Here’s a flavorful recipe for Baked Tuscan Chicken—a dish that combines juicy chicken with a savory, herby sauce and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s perfect for a hearty dinner with minimal prep!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not in oil), chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed, and squeezed dry)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Season the chicken:
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, chopped spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and heavy cream or milk. Mix well.
- Assemble the dish:
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the sun-dried tomato and spinach mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and sauce.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a green salad.
Tip:
For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken before serving. You can also swap out the spinach for kale or other greens, or add olives for an additional Mediterranean touch.
Enjoy your Baked Tuscan Chicken—a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the taste of Italy to your table!