Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is a comforting and rich dish that features tender chicken simmered in a creamy, herb-infused sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. The slow cooker makes it effortless to prepare, resulting in a dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Pair it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-Off Cooking – The slow cooker does all the work for you!
• Rich & Creamy Sauce – A blend of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs in a creamy sauce.
• Perfectly Tender Chicken – The slow cooking makes the chicken incredibly juicy and tender.
• Easy to Customize – Serve it over pasta, rice, or with your favorite sides.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh spinach, chopped
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil (optional for garnish)

Directions

this Recipe

1. Prepare the slow cooker – Lightly grease the slow cooker with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Sear the chicken (optional) – In a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step adds extra flavor but is optional.
3. Add ingredients to the slow cooker – Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook – Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Make the creamy sauce – Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred or slice it. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the sauce.
6. Add spinach – Return the chicken to the slow cooker, and add chopped spinach. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
7. Serve – Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours (on low)
• Total Time: 4-6 hours and 10 minutes

Variations

• Add Mushrooms – Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the slow cooker for an extra depth of flavor.
• Spicy Tuscan Chicken – Add red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili for a kick.
• Chicken Alfredo – Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
• Make It Dairy-Free – Swap the cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese.
• Use Chicken Thighs – Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor compared to chicken breasts.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce (without spinach) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes! You can cook frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker; just be sure to cook for a bit longer—around 6-8 hours on low.

What can I serve with this dish?

Pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes work great. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be a little less rich. You can also use a combination of half-and-half and a bit of cornstarch to thicken it.

How do I make this recipe low-carb?

Serve the Tuscan chicken with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta or regular rice.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or artichokes would all be delicious additions.

How do I get the chicken to be extra tender?

Cooking the chicken on low for a longer time (4-6 hours) ensures that the chicken becomes tender and easy to shred.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Gouda, mozzarella, or ricotta could work well in this recipe.

How do I store the sauce separately?

If you plan to store just the sauce, refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 3 days. You can reheat it before serving.

Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes! You can bake the chicken in a covered dish at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Then, make the creamy sauce in a saucepan and combine.

Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?

Yes, use the sauté function to cook the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then add the chicken and broth. Cook on high for 10-12 minutes, then add the cream, Parmesan, and spinach.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is a delicious and effortless meal that combines creamy, savory flavors with tender chicken and vibrant spinach. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it over pasta or with a side of crusty bread, this meal will be a family favorite

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