Description
🍗 Enjoy a comforting and flavorful Creamy Tuscan Chicken paired with savory rice, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
🌿 This dish combines tender chicken thighs with creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
– 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4-5 pieces)
– 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 white onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup long grain white rice, dry
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, oil drained
– 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly torn or chopped
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice, plus more for serving
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1-Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) to get everything set for baking.
2-Prepare the chicken: Prepare the chicken by rubbing the thighs with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper.
3-Heat the remaining olive oil: Heat the remaining olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed sauté pan over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, then set it aside to rest.
4-Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in the same skillet. Add the diced 1/2 white onion and a pinch of salt, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened, then stir in the 3 cloves minced garlic for 30 seconds.
5-Stir in 1 cup dry long grain white rice: Stir in 1 cup dry long grain white rice to coat it in the mixture, then add 2 cups chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
6-Mix in 1/2 cup heavy cream: Mix in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil drained), 3 cups fresh spinach, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
7-Nestle the browned chicken: Nestle the browned chicken back into the skillet mixture for even cooking.
8-Cover the skillet tightly: Cover the skillet tightly with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the rice is fully cooked.
9-Finish by garnishing: Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley, additional grated Parmesan cheese, and extra lemon juice before serving.
Notes
🍳 Use a large cast iron skillet (10-12 inches) or heavy-bottomed sauté pan for best results.
🥥 Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter dish.
🍅 Replace sun-dried tomatoes with halved cherry tomatoes for a fresher taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Sautéing, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: creamy tuscan chicken,tuscan chicken and rice,one pan chicken dinner,savory chicken recipe