Lemon Garlic Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Table of Contents

Lemon Garlic Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy sauce packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. This dish is infused with the perfect balance of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and the umami of sun-dried tomatoes, all smoothed out by a luxurious cream base. The addition of fresh spinach and Parmesan adds a touch of brightness and richness, making every bite indulgent and satisfying. It’s a versatile meal that pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, and it’s sure to be a hit for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp unsalted butter

1 tsp dried oregano (optional)

1 tsp paprika (optional)

For the creamy sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil

5-6 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped

1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter version)

1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

1 tsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)

1 tsp dried thyme or fresh thyme

2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken:

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika (if using).

In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts.

Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the creamy sauce:

In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally.

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any bits off the bottom of the skillet. Stir well.

Add the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes to thicken slightly.

3. Add spinach and Parmesan:

Once the sauce is thickened, stir in the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted.

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

4. Combine the chicken:

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.

Let everything simmer for 3-4 more minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and soak up some of the sauce flavors.

5. Serve:

Garnish with fresh chopped basil (optional) for extra color and flavor.

Serve the chicken with the creamy Tuscan sauce spooned over the top.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Lemon Garlic Creamy Tuscan Chicken over a bed of pasta (like fettuccine or spaghetti), rice, or mashed potatoes to make it a hearty meal.

Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 480–520 kcal

Protein: 45–50 g

Fat: 30–35 g

Saturated Fat: 12–15 g

Carbohydrates: 6–8 g

Fiber: 1–2 g

Sugar: 3–4 g

Cholesterol: 130–150 mg

Sodium: 500–600 mg

Calcium: 150–200 mg

Iron: 2–3 mg