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Savory Tuscan Cream Sauce Chicken Thighs with Spinach

Tuscan cream sauce chicken thighs - featured image

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy Tuscan sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. A quick and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil preferred)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (25 g)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry chicken thighs with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook without moving for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Add fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir occasionally as it wilts down to a vibrant green, about 2-3 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Return chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, sprinkle more Parmesan or fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Use medium-high heat for browning and do not rush flipping. Stir sauce gently to maintain silky texture. Brown chicken ahead of time and refrigerate if desired. Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor; rehydrate dry ones if needed. Parmesan cheese is essential for depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy chicken thighs, spinach chicken recipe, sun-dried tomato sauce, easy chicken dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food