Mary Berry's Tuscan Chicken Recipe [GUIDE]

Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the simplicity and heartiness of a classic British roast. Created by the beloved TV chef and cookbook author, Mary Berry, this recipe offers a modern take on rustic Tuscan cooking, where fresh, high-quality ingredients come together to create a meal that is both comforting and full of character.

At its heart, Tuscan Chicken is a dish that celebrates the warmth of Italian food – a medley of tender chicken thighs or breasts, paired with the bold and aromatic flavors of garlic, fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a luxurious cream sauce. The chicken is browned to perfection, then simmered in a rich sauce that is tangy, savory, and slightly creamy, creating a dish that is deliciously indulgent without being overly heavy.

What makes Mary Berry’s version so special is her ability to balance these robust flavors while keeping the preparation straightforward, making it accessible even for novice home cooks. The final result is a stunningly flavorful, one-pan meal that’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to more festive occasions. It’s a dish that brings the sun-drenched flavors of Tuscany straight to your kitchen table.

Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken Thighs or Breasts (Bone-in or boneless): The choice between thighs or breasts is personal, but thighs are often preferred due to their juicy texture and ability to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Bone-in pieces give extra depth of flavor, but boneless is a quicker option.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and adding richness to the sauce, a good quality extra virgin olive oil is essential.
Garlic: A few cloves of garlic, finely chopped or minced, provide the base of the flavor for the sauce.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: These bring a tangy, concentrated burst of flavor, balancing out the creaminess of the sauce.
Olives (Green or Black): Traditional in Tuscan cooking, the olives lend a salty and briny contrast that complements the richness of the chicken.
Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, or Oregano): Fresh herbs are a must for this dish. Rosemary and thyme are classic choices, giving an aromatic, earthy base to the sauce.
White Wine: White wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce, lifting the rich flavors and giving the dish a slight tang. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a great substitute.
Chicken Stock: A good quality chicken stock adds body to the sauce, infusing the dish with additional savory goodness.
Double Cream: To make the sauce creamy and luxurious, double cream is added. It gives the sauce its rich texture while balancing the sharper, more tangy notes from the tomatoes and wine.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the finished dish adds an extra layer of savory umami flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, these seasonings ensure the dish is well-balanced.

Equipment Needed

While this recipe is quite straightforward, having the right tools on hand will make preparation a breeze:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A sturdy, deep skillet or sauté pan is essential for browning the chicken and simmering the sauce. The pan should be large enough to hold all the chicken pieces comfortably.
Tongs: To flip the chicken without piercing the skin (if using bone-in chicken), tongs will help keep it intact for a beautiful sear.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: You’ll need a spoon to stir the sauce and scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the pan.
Sharp Knife: To chop the garlic, herbs, and other ingredients with precision.
Chopping Board: A solid chopping board for all your prep work.
Lid (Optional): If you want to lock in moisture while the chicken simmers, you may choose to cover the pan with a lid.
Grater (optional): For fresh Parmesan cheese, if using.

Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken

Making Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken is a straightforward process, but the combination of ingredients and steps results in an exceptionally flavorful dish. Here’s how to make it:

Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs or breasts generously with salt and pepper. If you’re using bone-in pieces, pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they crisp up nicely when seared.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken skin-side down (if using skin-on) and sear until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes on the other side. You don’t need to cook it all the way through, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Set the Chicken Aside: Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium.
Make the Sauce: Add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it! Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives, stirring to combine. Then, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce and intensify the flavor.
Add Stock and Herbs: Pour in the chicken stock, followed by the fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano). Stir everything together to combine.
Return the Chicken to the Pan: Place the chicken back into the pan, skin-side up. Cover the pan (if desired) and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
Finish the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan again and set it aside. Stir in the double cream, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Serve: Return the chicken to the pan, coating it in the creamy sauce. If you’re using Parmesan, sprinkle some over the top just before serving. Serve the chicken hot, garnished with extra herbs if desired.

Tips And Tricks

Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor, opt for bone-in chicken thighs. The bones will infuse the sauce with added richness.
Don’t Skip the Wine: The white wine provides a necessary acidic contrast to the richness of the cream and chicken, so don’t skip this step unless you’re completely avoiding alcohol. In that case, chicken broth can be used as a substitute.
Control the Creaminess: You can adjust the level of creaminess by adding more or less double cream to the sauce, depending on how rich you prefer it.
Add Veggies: To make this dish even more hearty, try adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce. They complement the flavors beautifully.
Leftovers: The flavors of Tuscan Chicken actually improve the next day, so it’s an excellent dish to make in advance for meal prep or leftovers.

Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken is a recipe that encapsulates the best of Italian and British cooking, offering both elegance and comfort in every bite. With its vibrant combination of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, fresh herbs, and a creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a more special occasion. The beauty of Tuscan Chicken lies in its simplicity – it’s made with accessible ingredients, but the result is a rich, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is sure to impress with its depth of flavor, making it a staple recipe you’ll turn to time and again.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken

Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken recipe is a beautiful combination of flavors-tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a rich cream sauce. It’s an easy-to-make dish with a vibrant, Mediterranean flair, perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings. However, like all great recipes, it lends itself to numerous variations, each adding its own twist while keeping that signature Tuscan charm.

1. Add Vegetables For Extra Flavor And Nutrition

Roasted Vegetables: Try tossing roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in olive oil, herbs, and garlic. Roast them until they’re soft and slightly caramelized, then stir them into the sauce. The sweetness of the roasted veggies will balance out the savory creaminess of the dish.
Spinach and Kale: Add fresh spinach or kale to the sauce for added nutrients and a slight earthiness. These greens cook down beautifully in the sauce, giving the dish a vibrant green pop and a little extra texture.

2. Use Different Proteins

Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, swap out chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are naturally more tender and flavorful and will infuse the dish with a richer taste.
Pork: Pork tenderloin or chicken sausage can also be used to replace the chicken. Pork pairs wonderfully with the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, giving a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor profile.

3. Change Up The Sauce

Tomato-Based Sauce: For a twist on the traditional creamy sauce, make a tomato-based sauce by adding canned chopped tomatoes or a bit of passata. You can still keep the sun-dried tomatoes for that signature depth of flavor, but the sauce will have a fresher, tangier profile.
Cheese Sauce: For a richer sauce, try adding grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese to the cream. This will create a creamy, cheesy sauce that complements the Tuscan flavors beautifully.

4. Add More Herbs

Fresh Basil and Oregano: While Mary’s recipe uses rosemary, why not experiment with fresh basil and oregano? These herbs are a staple in Tuscan cuisine and can bring a new aromatic layer to the dish.
Thyme and Sage: If you want to bring out a more robust flavor, try using thyme or sage. These earthy herbs provide a more complex flavor, especially if you’re using pork or chicken thighs.

5. Make It Spicy

Chili Flakes or Fresh Chilies: If you like a bit of heat, add red chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chilies to the sauce. This will give your Tuscan chicken a zesty kick that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce.
Hot Italian Sausage: For an even more intense spice, swap out your regular chicken for Italian hot sausage. The spiciness from the sausage blends well with the rich cream sauce, adding another level of flavor.

6. Use A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot

Slow Cooker: For an ultra-tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken, try adapting the recipe to a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and prepare the sauce as usual, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours for a fall-apart chicken experience.
Instant Pot: If you’re short on time but still want to make this dish, the Instant Pot is your friend. Sauté the chicken, then cook everything under pressure for about 10-15 minutes. The result is a quick but flavorful meal with juicy chicken.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers after enjoying a hearty plate of Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken, you’re in luck-this dish holds up beautifully when stored properly.

How To Store Leftovers

Cool the Dish: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the sauce watery. Ideally, leave it for no more than 2 hours before transferring it to the fridge.
Airtight Containers: Store leftovers in an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors intact and prevent the dish from absorbing unwanted odors from the fridge.
Separate Components: If possible, store the chicken separately from the sauce. This way, you can prevent the sauce from overpowering the chicken or causing it to become soggy. However, if you prefer a ready-to-eat meal, combining the two is fine for short-term storage.

How Long Can You Keep Leftovers?

In the Fridge: Leftovers can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. After that, the sauce might start to separate, and the chicken may lose its juiciness. So, try to enjoy your leftovers within this time frame.
In the Freezer: If you want to store the leftovers longer, freezing is a great option. Store the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. The dish can be kept frozen for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

Reheating Leftovers

In the Microwave: Reheat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between. This ensures even heating without drying out the chicken or sauce.
On the Stove: For a better result, reheat the Tuscan chicken on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
In the Oven: If you’re reheating a larger portion, place the dish in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.

What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken?

Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken is already a complete and satisfying meal, thanks to its creamy sauce and tender chicken. However, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal and add a wonderful balance of flavors and textures.

1. Crispy Bread Or Focaccia

Garlic Bread: A loaf of crispy garlic bread is a classic and perfect accompaniment to soak up the creamy sauce. You can even try serving some fresh focaccia, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with rosemary, to bring out the Italian flavors.
Crusty Artisan Bread: If you prefer something a little heartier, a thick slice of crusty sourdough or French baguette can also work wonders, especially when dipped into the sauce.

2. Pasta

Spaghetti or Penne: A simple bowl of pasta can make the meal even more filling. The creamy Tuscan sauce can be spooned generously over spaghetti, penne, or even tagliatelle. This combination makes the dish even more comforting.
Risotto: If you’re looking for a more luxurious pairing, a bowl of creamy risotto would be a wonderful complement. The richness of the risotto pairs beautifully with the richness of the Tuscan chicken.

3. Steamed Or Roasted Vegetables

Green Beans: Steamed green beans with a little butter and lemon juice can bring a nice crunch to your meal, cutting through the creaminess of the chicken.
Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, also work beautifully with this dish. Their slight bitterness helps balance the richness of the creamy sauce.

4. Fresh Salad

Arugula Salad: A fresh arugula salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette provides a nice peppery contrast to the creamy Tuscan chicken. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness and refreshes your palate.
Caprese Salad: A simple caprese salad of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds freshness and complements the Tuscan flavors of the chicken.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken is a timeless dish that offers a delicious glimpse into the sun-drenched flavors of Italy. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but in its flexibility. Whether you’re adding extra vegetables, switching up the protein, or experimenting with different herbs and spices, the core flavors will remain comforting and indulgent.

Storing leftovers is also a breeze, with the ability to keep them fresh for several days in the fridge or for months in the freezer. When it comes to sides, the options are endless, from crispy bread to creamy pasta, offering the perfect pairing for every palate.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients For Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken Recipe?

The key ingredients for Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken recipe include chicken breasts, garlic, onions, sun-dried tomatoes, white wine, cream, and fresh herbs like basil and thyme. These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy sauce that complements the tender chicken perfectly.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken ahead of time. Once prepared, allow the dish to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a little extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I Substitute Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! If you want to adjust the recipe, you can swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier, more flavorful alternative. You can also use vegetable broth instead of white wine or cream to make a lighter version of the sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes can be replaced with fresh tomatoes or olives for a different twist.

Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken Recipe [GUIDE]