Short introduction
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of Tuscany to your dinner table. Utilizing a slow cooker, this recipe slowly infuses tender chicken with creamy, savory sauce and vibrant spinach, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. With minimal prep work, it’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a delicious, homemade Italian-inspired meal.
Why you’ll love it
The benefits of Crockpot Tuscan Chicken go beyond just its amazing taste. First and foremost, it’s a one-pot meal that cuts down on cleanup time. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken stays juicy and tender, making every bite a pleasure. Additionally, this recipe is versatile; you can easily serve it with pasta, rice, or bread, adapting it to suit your preferences. Plus, the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach adds a burst of nutrients, creating a hearty yet healthy option for dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (optional)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 3-4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Substitutions & key variations
If you’d like to make some substitutions, here are a few ideas:
- Chicken: You can use skinless chicken thighs instead of breast for a richer flavor.
- Cream: Replace heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- Spinach: Kale can also be used instead of spinach for a different twist and texture.
- Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes can substitute sun-dried tomatoes if you prefer a fresher taste.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Season & Sear (Optional)
Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Optionally, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s lightly browned. If not searing, place the raw chicken directly into the slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
If you seared the chicken, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften. Deglaze the skillet by pouring in chicken broth and scraping up any browned bits. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. If you’re skipping the searing step, just add the onion, garlic, and chicken broth directly to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add Sun-dried Tomatoes
Next, stir the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the slow cooker.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Shred & Finish
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, and stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for another 15-30 minutes on HIGH until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
Success tips
- Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Texture: For a thicker sauce, allow the dish to cook uncovered in the last few minutes.
- Common mistakes: Avoid overcooking, as it may dry out the chicken. If using lean chicken, keep an eye on cooking times to retain its juiciness.
How to serve
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is delicious served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also enjoy it alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs, but it may increase the cooking time. Make sure they reach a safe temperature.
Q2: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A2: Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut milk or almond milk, and omit the Parmesan.
Q3: Can I add more vegetables?
A3: Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
Q4: Is this dish spicy?
A4: No, it’s not spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat!
Q5: What can I use instead of chicken broth?
A5: Vegetable broth is a great alternative and will add a different flavor.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This meal is packed with protein from the chicken and vitamin-rich greens from the spinach. The heavy cream adds some richness, so using half-and-half or a low-fat alternative can adjust calorie content while still delivering flavor.
Conclusion
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a flavorful, easy recipe that your whole family will enjoy. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s a comforting meal that fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle. Try it out tonight and discover a new favorite!
Links to related recipes
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing) Optional step for added flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped (optional) Adds flavor to the sauce.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic flavor.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth For cooking the chicken.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) Can be substituted for lower-fat alternatives.
- 3-4 cups fresh spinach Provides freshness and nutrients.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Enhances the creamy sauce.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Optionally, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. If not searing, place the raw chicken directly into the slow cooker.
Base Preparation
- If you seared the chicken, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Deglaze the skillet by pouring in chicken broth and scraping up any browned bits.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. If skipping the searing step, add the onion, garlic, and chicken broth directly to the slow cooker.
Cooking
- Stir the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the slow cooker.
- Cover and slow cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Continue to cook on HIGH for another 15-30 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.