Mary Berry, renowned for her elegant and accessible recipes, brings us the Tuscan Chicken—a flavorful dish that captures the essence of Italian-inspired cooking. This recipe is part of her “Cook and Share” collection, emphasizing meals designed to bring people together. Tuscan Chicken blends rich, creamy sauces with the fresh and vibrant ingredients characteristic of Tuscan cuisine, making it a hit for casual dinners and formal gatherings alike.

What is Tuscan Chicken?

Tuscan Chicken is a hearty, one-pan dish featuring succulent chicken cooked in a creamy sauce infused with garlic, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. It is a modern adaptation of Italian cuisine, known for its balance of robust flavors and simplicity. Mary Berry’s version is celebrated for its ease of preparation and consistently delicious results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients in Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken:

Chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts are commonly used.

Spinach: Adds freshness and a pop of color.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide tangy and slightly sweet undertones.

Garlic and Parmesan cheese: Essential for deep, savory flavors.

Cream and chicken broth: Create the luscious sauce base.

Optional additions include paprika, Italian seasoning, and white wine, which enhance the dish’s depth and aroma​.

How to Prepare

Prepare the Chicken: Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika, then sear until golden brown. Set aside.

Create the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then deglaze with chicken broth and cream.

Incorporate Freshness: Add spinach and Parmesan, stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.

Combine: Return the chicken to the pan, allowing it to simmer and soak up the sauce​

Serving Suggestions

Tuscan Chicken pairs wonderfully with:

Creamy mashed potatoes

Steamed rice

Garlic bread for dipping

Pasta for a more traditional Italian vibe

Add a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal​.

Pro Tips for Perfect Tuscan Chicken

Use heavy cream for a velvety sauce.

Ensure chicken is cooked just until done to retain its juiciness.

Experiment with substitutions like kale for spinach or thighs for breasts based on your preferences​.

Why Mary Berry’s Recipe Stands Out

This recipe reflects Mary Berry’s signature style—simple steps, no-fuss preparation, and guaranteed delicious results. It also aligns with her philosophy of sharing meals that bring comfort and joy. Reviews often highlight its adaptability, making it a staple in households worldwide.

FAQs

What is Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken?

Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken is a recipe from her “Cook and Share” collection, featuring chicken cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. This dish is inspired by traditional Italian flavors but with a simplified, accessible twist, reflecting Mary Berry’s cooking philosophy. It is designed to be both comforting and suitable for sharing with family and friends​.

What makes Mary Berry’s version unique?

Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken stands out for its simplicity and adaptability. Unlike more complex Tuscan recipes, her method uses a single pan for easy preparation and cleanup. The creamy sauce, enhanced by Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, balances richness with fresh, vibrant flavors from spinach. Her approach ensures that even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results​.

What ingredients are essential for this recipe?

Key ingredients include:

Chicken breasts or thighs

Sun-dried tomatoes

Garlic

Spinach

Parmesan cheese

Heavy cream or double cream

Chicken stock
Optional seasonings like paprika, Italian herbs, or white wine can elevate the dish’s depth and aroma​.

How is it prepared?

Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken involves a few straightforward steps:

Sear the chicken until golden brown.

Prepare the sauce by sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then adding cream, chicken stock, and Parmesan.

Incorporate spinach into the sauce until it wilts.

Simmer the chicken in the sauce until fully cooked​.

What sides pair well with Tuscan Chicken?

Popular pairings include:

Creamy mashed potatoes

Pasta, such as fettuccine or penne

Rice or risotto

Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Additionally, a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad complements the dish perfectly​.

In Summary

Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken is a testament to her ability to transform everyday ingredients into exceptional dishes. This recipe not only offers a burst of flavors but also provides a comforting meal that is both versatile and easy to make. Whether you’re hosting guests or preparing a family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Its creamy sauce, vibrant spinach, and tender chicken make it a standout recipe for all occasions. By incorporating Mary Berry’s unique touches and following her straightforward instructions, you can master this timeless dish and adapt it to suit your preferences.

If you haven’t tried Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken yet, it’s a perfect addition to your cooking repertoire—simple, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Dive into the culinary world of Tuscan flavors with Mary Berry’s guidance, and bring joy to your table one delicious bite at a time!

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