Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken: A Quick and Rich Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To maximize the flavor of the garlic, add it to the skillet only after the chicken is removed, but while the pan is still hot. This allows the garlic to infuse the remaining butter without burning. If you prefer a more intense tomato flavor, you can add a teaspoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar directly into the skillet along with the butter for extra depth.

If the sauce becomes too thick while the chicken is resting, whisk in a small splash of warm water or chicken stock to thin it back to the desired consistency.

When serving, ensure the chicken is sliced against the grain to maximize tenderness. This simple extra step makes a significant difference in the mouthfeel of the dish, especially when paired with a rich, creamy sauce.

Variations

• Spinach Tuscan Chicken: Add two cups of fresh baby spinach to the sauce during the final minutes of simmering until wilted. This adds a nice pop of green and a touch of earthiness to the dish.
• Spicy Tuscan Chicken: Stir in a half-teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. This provides a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the heavy cream.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or cream to restore consistency.

Allow any leftovers to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container.

Keep the chicken and the sauce together in the container to prevent the meat from drying out while in the refrigerator. Proper storage ensures the sauce maintains its creamy texture and the chicken stays flavorful for up to three days.

The sauce can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored separately from the chicken. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if necessary. Sear the chicken fresh to ensure the best texture, then combine with the warmed sauce just before serving for an effortless, high-quality meal.

Serving ideas

This creamy dish pairs exceptionally well with simple, neutral sides that can soak up the excess sauce. Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of al dente pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, to create a complete meal.

Alternatively, a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the creamy garlic sauce.

For a lower-starch option, consider serving the chicken over steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice. The creamy sauce acts as a perfect dressing for the vegetables, tying the entire plate together.

Ensure each serving includes a generous amount of the sauce, as its savory, garlic-infused profile is the highlight of the dish. A slice of crusty bread is also recommended for mopping up any remaining sauce left on the plate.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken: A Quick and Rich Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 15 minRest 5 minTotal 30 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• fresh parsley, chopped, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once the butter is foaming, add the chicken cutlets. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a plate for 5 minutes.
2. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes velvety.
3. Return the seared chicken cutlets to the pan, nestling them into the cream sauce. Ladle the silky sauce over the chicken to ensure it is well-coated. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately while hot.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

8 g

Fat

34 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.