The short answer: this Tuscan chicken recipe sears cutlets, then finishes them in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in about 30 minutes. Cook chicken to 165°F.
- Key numbers: 1½ lb chicken · ½ cup cream · sun-dried tomatoes · spinach · feeds 4
- Top moves: sear first, build sauce in the same pan, wilt spinach last
- Free and paid next step: get the free recipe book starter pages (we email it to you), or save your sauce notes in the Family Recipe Binder ($6.99).
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Amounts and methods for this Tuscan chicken recipe were checked November 6, 2026.
Tuscan chicken ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1½ pounds | Pound to even thickness |
| Salt and pepper | 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper | |
| Olive oil + butter | 1 Tbsp each | Or all oil |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup | Low-sodium if preferred |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup | Or half-and-half |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | ⅓ cup, chopped | Oil-packed, drained |
| Baby spinach | 2 cups packed | |
| Parmesan | ¼ cup, grated | Optional finish |
| Italian herbs | 1 teaspoon | Basil/oregano blend |
How to make Tuscan chicken
- Prep. Pat chicken dry; pound to even thickness. Season both sides.
- Sear. Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 4 to 6 minutes per side until 165°F. Move to a plate.
- Sauce base. Lower heat to medium. Add garlic 30 seconds. Pour in broth; scrape browned bits. Stir in cream and sun-dried tomatoes; simmer 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Greens. Add spinach until wilted. Stir in Parmesan if using.
- Finish. Return chicken and juices. Spoon sauce over the top and serve.
Wash anything that touched raw poultry before you plate (CDC chicken safety).
Swaps
| Want | Change |
|---|---|
| Dairy-free | Coconut milk + olive oil; skip Parmesan |
| Thighs | Boneless thighs; still 165°F |
| Extra vegetables | Add sliced mushrooms with the garlic |
| Lighter | Half-and-half + a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry |
Serve and store
Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice or crusty bread. Leftovers keep about 3 to 4 days refrigerated. Reheat gently until steaming hot.
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Bright zest-and-pepper skillet: lemon pepper chicken. For a tomato-based chicken dinner, try chicken cacciatore on another night.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Tuscan chicken? Tuscan chicken is a skillet chicken dinner finished in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and often Parmesan. It is a weeknight restaurant-style plate that still cooks in one pan.
How do you make Tuscan chicken? You make Tuscan chicken by seasoning and searing chicken cutlets to 165°F, then building a quick sauce with garlic, broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top.
What temperature should Tuscan chicken reach? Cook poultry to 165°F on FoodSafety.gov. Check the thickest part of each piece before you sauce it.
Can I use chicken thighs for Tuscan chicken? Yes, you can use chicken thighs for Tuscan chicken. Boneless skinless thighs stay juicy. They may need a few extra minutes; still cook to 165°F.
How do I make Tuscan chicken without cream? Use full-fat coconut milk or a splash of broth thickened with a little cornstarch, plus extra Parmesan if dairy is okay. The sun-dried tomatoes and garlic still carry the flavor.
What pasta goes with Tuscan chicken? Fettuccine, penne and orzo are good pastas for Tuscan chicken, and like mashed potatoes, they all soak up the sauce. A simple salad balances the richness.
Can I make Tuscan chicken ahead? Yes, you can make Tuscan chicken ahead. Cool, refrigerate, and reheat gently until steaming hot within about 3 to 4 days. Cream sauces can thicken in the fridge; loosen with a splash of broth.
Are sun-dried tomatoes required? They are the signature sweet-savory note. If you are out, use chopped roasted red peppers plus a pinch of tomato paste for a similar vibe.
Is Tuscan chicken spicy? No, Tuscan chicken is not spicy. It is creamy and savory. Add red pepper flakes if you want heat.
Can Tuscan chicken be dairy-free? Yes, Tuscan chicken can be dairy-free. Use olive oil instead of butter, coconut milk instead of cream, and skip Parmesan or use a dairy-free hard cheese alternative.
How do I plan Tuscan chicken into a week of dinners? The Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has a weekly menu and an aisle-sorted shopping list, so chicken, cream and sun-dried tomatoes land on one trip.
Where can I save my family's Tuscan chicken recipe? The Family Recipe Binder ($6.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has fillable recipe pages and dividers, so your cream ratio and pasta pairing stay with your other skillet dinners.
Sources
- FoodSafety.gov: Safe minimum internal temperatures foodsafety.gov
- USDA FSIS: Leftovers and food safety fsis.usda.gov
- FoodSafety.gov: Cold food storage charts foodsafety.gov
- CDC: Chicken and food safety cdc.gov