While I have discussed my preference for chicken breasts vs thighs for most of my recipes, this is one of my exceptions. I use chicken thighs in this creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe for extra flavor. The mix richness of the cream and parmesan is so divine — and this one pot meal is so simple to make yet is like bring transported to the coast of Italy!
When buying chicken thighs, go for the organic and grass-fed whenever possible. Since the thighs are fattier than chicken breast – and the fat is where a lot of what the chicken eats can hang around, you want it to be as clean as possible. This is why I normally prefer chicken breast, but for this recipe, the meatier flavor of the thighs combined with a little more fat, and then with the creamy sauce comes together very nicely. Serve this with low carb pasta or cauliflower rice because you want something to soak in the creamy Tuscan chicken sauce – it’s so good I could drink it!
I like to use a cast iron skillet for this dish – you can use a regular skillet, however I find cast iron creates a nicer “crust” on the chicken – and I serve this straight from the stove to the table, and the cast iron is nice for presentation (and clean up too!). Cast iron last forever also – my Lodge 10-inch cast iron skillet is used practically daily for a decade and is like the day I got it — no other skillet compares!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 1 tsp Ac’cent Flavor Enhancer
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Sauce:
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup chicken bone broth or white wine
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- ½ tsp Ac’cent Flavor Enhancer
- ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a touch of heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides of the thighs with Ac’cent Flavor Enhancer, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. (It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.)
Make the Sauce Base:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute.
Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the Ac’cent Flavor Enhancer, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sauce is smooth.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Add the Spinach:
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Simmer the Chicken:
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some sauce over the top.
- Simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Serve:
- Plate the chicken thighs with the creamy sauce and serve with zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash, or a simple green salad. Spoon extra sauce over the top for added flavor.
Video
@watchlolita Say hello to your new favorite chicken recipe 🍗✨ These Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs are rich, savory, and packed with flavor thanks to my secret ingredient: Ac’cent Flavor Enhancer. With 60% less sodium than salt, Ac’cent brings out the natural umami of every bite without overpowering it. This dish feels like a restaurant-quality meal but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Find Ac’cent in the seasoning aisle at your local grocer or online, and trust me—your cooking will never be the same! 😍 #sponsored #AccentYourMeals #FlavorfulCooking #LowSodium #umami #ChickenRecipes #EasyDinners #WeeknightMeals #30minutemeals ♬ original sound – Lolita 🦋
Notes
Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness.
If the sauce thickens too much while simmering, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and a pop of freshness.
