Description
This Indulgent Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken pieces smothered in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines simple ingredients with irresistible Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Can substitute with chicken thighs)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Adjust to preference)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Use fresh herbs if available)
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can substitute with avocado oil)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Freshly minced)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Half-and-half can be used)
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Can substitute with fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast can be used as a dairy-free option)
- 2 cups Baby Spinach (Kale or Swiss chard can be used as alternatives)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
- 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Basil or Parsley (For garnishing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure the chicken is well-flavored.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add freshly minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, to release the rich garlic aroma.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pepper Flakes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes along with the optional red pepper flakes and cook for 1-2 minutes to soften the tomatoes and infuse the sauce with a slight heat.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, allowing it to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Then whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Spinach and Combine: Toss in the baby spinach and cook until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Adjust and Garnish: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt or pepper. Serve the chicken bites garnished with chopped fresh basil or parsley to add a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
Notes
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated flavor but fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers are good substitutes if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit if sensitive to spice.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
