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Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe Perfect for Budget Meals

easy creamy Tuscan chicken - featured image

A quick and budget-friendly creamy Tuscan chicken dish featuring a garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil recommended)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half or whole milk
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Slice 1 pound of chicken thighs or breasts thinly (about 1/4-inch thick). Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add chicken slices in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour over garlic and tomatoes. Stir and cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
  6. Slowly pour in 1 cup chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Stir in 1/2 cup half-and-half or milk. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Stir in 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add 2 cups fresh spinach, stirring until wilted (1-2 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  8. Return cooked chicken to skillet, nestle into sauce, and simmer together for 2-3 minutes to warm through and combine flavors.
  9. Serve hot with your choice of side such as pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

Slice chicken thinly and uniformly for even cooking. Stir garlic constantly to avoid burning. Sprinkle flour evenly and stir before adding liquids to prevent lumps. Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding broth/milk. Let leftovers thicken in fridge and loosen with broth or milk when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy Tuscan chicken, easy chicken recipe, budget meals, quick dinner, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, creamy sauce