutlets
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes 150 g
  • 2 cups fresh spinach 300 g
  • 1 cup heavy cream 240 ml
  • 1/2 cup cooking white wine

Instructions

  • Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice, like oregano or rosemary, on the chicken cutlets. Let them marinate for 10 minutes.
  • Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the chicken cutlets for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
  • Add Spinach and Wine: Add the spinach to the skillet, cooking until wilted. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes to deglaze the pan.
  • Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken back in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Finish with Cream: Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Mix until the sauce is smooth and evenly coats the chicken.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread.

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