Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken: A Creamy, Flavorful Delight

Craving a comforting and flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken recipe! This dish is bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. Prepare to be transported to Tuscany with every bite!

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in tender, juicy chicken in a rich and creamy sauce. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

• Effortless: Minimal prep time and the slow cooker does the rest!
• Flavorful: Packed with Tuscan-inspired flavors like sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach.
• Creamy and Delicious: The Parmesan cream sauce is incredibly rich and satisfying.
• Versatile: Serve it with your favorite sides, like pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
• Perfect for Weeknights: A hands-off meal that’s ready when you are.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. About 2 pounds is ideal.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of sweet and tangy flavor. Be sure to drain the oil well.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach provides a healthy dose of nutrients and a pop of color. You can also use frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry. About 5 ounces is sufficient.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that authentic Tuscan flavor. Mince it finely for best results. 4 cloves is a good starting point.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds depth and complexity to the dish. 2 teaspoons is recommended.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth forms the base of the sauce. About 1 cup should be enough.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates the creamy and luxurious sauce. 1 cup will make it very rich.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce. 1/2 cup is a good amount.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken (optional, but recommended for added flavor). 1 tablespoon is enough.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Optional Add-ins: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, artichoke hearts for added texture and flavor, mushrooms for earthiness.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow Cooker: A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
• Skillet: For searing the chicken (optional).
• Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing the ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
• Cheese Grater: For grating the Parmesan cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken (Optional): If desired, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step adds flavor and helps to seal in the juices.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and spinach.
3. Add the Broth and Seasoning: Pour chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
6. Make the Cream Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
7. Heat Through: Cover and cook on low for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and the cheese is melted.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese will give the dish the best flavor.
• Drain the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Drain the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes well to prevent the sauce from becoming too oily.
• Don’t Add the Cream Too Early: Adding the cream too early in the cooking process can cause it to curdle. Add it during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
• Thicken the Sauce (if needed): If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or bell peppers.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides:

• Pasta: Serve it over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or quinoa are all great options.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting complement.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta is another delicious option.
• Bread: Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are all healthy and flavorful sides.
• Salad: A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken.

Variations

Here are some variations to customize this recipe to your liking:

• Creamy Pesto Tuscan Chicken: Add 2-3 tablespoons of pesto to the slow cooker along with the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Tuscan Chicken: Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of regular pesto.
• Mushroom Tuscan Chicken: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the other vegetables.
• Artichoke Tuscan Chicken: Add 1 (14-ounce) can of artichoke hearts, drained and quartered, to the slow cooker along with the other vegetables.
• Spicy Tuscan Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker.
• Dairy-Free Tuscan Chicken: Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time by chopping the vegetables and searing the chicken (if desired). Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Storage: Store leftover Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Freezing: You can freeze Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

• Calories: 400-500 per serving
• Protein: 40-50 grams per serving
• Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams per serving

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is a winner! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy Parmesan sauce, combined with the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, creates a truly unforgettable dish. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Tuscany!

Recipe Card

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (10-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 5 ounces fresh spinach
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, artichoke hearts, mushrooms

Instructions:

1. (Optional) Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and spinach.
3. Pour chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable with a fork.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
7. Cover and cook on low for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and the cheese is melted.
8. Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Enjoy!