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Creamy Tuscan Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe with Parmesan Rice

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Butter Chicken - featured image

This easy one-pan dinner features juicy chicken breasts in a creamy Tuscan garlic butter sauce, served over rich Parmesan rice. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil and drained)
  • 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (for sauce)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (divided for rice and sauce)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine or basmati)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
  • 2 tbsp butter (for rice)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for rice)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Stir in chopped spinach and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Cook until spinach is wilted and cheese is melted, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt/pepper as needed.
  6. Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Simmer on low for another 3-5 minutes.
  7. Meanwhile, combine rice and 2 cups chicken broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  8. Remove rice from heat. Stir in 2 tbsp butter and remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan. Fluff with fork.
  9. Serve: Spoon Parmesan rice onto plates, top with chicken and sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for best results. Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal melting and flavor. If sauce thickens too much, loosen with a splash of broth or cream. For gluten-free, use GF flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and coconut cream. Rice can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of broth or butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, garlic butter chicken, Parmesan rice, one-pan dinner, creamy chicken, Italian chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, comfort food