Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe

Looking for a comforting yet elegant meal that’s easy to prepare? This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole recipe is the perfect choice! Combining tender chicken, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this casserole delivers all the delicious flavors of classic Tuscan cuisine in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish. Serve it with crusty bread, over pasta, or alongside a salad for a complete, satisfying dinner. Read on for the step-by-step recipe and tips to make this delicious dish!

What is Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, and savory dish inspired by the flavors of Tuscany. It typically features chicken breasts or thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses in a creamy sauce that’s baked to perfection. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy-sweet punch, while the spinach provides freshness and color. The creamy sauce, made with heavy cream or cream cheese, ensures every bite is packed with flavor. This casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner or a great option for a family gathering when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients List for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces or strips.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For browning the chicken.
3 garlic cloves, minced – Adds a delicious depth of flavor.
1 cup heavy cream – For the creamy base of the sauce.
1 cup chicken broth – Helps to thin out the sauce and adds flavor.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds gooey, cheesy goodness.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For a nutty, salty flavor.
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped – Adds a sweet and tangy punch.
2 cups fresh baby spinach – Adds color, nutrients, and freshness to the dish.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – To season the chicken and sauce.
1 teaspoon dried basil – For classic Italian flavor.
½ teaspoon paprika – Adds a subtle smoky note and color.
Salt and pepper – To taste.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish.

Ingredients List for Optional Add-Ins

If you’d like to enhance the flavor of your Tuscan Chicken Casserole, here are some optional ingredients you can add:

Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms sautéed with garlic add a rich, earthy flavor.
Artichoke hearts: For a Mediterranean twist, toss in some quartered artichoke hearts.
Red pepper flakes: For a bit of heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles can add extra flavor and crunch.

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is very versatile, and there are plenty of ways to adapt the recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs:

Chicken thighs instead of breasts: For a richer, juicier casserole, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Half-and-half instead of heavy cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still creamy.
Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and replace the cheese with a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Gluten-free option: This casserole is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check that your sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth are gluten-free if needed.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this flavorful Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole? Follow these simple steps:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or a little olive oil.

Prepare the Chicken:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and basil. Sear the chicken in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes, until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through (it will finish cooking in the oven). Remove the chicken and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach:

Stir the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach into the sauce. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Casserole:

Spread the partially cooked chicken pieces in the greased casserole dish. Pour the creamy sauce with the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach over the chicken. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top.

Bake the Casserole:

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes.

Garnish and Serve:

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

How to Cook Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

For easy reference, here’s a quick breakdown of the steps to make Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish.
Step 2: Sear the seasoned chicken until browned but not fully cooked.
Step 3: Make the creamy sauce with garlic, broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
Step 4: Combine the chicken and sauce in the casserole dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, then garnish and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole:

Overcooking the chicken: Since the chicken finishes cooking in the oven, avoid fully cooking it when searing. Browning the chicken on the stovetop helps develop flavor but prevents it from drying out in the oven.
Undercooking the sauce: Be sure to simmer the sauce long enough to thicken slightly. A watery sauce won’t hold up well in the casserole.
Not seasoning the chicken properly: Season both the chicken and the sauce to ensure the dish is flavorful throughout.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To elevate the presentation of your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole, try these tips:

Serve with pasta or rice: Pair the casserole with creamy mashed potatoes, fettuccine, or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Add fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve in the casserole dish: For a rustic, family-style presentation, serve the casserole directly from the baking dish at the table.

How to Serve Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

Here are a few serving ideas to make the most of this delicious casserole:

With pasta: Serve the chicken casserole over cooked pasta like penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti for a complete meal.
With mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect pairing for the rich sauce.
With crusty bread: Use slices of crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce.
With a fresh salad: Serve with a simple green salad or Caesar salad for a lighter, balanced meal.

Presentation Ideas for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

Want to make your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole look even more appealing? Try these presentation ideas:

Top with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or even rosemary gives the dish a beautiful, vibrant finish.
Lemon zest: For a citrusy burst, grate some lemon zest over the casserole before serving.
Use a cast iron skillet: If you have an oven-safe skillet, you can assemble and bake the casserole in the same skillet for a rustic, elegant presentation.

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

To make sure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Cook the chicken partially before baking: Searing the chicken first locks in flavor, but don’t cook it all the way through—this prevents the chicken from drying out.
Use fresh spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts perfectly in the sauce and adds color and nutrients. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture first.
For crispy edges, broil the casserole: To get a golden-brown, crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in

advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and then bake as directed.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, though the consistency will be less rich. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream substitute.

Conclusion

This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a creamy, flavorful, and hearty dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a special occasion. With its rich combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and cheese, all baked in a luscious sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare yet tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant!