Introduction

This Tuscan Chicken Skillet brings the rustic flavors of Italy right to your dinner table in one simple pan. Juicy chicken simmers with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and creamy sauce for a comforting meal that feels gourmet. If you enjoy one-pot dinners, try this Easy One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe for another family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

This Tuscan Chicken Skillet comes together with juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and sun-drenched Mediterranean flavors that will fill your kitchen with incredible aromas.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Tuscan Chicken Skillet recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Pat 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

For even cooking and maximum flavor, try to use chicken pieces that are of uniform thickness. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.

Step 2 — Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, without moving it, until a golden-brown crust forms. The chicken is ready to flip when it releases easily from the pan. It does not need to be cooked through at this stage.

Step 3 — Sauté the Aromatics

Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a clean plate. Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add 1 diced yellow onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Add 4–5 minced cloves of garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.

Step 4 — Deglaze the Pan

Pour 1/2 cup of chicken broth into the hot skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits (the fond) from the bottom of the pan. This adds incredible depth of flavor to your Tuscan Chicken Skillet sauce.

Let the broth simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly. This step is crucial for building a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.

Step 5 — Create the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

For the best texture, let the cream come to room temperature before adding it to the pan to prevent curdling. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Step 6 — Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil) and 2 cups of fresh baby spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted into the sauce.

If using sun-dried tomatoes in oil, you can use a tablespoon of that flavorful oil in place of some of the olive oil earlier in the recipe for an extra flavor boost.

Step 7 — Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the chicken.

Let the Tuscan Chicken Skillet simmer gently over low heat for 5–10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.

Step 8 — Final Touches and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of fresh flavor.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. For a thinner sauce, you can add a splash more chicken broth. Serve your Tuscan Chicken Skillet immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	31g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	720mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

Try these simple ingredient swaps to customize your Tuscan Chicken Skillet for different dietary needs while maintaining its rich, comforting flavor profile.

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts — Adds richer flavor and stays more moist during cooking
• Turkey cutlets instead of chicken — Lighter protein option with similar texture
• Coconut milk instead of heavy cream — Creates a dairy-free, slightly sweet alternative
• Zucchini noodles instead of pasta — Low-carb option that absorbs the sauce beautifully
• Nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan — Provides cheesy flavor without dairy
• Low-sodium chicken broth — Reduces sodium while maintaining savory depth
• Arrowroot powder instead of flour — Gluten-free thickener for the sauce
• Fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried — Lower sodium option with bright acidity

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Tuscan Chicken Skillet with creamy polenta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Serve over a bed of pasta like fettuccine or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or when entertaining guests for a rustic Italian-inspired evening.
• For a lighter option, plate the Tuscan Chicken Skillet alongside a fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
• Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving to enhance the flavors.
• This one-pan meal is ideal for meal prep—divide into containers with rice or quinoa for easy lunches.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this Tuscan Chicken Skillet is a versatile and satisfying choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcrowding the skillet with chicken. Fix: Cook in batches to ensure proper browning and avoid steaming.
• Mistake: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts exclusively. Fix: Opt for chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness, or brine breasts briefly.
• Mistake: Adding garlic too early in the cooking process. Fix: Sauté garlic for just 30-60 seconds to prevent a bitter, burnt taste.
• Mistake: Overcooking the spinach until it becomes mushy. Fix: Wilt spinach at the very end, just before serving, to retain texture and color.
• Mistake: Using low-fat cream or half-and-half. Fix: Use heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a luxuriously rich and stable sauce.
• Mistake: Not deglazing the pan properly after browning the chicken. Fix: Scrape up all the flavorful browned bits with your liquid to build a deeper sauce base.
• Mistake: Skipping the sun-dried tomato oil. Fix: Use the flavorful oil from the sun-dried tomato jar to sauté your aromatics.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the dish. Fix: Season the chicken generously and taste the sauce at the end, adding salt and pepper as needed.
• Mistake: Rushing the sauce reduction. Fix: Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens to a creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Tuscan Chicken Skillet completely, then store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Tuscan Chicken Skillet is reheated to a safe temperature.

Conclusion

This Tuscan Chicken Skillet delivers rich, comforting flavors in one simple pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for company. Try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below! For another Italian-inspired meal, consider this Recipe Title: Zuppa Toscana.

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FAQs

Can I make this Tuscan Chicken Skillet ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Tuscan Chicken Skillet in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to refresh the sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. Keep in mind that lower-fat milk alternatives may result in a thinner sauce. The rich, creamy sauce is a hallmark of this Tuscan Chicken Skillet, so substitutions will alter the final texture.

What should I serve with Tuscan Chicken Skillet?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple side salad or steamed vegetables also complements the Tuscan Chicken Skillet perfectly for a complete meal.