Savory Tuscan Chicken Bake: A Creamy, Mediterranean Masterpiece

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Transport your taste buds to the rolling hills of Tuscany with this Savory Tuscan Chicken Bake—a one-pan wonder that combines juicy chicken breasts, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, tender spinach, and a luscious garlic-cream sauce. This dish is the epitome of comfort food with a Mediterranean flair, blending rich, savory flavors with a cheesy, golden finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering with friends, this recipe is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s destined to become a family favorite!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and roughly chopped
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried oregano, thyme, and basil)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn, for garnish
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a hint of heat

Equipment Needed

• Large oven-safe skillet (or regular skillet and separate baking dish)
• Tongs or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or whisk
• Oven mitts

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray if you’re not using an oven-safe skillet. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
2. Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. (The chicken won’t be fully cooked at this stage—that’s okay!) Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
4. Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir for 2–3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, releasing their rich, tangy flavor. The spinach will reduce significantly in volume, creating a vibrant base for the sauce.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly, creating a velvety sauce that clings to the chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, if desired.
6. Assemble the Dish: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and vegetable mixture. Spoon some of the sauce and vegetables over the chicken to coat it evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top, ensuring each piece of chicken gets a generous layer of cheesy goodness.
7. Bake to Perfection: If using an oven-safe skillet, transfer it directly to the preheated oven. Otherwise, pour the contents of the skillet into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with freshly chopped or torn basil leaves for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness. Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over each portion for maximum flavor.

Tips for Success

• Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness (about ¾ inch) for uniform cooking. This prevents dry edges and ensures a juicy result.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor, and drain them well to avoid an overly oily dish. If using dry-packed tomatoes, rehydrate them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
• Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or use all mozzarella for a stretchier, gooier topping.
• Spinach Substitutes: If fresh spinach isn’t available, use frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) or swap for kale or arugula for a different green.
• Oven-Safe Skillet: If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the chickenmqtt