When you crave something indulgent yet simple, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs check all the boxes. This Italian-inspired dish features juicy seared chicken thighs bathed in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and wilted spinach. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this flavorful one-skillet wonder is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Thanks to its bold ingredients and rich textures, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs have earned their spot in modern comfort food trends—bringing a taste of Tuscany straight to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs Recipe
- One-skillet magic – Easy cleanup and big flavor in just one pan.
- Rich and creamy – The sauce is luxuriously smooth with layers of garlic, cheese, and sun-dried tomato.
- Perfect for weeknights or date night – Elegant yet quick and simple.
- Customizable – Works with boneless or bone-in thighs, and you can tweak the spice and greens.
- Low-carb friendly – Naturally gluten-free and pairs well with keto sides.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs
- Chicken thighs – Juicy and flavorful, they hold up beautifully to slow simmering in cream sauce.
- Garlic – Adds a deep, aromatic base to the sauce.
- Heavy cream – The creamy backbone of the dish, creating a rich and luscious texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – Tangy and slightly sweet, they balance the richness of the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – Melts into the cream, creating a cheesy, savory flavor.
- Fresh spinach – Adds color, texture, and a nutritional boost.
- Italian seasoning – Brings in classic Mediterranean herbs and flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs
- Season & Sear the Chicken:
Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear them skin-side down in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and crispy, about 6–8 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the Garlic:
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Scrape up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. - Make the Creamy Base:
Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the pan. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. - Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spinach:
Stir in sliced sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Let the spinach wilt into the sauce. - Simmer the Chicken:
Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender. - Serve:
Spoon creamy sauce over the chicken and serve hot with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little heat.
- Swap the protein: Use boneless thighs or even chicken breasts if preferred.
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the cream for extra depth.
- Dairy-free version: Use full-fat coconut milk and vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free twist.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent the sauce from separating.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of rich, savory chicken dishes like these Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs, you’ll definitely want to try these other mouthwatering recipes from our collection:
- 🍗 Homemade KFC Chicken in the Oven – Enjoy crispy, juicy KFC-style chicken baked to perfection in your own kitchen.
- 🍳 Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet – A sizzling, buttery skillet chicken inspired by the flavors of Texas Roadhouse.
- 🍋 Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice – Tender chicken with garlicky, buttery scampi sauce over creamy Parmesan rice.
These recipes deliver big flavor with minimal fuss—perfect for busy nights or when you’re in the mood to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless thighs cook faster and are great for a quicker version of this dish. Reduce the simmering time accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
What can I serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs?
It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or low-carb options like cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze it, cream-based sauces may separate. If freezing, do so without the cream and add it fresh when reheating.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs are the ultimate comfort food—with tender chicken, rich sauce, and Mediterranean flair all in one skillet. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this dish is sure to win over hearts and taste buds alike. Ready to bring a taste of Tuscany to your kitchen? Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out in the comments!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and sliced
- 1½ cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 1 tbsp butter optional, for richness
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until golden and crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Flip and cook 4–5 more minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted.
- Return chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Serve hot with sauce spooned over top.