Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish inspired by the rustic flavors of Italy’s Tuscany region. This comforting casserole brings together tender chicken, creamy cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and herbs, all baked together to create a rich and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking to serve it to guests at a dinner party or preparing a family-friendly weeknight dinner, this casserole is bound to become a favorite.

The beauty of a casserole is its versatility, and this Tuscan-inspired version gives you the chance to bring together fresh, healthy ingredients that deliver big on flavor. The richness of the sauce contrasts beautifully with the earthy flavor of the spinach and the tender, juicy chicken.

In this recipe, we will be focusing on a creamy, cheesy sauce made with a combination of cream cheese, Parmesan, and a touch of garlic. It’s topped with mozzarella cheese and baked until golden and bubbly, giving you the ultimate comfort food experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken

To begin with, we’ll prepare the chicken breasts (or thighs) for this casserole.

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

3. Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled slightly, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. Set aside until ready to assemble the casserole.

2. Making the Tuscan Sauce

This rich and creamy sauce will bring the casserole to life. Follow these steps to create a flavorful base for the casserole.

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

2. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and infuse their flavors into the garlic and butter.

3. Deglaze with Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any browned bits off the bottom. Allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Add the Cream and Cream Cheese: Slowly add the heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version) and cream cheese. Stir constantly to incorporate the cream cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

5. Season the Sauce: Add the Parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Let the sauce simmer on low for 5-7 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.

6. Taste and Adjust: At this point, taste the sauce. If you want it richer, you can add more Parmesan cheese, or if you prefer it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.

3. Assembling the Casserole

Now that the chicken is cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to put the casserole together.

1. Prepare the Spinach: While the sauce is simmering, wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. If you like, you can wilt the spinach in the pan with a little olive oil for a couple of minutes. Otherwise, add the fresh spinach directly into the casserole as is. The heat from the sauce will cook the spinach just enough.

2. Layer the Ingredients: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the Tuscan sauce on the bottom. Then layer in the sliced chicken, followed by the spinach. Pour the remaining sauce over the top, making sure everything is well coated.

3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese for a nice, crispy topping.

4. Bake: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. If you like a more golden top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch it closely to avoid burning.

4. Serving and Garnishing

1. Garnish: After removing the casserole from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

2. Serve: Serve the casserole with a side of crusty bread, a light salad, or some roasted vegetables. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine or a fruity red like a Chianti.

Tips for Success

• Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer using thighs instead of breasts, that’s perfectly fine. Chicken thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful, and they work well in this casserole.
• Cream Cheese Substitution: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese for a slightly different texture, though the flavor will be similar.
• Make it Lighter: You can lighten the recipe by using lower-fat versions of cream cheese and heavy cream or substituting with Greek yogurt for a creamy texture without all the calories.
• Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from the fridge.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen either before baking or after baking. To freeze before baking, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as instructed. For a baked casserole, simply reheat in the oven until heated through.

Variations to Try

1. Add Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the casserole, such as roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, to enhance the flavor and texture.
2. Spicy Version: If you like a little heat, try adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in some chopped jalapeños.
3. Low-Carb Version: Swap out the pasta or rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.

Conclusion

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is the epitome of comforting, flavorful dishes that are simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese make it a crowd-pleaser every time. You can also tailor it to your own preferences with the variations mentioned above, making it a versatile dish that can suit any taste. Serve it for dinner tonight and enjoy the rich flavors of Tuscany in your own home!

Yield: 6

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe

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Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish inspired by the rustic flavors of Italy’s Tuscany region. This comforting casserole brings together tender chicken, creamy cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and herbs, all baked together to create a rich and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking to serve it to guests at a dinner party or preparing a family-friendly weeknight dinner, this casserole is bound to become a favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil, chopped)
• 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to the skillet and cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. They don't need to be fully cooked, as they will bake in the casserole later.
   Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Make the Tuscan Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   Add the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   In a 9x13-inch casserole dish, arrange the partially cooked chicken breasts.
   Pour the Tuscan sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it covers the chicken evenly.
   Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and, if desired, add panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
   
5. Bake:
   Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the top is golden and bubbly.
   
6. Serve:
   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve!

Notes

• Chicken Variations: You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
• Creamy Sauce Adjustments: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a combination of Greek yogurt and chicken broth for a lower-fat sauce.
• Vegetables: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.
• Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead, covered, and refrigerated. Simply bake it when you're ready to serve. Add a few extra minutes to the cook time if baking from cold.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve this casserole with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to complete the meal.