Baked Tuscan Chicken Bliss: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Hug Straight from the Oven!
Ingredients
Here’s everything I use, measured out with love:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
- ⅓ cup cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 8 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped, reserve 1 tbsp of oil from the jar
- Topping:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
I line it all up on my counter, and it’s like a Tuscan feast waiting to happen. This makes 4 hearty servings—perfect for sharing or savoring solo, depending on my mood. It’s my roadmap to creamy bliss. I always double-check my stash before I start—it’s my ritual to stay chill. Nothing’s worse than missing tomatoes mid-prep, right? Keeps me in the groove and ready to cook.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Let’s get warm—preheat the oven to 400°F and prep a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray (I love that slick start!). Set aside—ready for action (my kitchen’s buzzing with bake vibes!). It’s the cozy kickoff—pure baking magic!
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Slice 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts horizontally into thinner pieces—place in the dish (my heart races for that juicy prep!). Season with ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper—rub in 2 minced garlic cloves (my kitchen smells like Italy!). It’s the savory base—pure seasoned delight!
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, blend ⅓ cup softened cream cheese, ⅓ cup heavy cream, and 1 cup chopped spinach (I grin at that creamy mix!). Add 2 minced garlic cloves, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, and ¼ tsp chili powder—stir well (my heart races for that spice!). Mix in ⅓ cup grated parmesan and ½ cup shredded mozzarella—blend ‘til smooth (my kitchen’s a cheesy haven!). It’s the rich heart—pure creamy joy!
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Spread the creamy mix over the chicken—cover completely (I feel like an artist!). Top with 8 oz chopped sun-dried tomatoes—drizzle with 1 tbsp reserved oil (my heart races for that tang!). Sprinkle ¼ cup shredded mozzarella on top—make it cheesy (my kitchen smells like Tuscany!). It’s coming together—pure bake bliss!
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover with foil—bake 20 minutes (I love that steam hum!). It’s the tender step—pure juicy magic!
Step 6: Uncover and Finish
Remove foil—bake 15 minutes ‘til chicken hits 165°F and cheese melts (that first bite’s pure joy, and you made it happen!). Pull from oven—smells divine (my table’s a feast!). It’s the golden finish—pure cheesy delight!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley—serve hot (my kitchen’s a Tuscan dream!). Dig in—pure creamy joy!