Wine-Braised Tuscan Chicken Recipe: A Rustic Italian Classic

Why You’ll Love This this Wine-Braised Tuscan Chicken

This wine-braised beauty transforms simple chicken tenderloins into something that tastes like you’ve been slaving away in a fancy Italian kitchen all day, when really it’s just a one-pan wonder that takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

The combination of white wine, fresh rosemary, and garlic creates this incredible sauce that’s rich enough to make you want to lick the plate, but I won’t judge if you do.

Plus, since everything cooks in one skillet, you get maximum flavor with minimum cleanup – and honestly, who doesn’t need more of that in their life?

Ingredients List

This Tuscan chicken recipe keeps things beautifully simple with ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store, though the flavor will make people think you shopped at some fancy Italian market.

• 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenderloins
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 6 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup white wine

• 2 cups beef broth
• Lean protein power: Chicken tenderloins are naturally low in fat and high in protein, making this dish surprisingly healthy despite tasting indulgent
• Wine wisdom: Don’t worry about the alcohol content – most of it cooks off during the braising process, leaving behind just the rich, complex flavors
• Fresh herb benefits: That rosemary isn’t just for show; it’s packed with antioxidants and adds amazing flavor without any extra calories
• Broth consideration: Using beef broth instead of chicken broth adds deeper flavor, but feel free to swap for low-sodium versions if you’re watching your salt intake

Step by Step Directions



Making this Tuscan chicken is surprisingly straightforward, requiring just one pan and about 20 minutes from start to finish.

• Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken tenderloins generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the hot skillet along with the chicken pieces and minced garlic.
• Brown the chicken for 2 minutes on each side, then remove from the pan and set aside.
• Pour the white wine vinegar into the same pan and let it cook off completely.
• Add butter, chopped shallots, and finely chopped rosemary to the pan and cook for 2 minutes.
• Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
• Whisk in the white wine and let it reduce for 1 minute.
• Whisk in the beef broth and bring the liquid to a gentle bubble.
• Return the browned chicken to the pan and simmer over moderate heat for 7-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

For a complete Italian dining experience, consider pairing this dish with fresh homemade pasta made using a premium pasta maker.

Substitutions and Variations

• Creamy version: Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a luxurious, restaurant-style sauce that coats everything beautifully.
• Vegetable additions: Sun-dried tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, or baby spinach can turn this into a more complete one-pan meal – just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Additional Things to Serve With This Dish

This rich, herbaceous chicken pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up all that gorgeous pan sauce.

• Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta – because honestly, what’s the point of making that incredible wine and herb sauce if you don’t have something to mop it up with
• Crusty Italian bread or focaccia – perfect for the sauce-sopping duties, and it fits right into the whole Tuscan atmosphere we’ve got going
• Simple pasta like pappardelle or fettuccine – toss it right in the pan with the chicken and sauce for an instant upgrade to dinner
• Roasted vegetables – asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers work wonderfully and won’t compete with those bold rosemary flavors
• A light salad with lemon vinaigrette – arugula or mixed greens help cut through the richness, plus you’ll feel fancy eating something this restaurant-worthy
• Garlic roasted potatoes – they’re sturdy enough to hold their own against the wine sauce, and who doesn’t love potatoes with garlic

Cooking Tips & Tricks (Chef’s Notes)

After making this dish countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that’ll save you from the kitchen disasters I’ve witnessed.

• Don’t skip the browning step – those golden edges on the chicken aren’t just for looks, they’re building flavor that’ll make your sauce sing instead of just whisper.
• Keep your heat at medium-high, not screaming hot – chicken tenderloins are delicate little things that’ll turn into rubber if you blast them, and nobody wants to chew their dinner like gum.
• Let that vinegar cook off completely – you want the tang without the punch-you-in-the-face acidity that’ll make everyone’s eyes water.
• Whisk like your life depends on it when adding the wine and broth – lumpy sauce is the enemy of elegance, and we’re going for rustic charm, not lumpy disaster.
• Use a meat thermometer if you’re nervous – chicken should hit 165°F internal temp, because food poisoning is definitely not part of the authentic Tuscan journey.
• Fresh rosemary is non-negotiable – that dried stuff in your spice cabinet from 2019 isn’t going to cut it, and your taste buds will know the difference immediately.
• Don’t walk away during the simmering – this isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it situation, you need to babysit those tenderloins so they stay tender, not tough.

Nutritional Facts

This hearty Tuscan chicken delivers solid protein while keeping calories reasonable, making it a smart choice for weeknight dinners.

Per Serving (serves 4):

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 2g
• Iron: 8% Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 4% Daily Value
• Calcium: 3% Daily Value

Key Nutritional Highlights:

• High-quality lean protein from chicken tenderloins supports muscle maintenance and keeps you satisfied longer
• Low carb content makes this keto-friendly and diabetes-conscious
• Moderate sodium levels thanks to the wine and broth reduction rather than heavy salt seasoning
• Heart-healthy olive oil provides beneficial monounsaturated fats
• Antioxidant boost from fresh rosemary and garlic compounds
• Gluten-free adaptable by substituting the flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder

Fun “Did You Know?”

Beyond its impressive nutritional profile, this Tuscan chicken recipe connects you to centuries of Italian culinary tradition in ways you mightn’t expect.

Did you know that Tuscany’s famous white wines, like those used in this dish, were actually considered “poor man’s wine” until the 1970s?

Rosemary wasn’t just chosen for flavor—medieval Tuscans believed it improved memory and warded off evil spirits.

The technique of deglazing with vinegar dates back to Roman times, when soldiers carried vinegar for cooking and preservation.

You’re literally recreating ancient flavors with every sizzle in your pan.