Dive into the simple joy of our Tuscan Chicken Skillet. It’s easy, quick, and full of flavor, with cannellini beans adding a healthy boost to this comforting, one-pan dinner.
You won’t believe how quickly this Tuscan Chicken Skillet comes together, which makes it a go-to option when you’re short on time but not willing to compromise on flavor. The aroma that fills your kitchen as you sauté the garlic and sear the chicken is simply heavenly.
The best part? Those cannellini beans. They soak up all the herby goodness and give you that protein punch we’re all looking for. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s got everything you need. Just toss it together, let the skillet work its magic, and bask in the glory of a dinner well done with minimal cleanup. Serve it with rice or pasta for an extra satisfying meal. Win-win! Craving more Tuscan delights? Be sure to check out my 30-minute Tuscan White Bean Skillet recipe.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Recipe
- A rich blend of herbs and sun-dried tomatoes infuses every bite with a zesty, deep Mediterranean flavor.
- Easy prep and cleanup make this one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with protein from chicken and beans, it serves as a hearty, balanced meal.
- Offers the heartiness of comfort food without feeling too heavy, ideal for a satisfying yet light meal.
Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken Breast Tenderloins: Chicken adds lean protein to the meal, soaking up the spice mix to become tender and flavorful.
- Mushrooms: They bring a satisfying chew and a natural, herby taste.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: These bits add a sharp, sweet tang, giving the dish a bold tomato taste that really stands out.
- Cannellini Beans: Soft and slightly nutty, these beans thicken the dish and make it creamier.
- Fire-Roasted, Diced Tomatoes: Their slight char adds a cozy, smoky layer to the sauce.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Creamy Garlic Variation: Simmer chicken in a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, fresh garlic, and Italian seasoning for a thicker, richer taste.
- Butter Mushroom Chicken: Sauté mushrooms in butter before adding to the skillet for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Spinach and Tomato Skillet: Add fresh spinach and let it wilt in the tomato sauce for an extra veggie boost.
- Rustic Potato Chicken Skillet: Cube potatoes and cook them in the large skillet before adding chicken for a hearty, one-pan meal.
- Wilted Spinach Addition: Add a few handfuls of baby spinach at the end of cooking until just wilted for a fresh, nutritious boost.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Skillet
Step #1: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and brown it for 3 minutes on each side.
Step #2: Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer and brown them, working in batches, for a few minutes per side. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Step #3: Add the onion and sauté it for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in the oregano, thyme, beans, diced tomatoes, and sugar.
Step #4: Transfer the chicken back to the pan and spoon some of the sauce and vegetables over the top of the chicken. Cook, covered, on the stovetop until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling about ten minutes. Return the mushrooms to the pan. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Expert Tips
- Sear Chicken Well: For a flavorful crust, pat the chicken dry before searing it in hot oil until golden—this locks in juices and adds depth to the dish.
- Deglaze the Pan: After searing the chicken, pour chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan
- Quality of Ingredients: Use high-quality olive oil for a richer flavor, and consider organic chicken for better taste and texture. Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can add more depth than dry-packed.
- Sautéing Vegetables: When sautéing onions, let them cook until they’re just beginning to caramelize for a sweeter, deeper flavor. For the garlic, be careful not to burn it; it should be golden, not brown.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might find it needs a bit more salt, a pinch of sugar, or a splash of acidity (like lemon juice or balsamic vinegar) to balance the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it’s rich and herby but not spicy.
Absolutely, its mild flavors are generally kid-friendly.
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Storage Info
To store your Tuscan Chicken Skillet, place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate, ideally within two hours of cooking. For freezing, cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, label it with the date, and freeze it for up to three months. Reheat refrigerated leftovers in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until hot. Thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight before reheating. Properly stored, the dish will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.
More Tuscan Recipes That You Will Love
Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil - divided
- 12 ounces brown mushrooms - sliced
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic - minced
- 2/3 c. sun-dried tomatoes - chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 14.5 oz can Cannelini Beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 14.5 oz cans fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper - to taste
- Fresh Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and brown it for 3 minutes on each side.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer and brown them, working in batches, for a few minutes per side. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
- Add the onion and sauté it for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in the oregano, thyme, beans, diced tomatoes, and sugar.
- Transfer the chicken back to the pan and spoon some of the sauce and vegetables over the top of the chicken. Cook, covered, on the stovetop until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling about ten minutes. Return the mushrooms to the pan. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
NOTES
Nutrition
Ohhhh My Gosh!!! Made this for dinner tonight and it was absolutely AMAZING!! While I appreciate the ease and simplicity of one pot/pan dishes, I opted to leave the beans out and served this over thin spaghetti. It was such a huge hit, my 15 yr old stepson told me I definitely needed to make this again and often! lol Thank you for sharing this awesome recipe! 🙂
Love this, Diane! I’m so glad you and your family liked it!
Thank you, Anetta! I made this recipe tonight and my husband and I LOVED it! I did make a few changes with seasoning (I’m a big fan of eyeballing it, and I added a few extras) and I added a bit of red wine while it was simmering. We served it over pasta and with some fresh baked bread, and OMG, foodgasm! I’ll definitely make this a part of my regular meal rotation!
Mmm, red wine sounds fantastic in this! It’s so great that you can eyeball your seasonings – we all have slightly different taste buds and palates, so you know best what will work for you!
This is supper tonight! Took the red wine suggestion and it is absolutely wonderful!!
Awesome! I’m so glad you liked it. Red wine is a godsend 🙂
This dish -Tuscan Chicken- has become the family favorite. It gets better each time I make it!! We Love It!
I love hearing this, Cindy!! 🙂
This was so not good. I was very disappointed. Very bland.
Hi, Patty. I’m sorry to hear it wasn’t to your liking! My husband and I really enjoyed it, as well as many of my other readers. It’s very important to get a good caramelization on the chicken, which adds a lot of flavor. Adding enough salt to your liking will also help. If you like really bold, flavorful recipes, I’d suggest you try my Indian Mulligatawny Soup (https://thewanderlustkitchen.com/2013/10/11/indian-mulligatawny-soup/). It’s delicious!
I have found that whenever I make a recipe, I never measure out the seasonings and I almost always add more than what is called for. One of my keys to successful meals is to taste and adjust as you go! Also, I would suggest layering the seasonings. In this dish, I seasoned the chicken with pepper, thyme, oregano, and Emeril’s original Essence. Then I added a bit more pepper when I was cooking the mushrooms and again when I was cooking the onions and garlic. It definitely added a more flavorful punch.
Seasonings certainly make all the difference! I love a little extra black pepper 🙂
Looks OMG! Just saw it on Pinterest and am re-pinning!
Thanks, Olena!! I’m so glad you like it 🙂