Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Inspired by the sun-drenched flavors of central Italy, this Tuscan Chicken Recipe is a savory and vibrant recipe, which calls for artichoke hearts and grape tomatoes. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 2 hours 30 minutes.

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Tuscan Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups water
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup kosher salt
• 2 cups grape tomatoes
• 1 (12 oz) jar marinated artichoke hearts (with liquid)
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp capers
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil

How To Make Tuscan Chicken

1. Brine the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the water, sugar, and kosher salt until the granules are completely dissolved. Submerge your chicken breasts in the liquid, cover the bowl tightly, and place it in the refrigerator. Let the meat soak for exactly 2 hours; do not rush this process, as the brine is what ensures the chicken remains incredibly juicy even after hitting the high heat of the grill.
2. Marinate the vegetables: While the chicken is brining, grab a separate medium bowl to prepare your vegetable topping. Combine the grape tomatoes, the entire jar of marinated artichoke hearts (including every drop of that flavorful oil and liquid), balsamic vinegar, capers, and chopped fresh basil. Cover and chill this mixture in the fridge for the same 2-hour window so the tomatoes can begin to soften and absorb the vinegary brine.
3. Roast the vegetables: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Take your chilled vegetable mixture and spread it out evenly onto a rimmed baking tray or a large roasting dish. Roast the veggies for about 20 minutes; you are looking for the grape tomatoes to become blistery, slightly charred, and just starting to collapse into a rustic sauce.
4. Grill the chicken: While the vegetables are finishing in the oven, heat up a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the brine and use paper towels to pat each breast completely dry—this is the secret to getting those perfect, dark grill marks. Grill the chicken for 8–12 minutes total, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches a safe 74°C (165°F).
5. Assemble the dish: Transfer the grilled chicken breasts to a warm serving platter or individual plates. Use a large spoon to generously top each piece of chicken with the warm, roasted vegetable and artichoke mixture, making sure to drizzle over any remaining juices from the roasting tray.

Recipe Tips

• How to prevent the chicken from sticking: Ensure your grill pan is very hot and the chicken is wiped completely dry before it hits the surface. A light brush of oil on the grill grates can also help create a non-stick surface.
• Why brining is essential: Brining changes the cellular structure of the meat, allowing it to hold onto more moisture during the cooking process. This prevents the lean breast meat from becoming tough or stringy.
• Can I use canned artichokes instead: You can, but you will miss the extra flavor from the marinated oil. If using canned, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of dried oregano to the vegetable mix.
• How to get the best balsamic flavor: Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar that is slightly thick and sweet. This will create a better “glaze” effect on the roasted tomatoes than a thin, watery vinegar.

What To Serve With Tuscan Chicken?

This Tuscan Chicken Recipe is a savory, vibrant main dish that needs a starchy or earthy pairing! Roasted Garlic Farro is the quintessential choice for a chewy, nutty side that soaks up the balsamic juices from the tomatoes. For a balanced meal, a side of Sautéed Spinach or a Fresh Arugula Salad adds a lovely peppery bite that pairs perfectly with the sweet artichoke hearts! A bowl of Creamy Polenta or a slice of Toasted Ciabatta Bread pairs wonderfully with the rustic, Mediterranean notes of the roasted vegetables.

How To Store Tuscan Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store the chicken and the vegetable topping in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It is often best to store the vegetables in a separate small container to keep the chicken from becoming too soft.
• Freeze: You can freeze the grilled chicken for up to 2 months. However, the roasted tomato and artichoke topping does not freeze well and should be made fresh for the best texture.

Tuscan Chicken Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 340
• Total Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 880mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 36g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

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