Prepare to be blown away by this herb-infused Tuscan Chicken recipe. Tender chicken is infused with fragrant Tuscan herbs and sun-dried tomatoes. With each bite, you’ll be transported to the rolling hills of Tuscany. This simplistic yet sophisticated Tuscan Chicken recipe is sure to steal the show at your next dinner party. Get ready to be wowed!
WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
This chicken recipe is inspired by the Tuscan culinary tradition rooted in the concept of “cucina povera” or “poor cooking.” It embraces the essence of simple, yet flavourful meals. There’s nothing more rewarding than preparing a delicious dinner for your family, without breaking the bank. Don’t forget to pair this dish with a slice of rustic crusty bread on the side.
INGREDIENTS FOR THE TUSCAN CHICKEN RECIPE
- Boneless chicken thighs with skin on
- Dried herbs like oregano, rosemary, and tarragon. Or you can use a dried Italian herb mix
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Spinach
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley
CONVENIENT KITCHEN TIPS
- Experiment with Different Cuts:
While the traditional recipe calls for chicken breast, we used chicken thighs with the skin on. It’s known for delivering a juicier and fattier cut compared to chicken breast. Feel free to explore other cuts such as chicken breasts or drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through while remaining tender and juicy. - Marinating for Extra Flavour:
For an extra burst of flavour, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, dried herbs, and a splash of lemon juice before cooking. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavour infusion. - Don’t Skimp on the Herbs:
Tuscan cuisine is known for its robust use of herbs. Be generous when adding dried oregano, rosemary, tarragon, or a blend of Italian herbs to your chicken. The herbs will infuse the dish with their aromatic essence and elevate the flavours to new heights. - Choose Quality Ingredients:
Since Tuscan cuisine relies on the simplicity and freshness of ingredients, opt for high-quality produce. Use ripe sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and authentic Parmesan cheese to enhance the authenticity and taste of your Tuscan Chicken. - Serve with Rustic Accompaniments:
Tuscan Chicken pairs wonderfully with rustic sides and accompaniments. Consider serving it with roasted potatoes, crusty bread, or creamy polenta to soak up the flavourful sauce. A side of seasonal roasted vegetables or a simple green salad can also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavours of the dish. - Garnish with Fresh Herbs:
Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley over the Tuscan Chicken. The vibrant green colour and bright herbal notes will add a touch of freshness and visual appeal to the dish. - Wine Pairing:
Complete your Tuscan culinary experience by pairing your Tuscan Chicken with a glass of red wine. Opt for a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese, which will complement the flavours of the dish and enhance your dining experience. - Leftover Creativity:
If you have any leftover Tuscan Chicken, consider repurposing it into a pasta dish or a hearty sandwich filling. Shred the chicken and toss it with cooked pasta, a drizzle of olive oil, and additional grated Parmesan for a quick and flavourful pasta dish. Alternatively, use the chicken as a filling for sandwiches or wraps with fresh greens and a spread of pesto or sun-dried tomato aioli.
Herb-Infused Tuscan Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless chicken thighs with skin on
- 1 teaspoon each of dried Oregano, Rosemary, and Tarragon (see note 1)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 3 Cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 Onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups of Spinach, chopped
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken all over with dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet and cook for about 8 minutes on each side to crisp up the skin.
- Remove the chicken from the pan (see note 2).
- Lightly fry the garlic and onion in the same skillet, stirring until the onions are just translucent.
- Then, add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach mixed through until the spinach is wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper and bring it to a slight boil.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and parsley, stirring until the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Add the chicken pieces back and cover to cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- You can use a dried Italian herb mix – 3 teaspoons in total
- Make sure the skin is nice and crispy, even though the chicken t is still uncooked.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: chicken, dinner, comfort food, Tuscan
FROM THE MELBOURNE TEAM
When chilly temperatures descend upon Melbourne, there’s nothing quite as gratifying as making a nourishing and satisfying meal for your family. This Tuscan Chicken recipe, featuring crispy chicken thighs in a creamy herb-infused sauce, is just what we need. Perfect winter comfort food. This recipe comes from the Malta team, where it’s enjoyed during their summer months. It brings with it a taste of sunshine and a comfort to our wet and cold winter.
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