Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that brings the rustic flavors of Tuscany right to your kitchen. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser; it combines juicy chicken with creamy cheeses and fresh vegetables, making it a hearty meal that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Why We Love This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe
There’s an undeniable charm in a casserole that warms both the heart and the belly. This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is not just another chicken recipe; it’s an experience. The blend of creamy textures and savory ingredients invites you to take a bite and savor each mouthful. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to whip together, yet its robust flavors elevate any dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining guests, this dish promises to impress. It brings together the goodness of chicken, the tang of sun-dried tomatoes, and the freshness of spinach, all wrapped in a creamy sauce that creates an irresistible bite—it’s no wonder this recipe has secured its place in our hearts.
Ingredients about Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
- 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
List of ingredients with measurements
- Chicken breasts: 2 large, halved horizontally
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Onion powder: 1 tsp
- Paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Italian seasoning: 1 tsp
- Cream cheese: 4 oz, softened
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, divided
- Sun-dried tomatoes: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Oil from the sun-dried tomato jar: 1 tbsp
- Fresh spinach: 1 1/2 cups, roughly chopped
How to Make Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Directions
To begin creating your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures a well-cooked dish once you’re ready to pop it in. Next, take your large chicken breasts and slice them in half horizontally. This not only helps with even cooking but also makes the chicken pieces more manageable for serving. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides, giving them a nice flavor base.
Now, grab a greased baking dish and arrange the seasoned chicken pieces inside it, ensuring they fit comfortably without overcrowding. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to beat the two together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Now is when you add the flavor boosters: stir in the onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. This creamy concoction is what will coat your chicken beautifully.
Carefully pour this creamy mixture over the chicken in the baking dish, making sure each piece is well-coated. This will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful as it bakes. Drizzle the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar over the top for an extra punch of flavor. Next, sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly across the dish, adding a beautiful color and zesty taste. To keep everything perfect while baking, cover the dish with foil and place it in your preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, it’s time to unveil your casserole. Take off the foil, allowing the top to brown slightly and air out. This is where the magic happens! Add the fresh spinach over the chicken and creamy mixture; it will wilt beautifully during the final bake. Then, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, letting it melt into a golden, bubbly layer. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is irresistibly melted. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
How to Serve Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
Once your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is out of the oven, you need to let it rest for a few moments. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. You can serve this casserole straight from the baking dish, offering a rustic touch to your meal. Pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
For a family-style dinner, place heaping scoops onto plates and garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan cheese. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving this dish as part of a buffet spread. It’s easy to keep warm in the oven until guests are ready to dig in. Feel free to add a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. This casserole is versatile enough to accommodate your personal touch, so have fun with it!
Expert Tips: Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
To ensure your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to consider. First, choose chicken breasts of equal thickness to promote even cooking. If your chicken pieces vary in size, consider pounding them gently to create a uniform thickness.
When it comes to the cream cheese, make sure it’s softened to room temperature. This will make it much easier to mix with the heavy cream, leading to a smoother consistency. If you can, use fresh spinach; however, frozen spinach can also work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the casserole.
If you prefer a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy mixture or sprinkle some on top before serving. Finally, don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Personalizing this recipe is all part of the fun, so let your kitchen creativity shine!
How to Store Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
If you happen to have leftovers after your delicious meal, you can store your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole with ease. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, your casserole will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it instead. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool and then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can safely be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover casserole, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven until it’s warmed throughout.
Variation of Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
There’s plenty of room for creativity with this Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole recipe. If you want to experiment, consider adding additional veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would complement the flavors beautifully. You can also substitute the chicken for turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian twist, making it a great option for different dietary preferences.
For a little zing, think about incorporating artichoke hearts or olives, which are commonly found in Tuscan cuisine. If you’re a fan of different cheese varieties, you might experiment with different cheeses like feta or Gouda. Each variation can add its own unique flavor profile to the casserole, allowing you to enjoy it in new ways!
FAQ
What is Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?
Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a creamy, savory dish made with chicken, cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all baked to perfection.
How long does it take to cook Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?
This casserole usually needs about 30 minutes to cook—20 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered.
Can I make Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Simply increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Is Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as written. Always double-check the ingredients used to ensure they are gluten-free if necessary.
Can I use frozen chicken for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe. However, if using frozen chicken breasts, the cooking time will increase significantly—be sure to check that the chicken is cooked through.
Feel free to delve into this enticing dish, and enjoy the wonderful flavors it brings to your table!
Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally Choose breasts of equal thickness
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened Make sure it is at room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
- 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped Fresh is preferred but frozen can be used
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Halve the chicken breasts horizontally and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Grease a baking dish and arrange the seasoned chicken pieces inside.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
- Stir in onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the cream mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Drizzle oil from the sun-dried tomato jar over the chicken and sprinkle evenly with chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Final Baking
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and add fresh spinach over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Return the dish to the oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and cheese is melted.
Serving
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve directly from the baking dish with a salad or crusty bread.
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