If you’ve been scrolling through chicken breast dinner ideas and want something that tastes straight out of a rustic Italian kitchen, this is it. This Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken with Mozzarella is everything: juicy chicken breasts smothered in a garlicky parmesan cream sauce, tossed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, then finished with melty mozzarella that bubbles beautifully in the oven. It’s like a warm hug in dinner form—and the best part? It totally fits into that list of healthy Tuscan chicken or Mediterranean chicken recipes you've been meaning to try. Whether you're craving Italian chicken dishes or looking to spice up your healthy chicken recipes rotation, this one checks all the boxes.
Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken with Mozzarella
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan This allows you to sear and bake in the same dish, but you can also sear in a regular pan and transfer to a baking dish.
Tongs or spatula For turning the chicken.
Cutting board & sharp knife. To prep your chicken and chop your garlic, spinach, and tomatoes.
Measuring cups & spoons For accurate ingredients, especially the cream and broth.
Aluminum foil Optional, to keep things warm after baking.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and sliced
- 1½ cups baby spinach packed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Preheat
the oven to 375°F.
Season the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry, then rub with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Sear for flavor
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden (don’t cook through yet). Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan. Let it simmer until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
Add the flavor boosters
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Let the spinach wilt.
Bring it all together
Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and sprinkle mozzarella evenly over each piece.
Bake to perfection
Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F) and the cheese is bubbly.
Finish and serve
Let it rest a couple minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.
Perfect Pairings
This tuscany chicken recipe goes beautifully with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or buttered orzo for something hearty
- Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb, healthy Tuscan chicken plate
- Crusty Italian bread to soak up all that sauce (seriously, don’t skip it)
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette if you’re leaning into Mediterranean diet recipes
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs will be juicier and work just as well. Adjust cook time slightly since thighs take a bit longer.
2. Is this a healthy Tuscan chicken recipe?
It’s indulgent but balanced. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even coconut cream for a lighter touch, and bulk it up with more spinach or mushrooms.
3. Can I make this as crock pot Tuscan chicken?
Absolutely! Sear the chicken first for flavor, then add all the ingredients (except the mozzarella) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours. Add cheese on top in the last 15–20 minutes so it melts.
4. Is this really a Mediterranean chicken recipe?
While Tuscan chicken isn’t traditionally Mediterranean, it’s inspired by the flavors—olive oil, spinach, tomatoes, garlic—which align with Mediterranean diet recipes.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve that creamy texture.
