Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, this recipe is effortless yet impressive, making it a great choice for family dinners or meal prep. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work.
- Rich and creamy: Made with a luscious parmesan and garlic sauce.
- Packed with flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs enhance every bite.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or low-carb options like zucchini noodles.
- Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh spinach
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Butter
Directions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Place the chicken in the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the ingredients: Sprinkle in the sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
- Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and butter. Add spinach and let it wilt.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Dairy-free alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Add the heavy cream at the end and stir well to incorporate it into the sauce.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Coconut cream or a mix of milk and cream cheese can work as substitutes.
Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release and stir in the cream and spinach.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, if served over a low-carb base like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Can I add more protein?
Sure! Cooked bacon or shrimp can be delicious additions.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If needed, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but cooking time may need to be increased by 30-45 minutes.
What pasta pairs best with this dish?
Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well to hold the creamy sauce.
How can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese.
Conclusion
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to make with minimal effort. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or a low-carb alternative, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, fuss-free meal!
PrintCrockpot Tuscan Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: ~6 hours
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving (Optional):
- Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown (optional, but adds more flavor).
-
Slow Cook:
- Place the chicken in the crockpot.
- Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
-
Make It Creamy:
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it in.
- Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted (about 5 minutes).
-
Serve:
- Spoon the creamy Tuscan chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten it up.
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for more veggies.
- For a keto-friendly version, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
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