Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe

Craving a dish that’s rich, comforting, and loaded with Mediterranean flavors? This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is the perfect recipe for you! Creamy and cheesy, with tender chicken, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a garlicky, flavorful sauce, this casserole is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also a one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy nights or a cozy family dinner. Read on for the full recipe, variations, and helpful tips to make this delicious Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole a hit!

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What Is Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a hearty, creamy dish that combines tender chicken with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic, all baked together in a luscious cream sauce. The dish is then topped with cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s perfect served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes and is packed with flavor while being easy to make in just one baking dish.

Ingredients List for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6-8 chicken thighs)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is highly adaptable! Here are some great substitution and variation ideas to fit your preferences:

• Chicken options: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture, or use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
• Vegetable variations: Add mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for more texture and flavor.
• Cheese alternatives: Swap mozzarella with shredded provolone or fontina cheese for a different cheesy flavor. You can also add extra Parmesan for more richness.
• Gluten-free option: This dish is naturally gluten-free, but ensure any broth or other ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.

These variations make it easy to adapt the recipe to your preferences or dietary needs while keeping it delicious.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making this easy and flavorful Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Add the fresh spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts down, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thawed and squeezed dry before adding.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce with the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-covered. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, crispy top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes and enjoy!

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

Here’s a quick summary of the steps to make Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden brown, then set aside.
3. Sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet.
4. Make the creamy sauce by simmering cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce and stir until wilted.
6. Assemble the casserole: place chicken in the baking dish and pour the creamy sauce over it.
7. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Overcooking the chicken: Be sure to only sear the chicken until golden brown, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Overcooked chicken can become dry.
• Not letting the sauce thicken: Simmer the cream and Parmesan sauce long enough for it to thicken slightly before baking, as this will ensure a creamy consistency in the casserole.
• Not draining sun-dried tomatoes: If you’re using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, make sure to drain them well to avoid making the casserole too oily.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a rustic, comforting dish, but you can still make it look beautiful on the table!

How to Serve Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or crusty bread on the side is also a fantastic option to soak up the creamy sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for color and freshness.
• Serve family-style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a warm, inviting, family-style dinner.
• Add a side: Pair with a simple salad or roasted veggies for a more balanced meal.

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few helpful tips to make your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole extra special:

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
• Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will work great in this recipe and tend to stay juicier during baking.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I freeze Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish, freeze it before baking, and then thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

4. How long does Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole last in the fridge?
The casserole will last for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

5. How do I reheat Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?
You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with creamy flavors, tender chicken, and savory sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that works perfectly for a cozy family dinner or when you’re entertaining guests. The best part? It’s quick to assemble and bake, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal that will satisfy everyone.

So, gather your ingredients and whip up this comforting Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole tonight! It’s sure to become a family favorite!

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