Mary Berry's Tuscan Chicken Recipe

What is Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken Recipe?

Mary Berry’s Tuscan chicken is a rich and flavorful dish inspired by Italian cuisine. It features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic, creating a rustic and comforting meal. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests.

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What Goes Best with Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken Recipe?

This Tuscan chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Prepare Mary Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Prepare the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt in the sauce.
Return the chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more tender and juicy result.
Adjust the creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream based on your preference.
You can add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.

How to Serve Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Serve the Tuscan chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, with plenty of sauce on top. It’s delicious when paired with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance the creaminess.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Reheat the Tuscan chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.

How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and are often juicier than breasts.
Can I make Tuscan chicken dairy-free? You can substitute heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream.
How can I make this dish healthier? To make it lighter, you can use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe? Yes, feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes? You can replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes for a milder flavor.
Can I make Tuscan chicken in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance and reheat it gently on the stove when ready to serve.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? While fresh chicken is ideal, you can use pre-cooked chicken and add it to the sauce at the end, reducing the cooking time.
What’s the best pasta to serve with Tuscan chicken? Any long pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine works well. You can also use short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, sear the chicken first, then add it to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin? Simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to reduce it, or mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce to thicken.