Tuscan Baked Chicken: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Dinner

Tuscan Baked Chicken: Prepare to be transported to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany with this incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple recipe! Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with the bright, herbaceous aromas of rosemary, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of this particular baked chicken preparation are difficult to pinpoint, the essence of Tuscan cuisine lies in its celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients and rustic, uncomplicated cooking methods. For generations, Tuscan families have relied on simple techniques to create dishes bursting with flavor, and this recipe is a perfect example of that philosophy. It embodies the spirit of “cucina povera,” where resourcefulness and a deep respect for ingredients result in culinary masterpieces.

What makes Tuscan Baked Chicken so universally loved? It’s the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence. The one-pan preparation minimizes cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights, while the vibrant flavors elevate it to a dish worthy of a weekend gathering. The chicken emerges from the oven incredibly moist and tender, infused with the savory goodness of the Tuscan-inspired ingredients. The combination of the juicy chicken, the slightly chewy sun-dried tomatoes, and the fragrant herbs creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), giblets removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting that beautiful, crispy skin on the chicken. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you even think about putting the chicken in!
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely in the oven. Season the inside cavity generously with salt and pepper. Trust me, this step is important for flavorful meat.
3. Prepare the vegetables: While the oven is preheating, chop the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. I like to chop the onion into medium-sized pieces and mince the garlic finely. For the bell peppers, I aim for roughly the same size as the onion so everything cooks evenly.

Sautéing the Aromatics

1. Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal, but any large skillet that can go in the oven will work), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add the garlic and bell peppers: Add the minced garlic and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the peppers are slightly softened and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Building the Tuscan Sauce

1. Add the tomatoes and beans: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and rinsed cannellini beans. Stir to combine.
2. Deglaze with white wine: Pour in the dry white wine. Let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds a ton of flavor to the sauce!
3. Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the chicken broth, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as needed.
4. Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is important for developing a rich and flavorful sauce.

Baking the Chicken

1. Place the chicken in the skillet: Nestle the whole chicken in the center of the skillet, on top of the Tuscan sauce. Make sure the chicken is sitting comfortably and surrounded by the sauce.
2. Season the chicken: Drizzle the chicken with a little more olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. This will help the skin crisp up and become golden brown.
3. Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a fork or meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Basting (Optional but Recommended): About halfway through the baking time (around 45 minutes), baste the chicken with the sauce from the skillet. This helps keep the chicken moist and adds flavor. You can baste it again a few times during the remaining baking time if you like.
5. Check for doneness: The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, being careful not to touch the bone. If the temperature is below 165°F (74°C), continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
6. Broil for extra crispness (Optional): If you want the skin to be extra crispy, you can broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning! Broil for just 2-3 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Resting and Serving

1. Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. Carve the chicken: Carve the chicken and arrange it on a platter. Spoon the Tuscan sauce and beans over the chicken.
3. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired. The lemon adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the richness of the dish.

Tips for Success

• Use a good quality chicken: The better the quality of the chicken, the better the flavor of the dish. Look for a chicken that is plump and has a good color.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Make sure the chicken has enough room in the skillet so that it can cook evenly. If your skillet is too small, you may need to use two skillets or bake the chicken in a roasting pan.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and other spices to your liking.
• Add other vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the skillet, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini. Just be sure to chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
• Serve with crusty bread: This dish is delicious served with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the Tuscan sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake the chicken, simply pour the sauce into the skillet and proceed with the recipe.

Variations

• Spicy Tuscan Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier dish. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese to the sauce at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier dish.
• Tuscan Chicken with Spinach: Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. The spinach will wilt down and add a boost of nutrients.
• Tuscan Chicken with Sausage: Add some Italian sausage to the skillet along with the onions and garlic. Brown the sausage before adding the other ingredients.
• Tuscan Chicken with Potatoes: Add diced potatoes to the skillet along with the onions and garlic. The potatoes will cook in the sauce and become tender and flavorful.

Conclusion:

This Tuscan Baked Chicken recipe isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy with every single bite. The combination of juicy, tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and creamy sauce creates a symphony of tastes that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible flavor, it’s also surprisingly easy to make. We’re talking minimal prep time and mostly hands-off baking, which means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creation. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The aroma alone will have everyone’s mouths watering!

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. I personally love serving this Tuscan Baked Chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. You could also pair it with some roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a complete and balanced meal. For a lighter option, try serving it with a simple salad and some crusty bread for dipping.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Want to add a little heat? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Prefer a different type of cheese? Feel free to substitute the mozzarella with provolone or Parmesan. You could even add some spinach or artichoke hearts to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients. The possibilities are endless!

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. That’s the beauty of cooking, right? It’s all about creating something that you and your loved ones will enjoy. I’ve made this dish countless times, and I’m always finding new ways to tweak it and make it even better.

Ready to embark on your Tuscan culinary adventure?

I truly believe that this Tuscan Baked Chicken recipe is a winner. It’s easy, flavorful, and versatile, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a taste of Italy in your own kitchen.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I’m sure other readers would love to hear your thoughts as well. Happy cooking!