Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Rice

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Rice is a cozy, flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with creamy Parmesan rice, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. It’s rich, hearty, and bursting with Italian-inspired flavor perfect for family dinners or meal prep!

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
• 1½ lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4–5 pieces)
• 1½ tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ tsp. paprika
• ⅛ tsp. black pepper

For the Rice and Sauce:

• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• ½ white onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup U.S.-grown long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped and oil drained
• 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly torn or chopped
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice (plus more for serving)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the Chicken
   Rub the chicken thighs with 1 Tbsp. olive oil, then season all over with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
3. Sear the Chicken
   Heat the remaining 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the Aromatics
   In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the onion and a pinch of salt, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Cook the Rice Base
   Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat with the butter and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
6. Add Creamy Mixture and Vegetables
   Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
7. Bake the Dish
   Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the rice mixture. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is fully cooked.
8. Finish and Serve
   Remove from the oven, uncover, and fluff the rice. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve warm.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan wonder: Easy cleanup and minimal dishes.
• Creamy and comforting: A luxurious sauce that’s not too heavy.
• Perfectly balanced flavors: Savory chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach come together beautifully.
• Family favorite: Hearty and satisfying for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Tips

• Use a cast iron or oven-safe skillet so you can go straight from stovetop to oven.
• Don’t overcook the chicken — use a meat thermometer for perfectly juicy thighs.
• Grate your own Parmesan for the best flavor and melting texture.
• Adjust creaminess by adding a splash of broth after baking if the rice thickens too much.
• Add lemon juice last to keep the flavor bright and fresh.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein options: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or shrimp (adjust cooking time).
• Dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Rice alternatives: Try brown rice or orzo pasta — just adjust the cooking liquid and time.
• Vegetables: Add mushrooms, kale, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for more variety.
• Cheese: Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely. Just sear and bake them for slightly less time to prevent drying out.

Q: Can I make it without baking?
A: You can finish cooking it covered on the stovetop over low heat until the rice is done, about 20–25 minutes.

Q: How can I make it lighter?
A: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.

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Serving

Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and parsley. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A slice of warm garlic bread also complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

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Suggestions

• Drizzle with extra olive oil before serving for a glossy finish.
• Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• For meal prep, divide into containers — it reheats beautifully for quick weekday lunches.