Description
Creamy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal combining tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce made from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. This easy-to-make slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, offering a healthy and hearty option that quickly becomes a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Sauce Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic cloves and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing until fragrant and slightly caramelized to build a deep, rich base flavor for the sauce.
- Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker – Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed garlic and sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken along with chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken – Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese – Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy and indulgent.
- Step 5: Finish with Fresh Spinach – Fold fresh spinach into the warm sauce just before serving, allowing it to wilt slightly and add freshness and vibrant color to the dish.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor and moist meat during slow cooking.
- Sear chicken before slow cooking to lock in juices and improve texture.
- Always sauté garlic first to enhance its flavor and avoid harshness in the slow cooker.
- Add fresh herbs such as basil or parsley at the end for a bright, fresh note.
- To thicken the sauce further, stir in a cornstarch and water slurry before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg