This Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken is a creamy and easy recipe, which is made with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 30 minutes.
Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken Ingredients
A rich and simple one-pan wonder.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 80g (½ cup) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 200ml (1 cup) chicken stock
- 250ml (1 cup) double cream (heavy cream)
- 50g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 150g (5 cups) fresh spinach
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
How To Make Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken
Effortless elegance in a single pan.
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the Tuscan Sauce: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and dried oregano. Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 3 minutes.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the double cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Add the fresh spinach, a handful at a time, and let it wilt into the sauce, which should only take a couple of minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
For the most delicious results.
- How to get the most tender chicken? For extra tender chicken, you can place the breasts between two sheets of parchment paper and gently pound them to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly without drying out.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They may take a few minutes longer to cook through, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
- What if my sauce is too thin? If the sauce seems a little thin, simply let it simmer on low for a few extra minutes before adding the spinach. It will thicken as it reduces.
- What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use? Using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil is best, as they are softer and more flavourful. Be sure to drain them well before chopping.
What To Serve With Tuscan Chicken
Completing the perfect meal.
This creamy chicken dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it with:
- Freshly cooked tagliatelle or penne pasta
- Crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans or asparagus
- Fluffy white rice
How To Store Tuscan Chicken
Enjoying your leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over a low heat or in the microwave. The cream sauce may separate slightly upon reheating but will still be delicious.
Tuscan Chicken Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Sugar: 6 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
While this recipe is inspired by Mary Berry’s simple and reliable cooking style, it’s a classic Tuscan-style dish popular for its flavour and ease. The one-pan method and straightforward instructions are typical of her easy-to-follow recipes.
You can try substituting the double cream with a full-fat coconut cream and using a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. However, this will significantly change the flavour and texture of the final dish.
Certainly. Sliced mushrooms or quartered artichoke hearts would be a wonderful addition. Add the mushrooms with the onions, and stir in the artichoke hearts with the sun-dried tomatoes.
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Thai Style Salmon Traybake Recipe
- Mary Berry Lemon and Blueberry Traybake Recipe
- Mary Berry Chicken Traybake Recipe
Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Description
An easy, creamy, and incredibly flavourful one-pan Tuscan chicken dinner inspired by Mary Berry’s simple cooking style, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season and pan-fry the chicken breasts until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same pan, soften the onion and garlic.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, then deglaze with chicken stock.
- Reduce heat and stir in the double cream and Parmesan to create a smooth sauce.
- Return the chicken to the pan.
- Wilt in the fresh spinach.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook quickly and stay moist.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution and to prevent the sauce from catching.
- Don’t let the sauce boil after adding the cream and cheese to prevent it from splitting.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning right before serving for the best flavour.
