Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs
Juicy chicken thighs are seared until golden and simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a comforting, one-pan Tuscan-inspired dinner. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions and is sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (packed in oil, drained)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
- Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan. Mix until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return chicken thighs to the pan, skin side up. Spoon sauce over each thigh. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Remove lid. Add baby spinach and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve chicken and sauce hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and vegan parmesan. Use boneless, skinless thighs for faster cooking. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth. For extra crispy skin, broil chicken briefly before serving. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy garlic chicken, one pan dinner, Italian chicken thighs, easy skillet chicken, comfort food, family dinner, gluten-free, low carb, weeknight meal