Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting and luxurious about creamy baked chicken dishes. The aroma of garlic and herbs wafting from the oven, the tender juiciness of well-cooked chicken, the silky richness of cream mingling with cheese, and the vibrant color of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach—it all comes together in one deeply satisfying experience. This Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken with Mozzarella is a dish that checks every box: flavor, texture, elegance, and ease.

Rooted in the flavors of central Italy, this recipe draws inspiration from the sun-soaked landscapes of Tuscany—where rustic simplicity meets bold Mediterranean ingredients. While not a traditional Tuscan recipe in the strictest regional sense, it captures the spirit of the cuisine: fresh ingredients, robust flavors, and heartwarming presentation. This is modern comfort food with a touch of Italian charm—familiar enough to be crowd-pleasing, but refined enough to serve on special occasions.

So, what makes this recipe stand out?

It’s the combination of rich and creamy textures with the contrast of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, earthy spinach, and perfectly melted mozzarella that truly elevates this dish. The chicken is seared for flavor, then baked in a luxurious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce until it’s tender, juicy, and infused with flavor. Mozzarella adds a stretchy, gooey element that melts right into the sauce, creating a harmony of textures that cling to every bite.

But despite its decadence, this recipe is surprisingly approachable. You don’t need advanced skills or specialty equipment—just a solid skillet, a baking dish, and the willingness to slow down and enjoy the process. In fact, it’s this very combination of simplicity and elegance that makes this dish so memorable. It feels indulgent, but it’s totally doable, even on a weeknight.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner, a romantic home-cooked meal, or an impressive entrée for your next dinner party, this Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken delivers every time. Pair it with pasta, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s guaranteed to impress.

Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken with Mozzarella

Step-by-Step Detailed Instructions

Section 1: Ingredients & Preparation

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This dish relies on richness and flavor balance, so each component counts.

Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option)

• Salt and black pepper, to season

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Cream Sauce Base:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated

• 1 cup heavy cream (or double cream)

• ½ cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best texture)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle heat)

Vegetables & Add-Ins:

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and sliced)

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped or whole)

• 1½ cups shredded or sliced mozzarella (low-moisture, part-skim recommended)

• Optional: chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Section 2: Prepping the Chicken

Step 2: Trim and Flatten the Chicken (If Needed)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be uneven in thickness, which leads to uneven cooking. Flattening them slightly ensures even baking.

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.

2. Use a meat mallet, rolling pin, or flat pan bottom to pound the thickest part until each breast is about ¾ inch thick.

3. Pat dry with paper towels. This helps the sear and reduces excess moisture in the sauce.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Proper seasoning is key before searing.

Instructions:

1. Generously season both sides of the chicken with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. Optional: add a light sprinkle of garlic powder and paprika for extra depth.

Section 3: Searing the Chicken

Step 4: Sear for Flavor (Not Fully Cooked)

This step builds flavor and texture. You’re not cooking the chicken through here — just browning the exterior.

Instructions:

1. Preheat a large, oven-safe skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat.

2. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter.

3. When hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan — work in batches if needed.

4. Sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. It should release easily from the pan when ready to flip.

5. Remove seared chicken and set aside on a plate. It will finish cooking in the oven.

Section 4: Making the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Now you’ll use the flavorful fond (the browned bits left in the pan) to create a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce.

Instructions:

1. Lower heat to medium.

2. If the pan looks dry, add a drizzle of olive oil or a small knob of butter.

3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let it brown or burn.

4. Deglaze the pan with ½ cup chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom.

5. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, followed by:

   • ½ cup grated Parmesan

   • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

   • Red pepper flakes (optional)

6. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly — about 4–5 minutes.

Step 6: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

These ingredients add bold flavor and color contrast.

Instructions:

1. Stir in sliced sun-dried tomatoes and allow them to warm through — about 1 minute.

2. Add chopped fresh spinach, a handful at a time, stirring to wilt into the sauce.

3. Taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash more cream if too thick.

Section 5: Assembly and Baking

Step 7: Layer and Bake the Dish

Now it all comes together.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece.

3. Top each piece of chicken with mozzarella. You can use:

   • Shredded mozzarella for even coverage

   • Thick slices for dramatic, melty topping

4. Transfer the skillet to the oven (or transfer contents to a baking dish if needed).

Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

This final bake infuses the chicken with sauce and melts the mozzarella.

Instructions:

1. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until:

   • The internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C)

   • The cheese is fully melted and slightly golden

2. For a golden-brown top, broil the dish for the last 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Section 6: Resting, Garnishing, and Serving

Step 9: Rest the Dish Briefly

Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This allows juices to redistribute and thickens the sauce slightly for better serving.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

A simple garnish adds freshness and visual appeal.

Instructions:

• Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley.

• Serve with your chosen side (see below for ideas).

Section 7: Pairing and Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich, so pairing it with something fresh or simple helps balance the meal.

Great Side Pairings:

• Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or orzo tossed in olive oil or butter)

• Garlic mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash

• Steamed vegetables (broccoli, green beans, asparagus)

• Crusty bread (to mop up that sauce)

• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette