Description
A flavorful Tuscan Chicken Thighs recipe featuring crispy skin, a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and wilted spinach, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5-3 lbs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed) over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for 6-8 minutes, until skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip chicken and sear for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, heavy cream, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce with the skin side up. Make sure the chicken skin stays above the sauce to maintain crispness.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven. Stir in the fresh baby spinach, cooking just until it wilts. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Excellent with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Ensure chicken skin remains above the sauce during baking to keep it crispy.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.