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One-Pan Tuscan Chicken

Total Time: 30 minutesServes: 4Difficulty: Easy
One-Pan Tuscan Chicken recipe image

One-Pan Tuscan Chicken cooks large boneless with teaspoons kosher salt for a flavorful main that stays juicy when handled carefully.

Provided by Chef Katy

Total Time 30 minutes

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Yield 4

Number of Ingredients 11

About This Recipe

One-Pan Tuscan Chicken starts with even seasoning and careful heat.

Watch doneness near the end so the meat or seafood stays juicy instead of drying out.

Ingredients

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 to 2 pounds total)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 2/3 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (2 1/2 ounces), thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 5 ounces baby spinach (about 5 packed cups)
  • 1 ounce Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup firmly packed freshly grated or 1/3 cup store-bought grated)
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream

Ingredient Notes

  • Protein: Use even pieces so they cook at the same speed.
  • Seasoning: Season the surface before cooking.
  • Heat control: Brown with enough heat, then finish gently if needed.
  • Resting: Rest meat briefly before slicing or serving.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cut 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half horizontally (also known as butterflying). Pat dry with paper towels. Season all over with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

  2. 2

    Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the chicken in a single layer and sear until browned, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a large plate (the chicken will not be cooked through). Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to the pan and repeat browning the remaining chicken. Transfer to the same plate.

  3. 3

    Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed, and heat until shimmering. Add 1 diced small yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, and 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add 5 ounces baby spinach a handful at a time. Cook, stirring regularly, until just wilted, 1 to 2 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese, 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices on the plate to the pan and cook until the chicken is cooked through and registers at least 165ºF on an instant-read thermometer, 4 to 7 minutes.

  5. 5

    Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Katy’s Kitchen Note: Use a thermometer or clear doneness cue so the center stays juicy.

Katy’s Kitchen Tips

  • Season before cooking.
  • Use even pieces when possible.
  • Avoid crowding the pan, tray, or air fryer basket.
  • Rest meat briefly before slicing.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Herb finish: Add parsley, cilantro, dill, basil, or chives.
  • Spicier version: Increase chili, cayenne, black pepper, or hot sauce.
  • Saucy version: Serve with gravy, pan sauce, salsa, or yogurt sauce.
  • Meal prep: Use leftovers in bowls, wraps, salads, or sandwiches.

What to Serve With One-Pan Tuscan Chicken

Serve One-Pan Tuscan Chicken with potatoes, rice, pasta, salad, roasted vegetables, or bread.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.

Reheat gently so the center stays tender and the sauce does not dry out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking: Lean meat and seafood dry out quickly.
  • Uneven pieces: Different sizes cook at different speeds.
  • No rest time: Meat slices cleaner and juicier after a short rest.
  • Crowding: Crowding traps steam and slows browning.

FAQ

Can I make One-Pan Tuscan Chicken ahead?

Yes. Prep or cook ahead, then reheat gently or finish close to serving.

How do I know it is done?

Use the time range plus a thermometer or the doneness sign in the method.

Can I change the seasoning?

Yes. Adjust herbs, spices, heat, or sauce to match your meal.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers airtight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 612 cal
  • Carbohydrates: 10.0 g
  • Fiber: 1.9 g
  • Protein: 44.6 g
  • Sodium: 728.3 mg
  • Sugar: 3.1 g
  • Fat: 44.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20.6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.0 g