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 dish that brings the comfort of Italian cuisine into your home kitchen effortlessly. Each bite showcases tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a rich, creamy sauce, complemented by the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity: every step can be executed in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s the perfect solution for weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests, allowing you to reconnect with family around the table without the stress of a lengthy cooking process.

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 first stumbled upon a similar dish during a cozy dinner at a local Italian bistro. The rich aroma, the savory sauce, and the comforting texture of the chicken left such a profound impression that I couldn’t resist trying to replicate it at home. The One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes has since become a staple in my culinary repertoire. It’s quick, easy, and a true crowd-pleaser, and I assure you, it will soon become a go-to dish for you too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This dish can be made in about 37 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy sauce, garlicky notes, and the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes creates an explosion of flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the spinach and tomatoes make for a stunning presentation.
Flexible Serving: Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free needs by ensuring your broth and cream are certified gluten-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Thighs are perfect for this recipe due to their tenderness and moistness, making them ideal for a creamy sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor without the texture; can substitute with fresh shallots if preferred.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides depth; fresh garlic can be used, but adjust the amount to taste.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little spice to balance the creaminess. Freshly cracked is best!
1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and adds a fruity flavor. Extra virgin works wonderfully too.
1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (from jar): Adds an extra layer of flavor from the tomatoes. You can use more olive oil as a substitute if needed.
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot: Gives a sweet, mild onion flavor and combines well with the garlic.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the flavor for a fragrant finish.
1/3 cup sun-dried tomato strips in oil: These are the stars of the dish; they add brightness and acidity to balance the creaminess.
2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a flavorful base for the sauce; low-sodium helps you control the saltiness.
2/3 cup heavy cream: Brings richness and velvety texture to the sauce.
1/3 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty flavor; you can also use Pecorino Romano for a different twist.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall taste; feel free to use your favorite blend.
1/2 cup fresh baby spinach leaves (tightly packed): Adds freshness and color; can be substituted with kale for a heartier option.
6 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped: Fresh herbs brighten the dish and elevate its authenticity.
Salt and black pepper to taste: For final seasoning adjustments.

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

Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken thighs with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, making sure to coat evenly. This step sets the base of flavor that penetrates as the chicken cooks.

Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil over medium-high heat. This combination will create a luscious base for your chicken, adding richness from the tomatoes.

Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the hot skillet and let them sear for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Watch for that lovely caramelization; it enhances both flavor and presentation!

Transfer and Keep Warm: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and keep warm. This helps to retain moisture until you’re ready to serve.

Cook the Shallots: In the same pan, add chopped shallot and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. The residual oil will infuse the shallots with flavor and pick up delicious bits left from the chicken.

Add the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and sun-dried tomato strips and cook together for another minute. The aroma will be absolutely heavenly, letting you know that great things are coming!

Incorporate Chicken Broth: Pour in 2/3 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, scraping down any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Simmer for about 2 minutes—this allows deep flavors to meld and builds a fantastic sauce base.

Stir in the Cream and Cheese: Next, add 2/3 cup heavy cream and 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese, along with 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. As the mixture heats, stir continuously, allowing the cheese to melt into a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Add Spinach and Basil: Gently incorporate 1/2 cup fresh spinach and 6 chopped basil leaves until wilted. This step not only brightens the dish but also adds a pleasing texture.

Return Chicken to the Pan: Finally, return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce generously over the top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on low heat to allow flavors to infuse together beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Tuscan chicken hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce. It’s simply delicious!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to freeze, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container; it will keep well for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over low heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Keep in mind that the cream sauce may thicken slightly; adding a splash of chicken broth can help restore its luscious texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure the chicken thighs are well-seared for better flavor and texture.
Use heavy cream for the best creamy consistency. Avoid low-fat alternatives which may not thicken properly.
If you have fresh spinach, but it’s starting to wilt, don’t throw it out; it’s perfect for this recipe!
For a bit of zing, add a splash of lemon juice right before serving.
Don’t rush the sauce-making process; allowing it to simmer will deepen the flavors.

One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. It embodies the heartiness and richness you crave while being straightforward enough for any home cook to master. Don’t shy away from tweaking the recipe to suit your family’s preferences—maybe even add some mushrooms or switch up the greens. I encourage you to experiment and enjoy this delightful dish that’s just bursting with flavor!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?

Absolutely! Just be sure to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they reach the internal temperature of 165°F. Bone-in thighs can enhance the flavor and moisture of the dish.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that coconut cream will impart a slight coconut flavor.