One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken (Print Version)

Creamy Tuscan-inspired chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, all in a single-pot for easy weeknight comfort.

# Components:

→ Chicken Preparation

01 - 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - Salt, to taste
06 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Rice and Aromatics

07 - 1 large onion, diced
08 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
10 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
11 - 3 cups chicken broth
12 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
13 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

→ Finishing and Garnish

15 - 3 cups fresh baby spinach
16 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
18 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Pat chicken thighs dry. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 6 to 8 minutes until skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
02 - In the same pan with the remaining oil, add diced onion and cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add long-grain rice to the pan, stirring to coat with aromatics for 1 minute. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix thoroughly and bring to a simmer.
04 - Nestle seared chicken thighs skin-side up into the rice mixture. Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through to 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
05 - Remove chicken temporarily from the pot. Stir in fresh baby spinach until wilted, about 1 minute. Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix until fully melted and combined.
06 - Return chicken to the rice. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One pot means minimal mess and barely any dishwashing
  • Hearty enough for a full dinner with protein and veggies included
  • Creamy and flavorful thanks to sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan
  • Family favorite that’s easy to adapt to what you have on hand
  • It feels ultra-decadent but is secretly gluten-free
02 -
  • Packed with protein from chicken thighs and nutritious spinach
  • Naturally gluten-free safe for many dietary needs
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day
  • The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tang and color that makes the dish shine
03 -
  • Always grate your Parmesan fresh right before adding It gives the rice a silkier melt
  • Test a rice grain before serving to make sure each bite is tender but not overcooked
  • If reheating for lunches pack lemon wedges separately to brighten things up just before eating