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Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Baked Tuscan Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 30 reviews

Baked Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts smothered in a rich mixture of cream cheese, heavy cream, spinach, garlic, smoked paprika, and sundried tomatoes, then topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This comforting Italian-inspired casserole is easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and is garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced, divided)

Creamy Sauce

  • 1/3 cup cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup spinach (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced, remaining)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder

Cheeses and Toppings

  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided: 1/2 cup + 1/4 cup)
  • 8 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
  • 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (reserved from jar)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by lightly greasing or lining it for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets, which helps them cook evenly and absorb flavors better. Place the sliced chicken in the casserole dish, then season with salt, black pepper, and rub 2 minced cloves of garlic over the chicken thoroughly.
  3. Make Creamy Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chopped spinach. Add the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything until well incorporated and creamy.
  4. Add Cheese to Sauce: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the cream mixture until evenly combined, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.
  5. Assemble the Dish: Spread the creamy cheese and spinach mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the casserole dish. Next, layer the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomato jar to add extra flavor and moisture.
  6. Add Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the assembled dish to create a deliciously cheesy crust once baked.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and chicken to cook through gently.
  8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, herbaceous finish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are uniformly sliced to ensure even cooking.
  • You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if needed.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the chili powder for preferred spice level.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the richest flavor and texture.
  • Reserve sun-dried tomato oil to drizzle for an authentic tangy taste.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: Baked Tuscan Chicken, creamy chicken recipe, Italian chicken bake, chicken with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, easy baked chicken dinner

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/baked-tuscan-chicken-recipe-2/