Creamy Tuscan-Style Chicken Skillet
Why this recipe works
- Built-in depth: Searing the chicken first leaves browned bits in the pan, which are lifted into the stock and cream to create a more savoury sauce.
- Glossy cream sauce: Double cream and Parmesan thicken gently into a sauce that clings to the chicken without needing a separate roux.
- Rich but balanced: Sun-dried tomatoes bring concentrated sweetness and acidity, keeping the creamy sauce from feeling too heavy.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- Keep the sauce gentle: After adding the double cream, avoid a hard boil. A gentle simmer helps the sauce stay smooth and glossy.
- Cook the chicken evenly: Flattening thicker parts of the chicken before searing helps the breasts cook at the same rate and stay tender.
- Thicken with Parmesan: Stir the Parmesan in off the heat so it melts smoothly and helps the sauce cling to the chicken.
Ingredient notes
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes give concentrated sweet-savoury flavour and small bursts of texture throughout the sauce.
- Cream choice: Double cream gives the fullest, most stable sauce; lighter cooking cream can work but may need a little longer to reduce.
- Season after the cheese: Parmesan adds salt as well as body, so taste the sauce after it has melted before adding more seasoning.
Ingredient swaps
- Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make a juicier version; simmer them a little longer until cooked through.
- Dairy-free adaptation: For a dairy-free version, use a suitable dairy-free cream alternative and a dairy-free hard cheese substitute, noting the sauce may be less rich.
- Sharper cheese finish: Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a saltier, more assertive finish.
Serving ideas
- Best starches: Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice or crusty bread so the creamy tomato sauce is not wasted.
- Fresh finish: A little extra grated Parmesan and black pepper work well at the table.
- Wine pairing: Choose a crisp white wine or a light, savoury red to balance the cream and Parmesan.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry, then season all over with the fine sea salt and black pepper. Peel and finely grate the garlic. Roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes and grate the parmesan.
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden, then transfer to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic to the pan. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Pour in the chicken stock and scrape up any browned bits from the base of the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the double cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Return the chicken (and any resting juices) to the pan and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce lightly thickens.
- Add the spinach in handfuls, stirring until just wilted. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the parmesan until melted and glossy. Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt and pepper if needed, then spoon the sauce over the chicken to serve.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For even cooking, lightly flatten thicker parts of the chicken so each breast is a similar thickness before searing.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after adding the double cream so it stays smooth and does not split.
- If serving vulnerable groups, make sure the chicken is piping hot throughout before serving.
Substitutions
- Replace Chicken breast with Chicken thighs boneless skinless for a juicier result; simmer for a few minutes longer until cooked through.
- Replace Double cream with Cooking cream for a lighter sauce; simmer a little longer to thicken.
- Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano cheese for a saltier, sharper finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a frying pan over low heat with a splash of chicken stock to loosen the sauce, until piping hot; avoid boiling.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 35min (30min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
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Allergens:
Milk
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