Overhead image of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Rice

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Rice Skillet is a weeknight family favorite and only takes 30 minutes in the oven. This one skillet recipe stars U.S. grown long grain rice, is really great for meal prep, and comes to us from our friend Tawnie of @krolls_korner.

  • Servings
    4
  • Prep Time
    10 min
  • Cook Time
    35 min
  • Total Time
    45 min

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1½ lb chicken thighs (4-5 boneless skinless) 
  • 1½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ⅛ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ white onion, diced
  • 1 cup 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, oil drained
  • 3 cups fresh spinach 
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (½ lemon), plus more for serving
  • Fresh parsley for garnish 

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°.
  • Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil and rub the seasonings all over.
    Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet and once hot, brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side. Set aside.
  • Add the butter and melt. Add the onions and a pinch of salt. Cook 5 minutes.
  • Add the rice and stir to coat. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Then add in the cream, Parmesan cheese, sun dried tomatoes, spinach and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Nestle the chicken into the pan.
  • Cover with foil and bake for ~30-35 minutes. 
  • Garnish with parsley, more Parmesan cheese and squeeze more lemon juice over the top.

Recipe Notes

Be sure to use a large cast iron skillet (at least 10-12-inches) or a heavy or thick bottomed saute pan. A Dutch oven would work well too! 

Try coconut cream instead of heavy cream if you’d want it a little lighter.

Use halved cherry tomatoes instead of sun dried tomatoes if preferred.

Add in a touch of Dijon when adding in the heavy cream and other ingredients to add even more flavor. 

Leftovers will last up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories 665kcal
  • Total Fat 48g
  • Carbohydrates 47g
  • Dietary Fiber 3g
  • Sugar 2g
  • Protein 40g