Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Rich in nutrients, this hearty dish is the main course for a midweek dinner or hosting duties for a special gathering. Garlic, shallots, spinach, tomatoes, and pastured chicken pack in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein to keep your cells functioning optimally. Hoping to make it a gluten-free or paleo meal? Check out Allison’s tips below the recipe!

 

Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Recipe and Photo by Allison Schaaf | Prep Dish

US Wellness Shopping List: Pasture-raised Chicken Breast, Chicken Stock/Broth, Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 garlic cloves

• 1 shallot

• 1 1/2 cups spinach

• 1 1/2 lb. chicken breasts

• 1/2 cup heavy cream* (optional)

• 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil*

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup orzo (optional)

• 2 tsp dijon

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 T olive oil

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

• 1T butter

 

Instructions:

1. Cook 1 cup orzo (optional) according to package directions.
2. Mince 4 cloves of garlic.
3. Chop 1 shallot.
4. Cut 1½ pounds of chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Sprinkle chicken breasts on both sides w/ salt.
5. Heat 2T olive oil in a large skillet over med-high heat. Brown chicken for 6-7 mins on each side and remove from the pan.
6. Add 1 chopped shallot and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pan and cook, stirring, for about 2 mins.
7. Add 4 oz drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 tsp Dijon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
8. Stir in ~1½ cups spinach. Top mixture w/ chicken breasts cover and simmer for ~3-5 mins until chicken is cooked through.
9. Serve chicken and sauce over top of orzo, if using.
10. Place chicken side down. Cook ~12 min, flip and repeat until both sides are crispy and brown. Remove chicken & set aside.
11. Add 1T butter and 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Cook ~1 min. Add 1/2c chicken broth and 1tsp lemon juice.
12. Reduce to medium-low and add the chicken back to the skillet. Cook 5-10 min until chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
13. Remove chicken from pan.
14. Add 10oz spinach to sauce in skillet, and cook over medium until wilted. Add S&P to taste and top with bacon crumbles.

 

Modification Tips 

My healthy Tuscan chicken is delicious as-is, but if you need to make it gluten-free, paleo, etc., I’m here for you! Here are some tips on customizing this recipe to make it work for you:

Make it Gluten-Free

If you can’t find gluten-free orzo at your local grocery store, you can buy it online here! Feel free to sub a different small pasta, like gluten-free macaroni noodles, instead.

Make it Paleo

You have a few options for making this Tuscan chicken paleo. First, you can try this grain-free, paleo-friendly orzo, made from casava. You can also simply omit the orzo and enjoy the chicken on its own. Finally, feel free to serve over cauli rice!

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

If you can only find dry sun dried tomatoes, not the kind in oil, you can make that work! Cover the sun dried tomatoes with water or broth and microwave for 2 minutes. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, drain and then use as you would the oil-packed sun dried tomatoes!

Sub for Orzo

Orzo is delicious here, but, as you cook the orzo separately rather than all in one pot, you can easily serve the chicken and sauce over a different type of pasta or even a different grain. Serve over spaghetti, rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, etc. Feel free to raid your pantry for what you already have!

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Prep Dish Recipe: (https://prepdish.com/recipes/creamy-garlic-tuscan-chicken/)

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