Name: One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4-6 chicken thighs boneless, skinless; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil plus 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (from jar); 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomato strips in oil; 2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2/3 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning; 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach leaves tightly packed; 6 fresh basil leaves roughly chopped; salt and black pepper to taste

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One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delightful, satisfying dish that brings the comforting flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. The creamy sauce, bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach, envelops tender chicken thighs in a meal that’s not just easy to prepare but also beautifully comforting. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe has you covered from start to finish, all in just one pan!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

I remember the first time I tried this recipe. It was a chilly evening, and I craved something warm and inviting to chase away the dreariness. This dish quickly became a family favorite, thanks to its rich flavors and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta or mashed potatoes. The simplicity of making it in just one pan means less cleanup and more time to savor a delicious meal. Want something that’s sure to impress? You really should give this One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just a 10-minute prep time and 27 minutes of cooking, dinner is on the table in about 40 minutes.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and fresh herbs creates a burst of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of spinach and the rich, creamy sauce make this dish a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a weeknight dinner or dressed up for a special occasion, and delicious served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or low-carb diets by serving the sauce over zoodles or cauliflower rice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: This cut of chicken stays juicy and flavorful, perfect for searing and finishing in a creamy sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish; adjustments can be made based on personal preference.
1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness without overwhelming the dish.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the fresh garlic in the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick; feel free to adjust based on spice preference.
1 tablespoon olive oil plus 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (from jar): This combination adds richness and complexity when searing the chicken.
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot: Offers a sweet, mild onion flavor perfect for building the sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a robust aroma and flavor to the sauce.
1/3 cup sun-dried tomato strips in oil: Imparts a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the creamy sauce.
2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth: This liquid forms the base of the sauce, adding moisture without overwhelming the dish.
2/3 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and vegetables.
1/3 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty dimension to the sauce; using fresh ensures the best flavor.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that delivers a classic Italian flavor profile.
1/2 cup fresh baby spinach leaves, tightly packed: Adds freshness and color; wilted spinach integrates seamlessly into the sauce.
6 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped: Fresh basil brightens the dish with its aromatic quality.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Season Chicken: Begin by seasoning the 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. This flavor foundation will elevate the dish.

Heat Pan: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon of reserved sun-dried tomato oil over medium-high heat. The oil will ensure the chicken sears beautifully, creating that coveted golden crust.

Sear Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet, searing them for about 4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and keep warm.

Cook Shallot: In the same skillet, add the 2 tablespoons of finely chopped shallot. Cook until soft, approximately 3 minutes, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan, which will impart extra flavor.

Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 20-30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the 1/3 cup of sun-dried tomato strips, cooking for another minute to release their flavor into the pan.

Incorporate Chicken Broth: Pour in 2/3 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Make sure to scrape down the browned bits again, allowing the flavors to meld for about 2 minutes while simmering gently.

Stir in Cream and Cheese: Next, mix in 2/3 cup of heavy cream, 1/3 cup of fresh shredded parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Let everything quickly simmer over medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Adjust seasonings if necessary.

Add Spinach and Basil: Gently stir in 1/2 cup of tightly packed fresh baby spinach leaves and the roughly chopped 6 fresh basil leaves until the spinach wilts, creating a vibrant, fresh flavor.

Return Chicken: Finally, return the seared chicken to the pan, ensuring it is coated in the luscious sauce, and allow it to cook for an additional minute or two. This step ensures that the chicken reheats just enough while soaking up the flavors of the sauce.

Serve Hot: This dish is best served immediately. Plate the creamy Tuscan chicken over your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread for mopping up the sauce—it’s simply too good to waste!

Storing & Reheating

To enjoy your One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken later, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain the creamy texture. Note that while flavor remains, the texture might slightly change upon reheating, so stir well to revive the creaminess.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should reach 165°F to stay juicy.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for a couple of hours before cooking.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce more.
Consider using low-fat cream or a dairy substitute if you’re looking for a lighter version, but note that it might alter the flavor and texture.
Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference, so opt for them when possible!

One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a dish that’s sure to impress! With its harmonious blend of flavors, effortless cooking, and simple preparation, your taste buds and dinner guests alike will be singing your praises. Don’t hesitate to switch up the ingredients to suit your taste—for example, you can add mushrooms or swap out the spinach for kale. So go ahead, enjoy this delicious, creamy delight!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs. However, since they’re leaner, make sure to monitor them closely to prevent drying out during cooking. A cooking time of about 6-7 minutes per side should suffice for breasts.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option that still packs a flavorful punch.

What can I serve with this dish?

This creamy Tuscan chicken pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad would also complement the meal wonderfully.

How can I meal prep this dish?

To meal prep, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Combine them just before serving, rounding out the dish with fresh pasta or rice for a quick, reheated, delicious dinner!