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; 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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Creamy Tuscan chicken thighs loaded with savory flavors have a way of warming the heart and filling the home with irresistible aromas. This dish, combining tender chicken thighs with fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich, creamy sauce, is truly a celebration of Italian cuisine. The excitement of cooking comes from the ease and satisfaction of creating something so delightful in just one pan. With minimal fuss, this flavorful meal is not only a time-saver but also a true crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to share with family and friends.

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

Having made this dish countless times, I think back to the first time I prepared it for a family dinner. Everyone gathered around the table, eyes wide with anticipation as the chicken simmered away, its delicious fragrance wafting through the air. One bite, and my family was hooked. It’s quick to whip up but feels truly special, making it perfect for both casual weeknights and more festive occasions. Whether you serve it over pasta or with crusty bread, you’re in for a treat that always elicits compliments. Trust me—you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 37 minutes from start to finish!
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, savory goodness with a burst of sun-dried tomato and fresh basil.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant colors from the spinach and tomatoes make it look as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or even cozy date nights.
Diet-Friendly Options: Adaptable for gluten-free or keto diets with minor tweaks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Tender and juicy, chicken thighs stay moist during cooking, making them ideal for a creamy sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of all ingredients, helping the dish come alive.
1/4 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic note.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – A touch of spice to balance the creaminess.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for searing the chicken, adds a layer of flavor.
1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil – This flavorful oil enhances the dish, making it sing with deliciousness.
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot – A milder, sweeter onion flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
2 cloves minced garlic – Fresh garlic brings brightness and an aromatic lift.
1/3 cup sun-dried tomato strips in oil – Adds intense flavor and chewy texture, a hallmark of Italian cuisine.
2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth – Keeps the sauce savory without overwhelming saltiness.
2/3 cup heavy cream – Provides richness and a smooth texture for the sauce.
1/3 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce, contributing a nutty flavor and creaminess.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A lovely blend of herbs that evokes the taste of Tuscany.
1/2 cup fresh baby spinach leaves – Adds color, freshness, and a nutritious kick.
6 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped – Brings vibrant flavor and a beautiful touch of green.
Salt and black pepper to taste – To season the sauce just right, tailored to your palate.

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

Season: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs on both sides with the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning will enhance the flavors right from the first step.

Sear: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken thighs. Sear for about 4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate, cover it lightly, and keep it warm.

Cook Shallots: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped shallot. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallot is soft and fragrant. This builds a solid flavor base for your sauce.

Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Toss in the 2 cloves of minced garlic and stir for another 20-30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add in 1/3 cup of sun-dried tomato strips. Sauté for an additional minute, allowing the tomatoes to warm through and release their flavors.

Deglaze: Pour in the 2/3 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, carefully scraping down any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor! Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Create Sauce: Next, stir in the 2/3 cup of heavy cream, 1/3 cup of shredded parmesan cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Gently simmer over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Take a moment to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. This is your opportunity to customize the sauce to your liking.

Add Spinach and Basil: Once the sauce is creamy and luscious, stir in 1/2 cup of fresh baby spinach leaves and the 6 chopped basil leaves. Let them cook just until wilted, about a minute, which adds freshness and color to the dish.

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Continue cooking for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and fully coated in that rich sauce. The marriage of flavors at this stage is simply mouthwatering!

Serve: Your One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is now ready to serve! Plate it over your choice of pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or with some crusty bread for dipping. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, make sure they cool to room temperature and transfer them to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, they will keep well for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save it for a longer duration, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Just a heads-up: the sauce might thicken a little upon reheating, so adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help bring it back to life.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to lightly brown the chicken thighs for that rich flavor—don’t rush this step!
Always taste your sauce before serving; the dish can easily be adjusted to suit your taste.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, consider preparing the sauce separately, and adding the spinach and chicken pockets just before serving.
You can also swap the spinach for kale if you prefer a heartier green, or add mushrooms for an earthy touch.
Adjust the garlic and herbs to your liking; everyone has their own preference for aromatics!

Creamy Tuscan chicken is such a fantastic dish to make at any gathering or cozy dinner at home. It’s packed with rich flavors that will leave everyone feeling satisfied. Don’t hesitate to get creative with it and add your own favorite twists. Enjoy the process and delight in the deliciousness!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Certainly! While chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid drying them out.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version of this creamy sauce, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative. Simply use a dairy-free parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for added flavor.

Can I add different vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Broccoli, bell peppers, and even zucchini are excellent additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable to ensure they remain tender yet crisp.

What should I serve with this dish?

This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. You could also consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a more balanced meal.