Hello food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share with you a flavorful, creamy delight—Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Delight. If you’re looking for a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with creamy goodness, then this recipe is perfect for you. Let’s dive into the kitchen and create something delicious together!
Introduction
This Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Delight is inspired by the robust flavors of Tuscan cuisine. It features juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce, all baked to perfection. What makes this dish truly special is the combination of savory cream cheese, aromatic garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes that bring a burst of flavor in every bite.
I remember the first time I made this dish for a family gathering—it was a huge hit! Everyone was asking for the recipe, and since then, it has become a staple in our home. It’s comforting, rich, and perfect for a cozy dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make, even for beginners!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Delight, you’ll need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2 chicken breasts, sliced horizontally)
- 6 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained with 1 tbsp oil reserved, and chopped
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream and cheese with non-dairy alternatives like cashew cream and vegan cheese. You can also use grilled zucchini or mushrooms instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
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How to Make Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Delight
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Delight:
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the thawed spinach, softened cream cheese, and heavy cream. Add in half of the minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese. Continue mixing until everything is well combined.
- Prepare the chicken by laying the sliced chicken breasts flat in a large baking dish. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and the remaining minced garlic.
- Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the chicken breasts. Then, scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the creamy mixture. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the oil reserved from the sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake the casserole for 20 minutes while covered, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F (71ºC).
- Once baked, garnish the dish with fresh parsley and serve it hot.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy Tuscan chicken dish with sides like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips
- Thaw and drain the spinach thoroughly to avoid excess water in the casserole.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor. The oil adds richness to the dish.
- If you prefer, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before baking. This ensures that they cook evenly and remain tender.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the top for the last 2 minutes of baking.
Cooking Tips
To enhance your Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Delight, here are a few additional tips:
- If you prefer more spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for a subtle kick.
- When beating the cream cheese mixture, make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps. If needed, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- A cast iron skillet can be used instead of a baking dish for an even more flavorful and rustic presentation. Plus, it retains heat well!
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Delight pairs wonderfully with low-carb sides like roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, or even a fresh arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette. For those not watching carbs, serve it alongside buttery garlic bread or pasta to soak up that creamy sauce. A chilled glass of white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the dish beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Information for Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Delight per serving:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Potassium: 850mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 50% of daily value
- Vitamin C: 10% of daily value
- Calcium: 25% of daily value
- Iron: 15% of daily value
This recipe is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins, especially Vitamin A from the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 10 minutes. If the casserole becomes dry during reheating, add a splash of heavy cream or broth.
You can also get creative with your leftovers! Shred the leftover chicken and stir it into pasta or use it as a filling for wraps and sandwiches. The flavors only get better the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! If you’re using fresh spinach, sauté it first until wilted, then drain any excess liquid before mixing it with the cream cheese.
2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Explore these recipes for more comforting, delicious meals!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and eating this Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Delight as much as I do! It’s a dish full of rich flavors, perfect for any night of the week. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below. Share your own variations or tips for making this dish even more delicious. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Delight
Description
Hello food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share with you a flavorful, creamy delight—Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Delight. If you’re looking for a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with creamy goodness, then this recipe is perfect for you. Let’s dive into the kitchen and create something delicious together!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2 chicken breasts, sliced horizontally)
- 6 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained with 1 tbsp oil reserved, and chopped
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the thawed spinach, softened cream cheese, and heavy cream. Add in half of the minced garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese. Continue mixing until everything is well combined.
- Prepare the chicken by laying the sliced chicken breasts flat in a large baking dish. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and the remaining minced garlic.
- Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the chicken breasts. Then, scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the creamy mixture. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the oil reserved from the sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake the casserole for 20 minutes while covered, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F (71ºC).
- Once baked, garnish the dish with fresh parsley and serve it hot.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Thaw and drain the spinach thoroughly to avoid excess water in the casserole.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor. The oil adds richness to the dish.
- If you prefer, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before baking. This ensures that they cook evenly and remain tender.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the top for the last 2 minutes of baking.
