Creamy Tuscan Chicken Delight
Discover the rich flavors of Italy with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Delight. This one-dish meal is made with succulent chunks of boneless chicken breasts, infused with zesty Italian herbs from a salad dressing mix. The creamy sauce, made from cream cheese and cream of chicken soup, creates a luxurious texture that perfectly complements the savory notes of the dish. Serve it over rice or pasta for a satisfying dinner that will impress your family and friends. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
4
Servings
400
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
4 (cut into chunks)
Italian Salad Dressing Mix
1 envelope (dry)
Water
3/4 cup (none)
Cream of Chicken Soup
1 (10 ounce) can (none)
Cream Cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine water and the Italian salad dressing mix until well blended.
2
Pour the mixture over the chicken chunks placed in a large skillet.
3
Cover the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink, approximately 10-15 minutes.
4
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and cream of chicken soup together until smooth and creamy. To make it easier to blend, you may microwave the cream cheese for a few seconds to soften it further.
5
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the cream cheese and soup mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
6
Stir gently to combine and heat through for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring everything is warmed evenly.
7
Serve hot over a bed of rice or pasta for a hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Carbs
37g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tuscan Chicken Delight?
It is a savory one-dish meal featuring chicken breasts in a rich sauce made from cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Italian herbs.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
You will need boneless skinless chicken breasts, dry Italian salad dressing mix, water, cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese.
How long does it take to cook the chicken in the skillet?
The chicken typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to cook over medium heat until it is no longer pink.
What should I serve with this creamy chicken dish?
This dish is best served over a bed of rice or your favorite type of pasta.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for the breasts if you prefer darker meat.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving contains about 37 grams of protein.
Is this recipe considered low carb?
With 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving, it is relatively low in carbs, though the total count will increase depending on whether you serve it with pasta or rice.
How do I soften the cream cheese?
You can leave it at room temperature or microwave it for a few seconds to make it easier to blend with the soup.
What type of Italian dressing mix is required?
You should use one dry envelope of standard Italian salad dressing mix.
Can I make this dish in one skillet?
Yes, the chicken and the sauce are combined and finished in a single large skillet.
What size can of cream of chicken soup is needed?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce can of cream of chicken soup.
Can I use a different type of soup?
While cream of chicken is recommended, cream of mushroom or cream of celery could serve as suitable substitutes.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is savory and zesty due to the Italian herbs, but it is not inherently spicy.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and soup together before adding them to the chicken.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms would complement the Tuscan flavors perfectly.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this meal?
While you can freeze it, the cream-based sauce may separate slightly upon thawing and reheating.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, its creamy texture and mild savory flavor make it a popular choice for both children and adults.
Can I substitute the water for more flavor?
Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of water to add even more depth to the dish.
What if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a small amount of water, milk, or chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Do I need to add extra salt?
The Italian dressing mix and soup usually contain enough sodium, so it is recommended to taste the dish before adding extra salt.
What pasta shapes work best?
Penne, fettuccine, or rotini are excellent choices as they hold the creamy sauce well.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, it is very efficient, requiring about 20-25 minutes of total cooking time.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It is best to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly and reaches the correct temperature.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
The recipe relies on the garlic and herbs within the Italian dressing mix, but you can add fresh minced garlic for extra punch.
What is the serving size for the nutrition facts?
The nutrition facts provided are based on one-fourth of the total recipe.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or pot to accommodate the extra volume.