Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked to crispy perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy sauce featuring garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting dish offers bold flavors and a velvety texture, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal that pleases the whole family.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking / Simmering
- Cuisine: Tuscan / Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken skin-side down until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté until fragrant and the tomatoes begin to soften, about 2-3 minutes, building the flavor base of the sauce.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently, then add the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens into a luscious, velvety consistency.
- Return Chicken to the Sauce: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, spooning sauce over each piece. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through fully while remaining tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is rich and bubbly, serve immediately with your favorite sides or garnishes.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a crisp, golden skin that locks in juices.
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for extra flavor and tenderness compared to boneless cuts.
- Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the creaminess better than pre-grated.
- Simmer the sauce gently to reach your desired creaminess without over-thickening.
- Add spinach near the end to preserve its vibrant color and fresh texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs, Tuscan Chicken, Creamy Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach, Italian Chicken, Gluten Free Dinner