Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

There’s something truly comforting about a dish that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, and this Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a perfect example. Tender chicken breasts swim in a rich, velvety sauce infused with the bright tang of sun-dried tomatoes and the earthy goodness of spinach, all brought together with a hint of Parmesan. It’s a meal that feels both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare.

This slow cooker wonder is a weeknight lifesaver, allowing you to have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready with very little fuss. It’s a dish that consistently gets rave reviews from family and friends, making it a reliable go-to for busy evenings or when you want to impress without the stress.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a true kitchen hero! It’s incredibly simple to assemble. Yet, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor. It’s perfect for busy days. You need a hearty meal without the fuss. The slow cooker does all the hard work. You get tender, succulent chicken. It’s all in a luxuriously creamy sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser. It’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy.

Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Ingredients

The magic of this Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken truly shines through its ingredients. They create a simple yet impactful flavor that feels both nourishing and decadent. We’re talking tender chicken, bright sun-dried tomatoes, and nutrient-rich spinach. It all melds beautifully in a lusciously creamy sauce.

• Chicken Breasts: Our lean protein star. They become super tender and moist in the slow cooker.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing. Adds a lovely fruity note. It helps build a beautiful golden crust, too.
• Italian Seasoning: Classic Italian fragrance. It brings fantastic depth of flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Your flavor enhancers. They wake up all the other ingredients.
• Garlic: Minced garlic is key. Its pungent essence is crucial for that Tuscan taste.
• Chicken Broth: This forms the sauce base. It adds a rich, savory depth.
• Frozen Spinach: Thawed and drained well! It brings color and nutrients. It keeps the sauce from getting watery.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These are flavor bombs! They offer concentrated sweet-tartness.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to its creaminess. It makes the sauce wonderfully rich.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish. It melts right into the luscious sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a gentle warmth. Just a pinch adds a subtle kick.

Substitutions and Tips:

Feel free to swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer. Thighs can be even more forgiving. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, try chopped roasted red peppers. Use them finely chopped for similar sweetness. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk works. Cashew cream is another good choice. The flavor profile will change slightly, though. Always drain your spinach very well. This prevents a watery sauce.

How to Make Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

Making this Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a breeze, even on your busiest days. The slow cooker handles most of the work. You’ll get a wonderfully flavorful meal without much effort. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it kind of recipe. Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this delicious dish.

Prepare the Chicken

First, pat chicken breasts completely dry. Use paper towels for this. A good sear is vital later. Now, season them well. Dust all sides with Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper too. Proper prep is key to great flavor.

Sear the Chicken

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil. Use a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add chicken. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side. Aim for a light golden-brown crust. This step boosts the flavor of your slow cooker chicken.

Assemble the Slow Cooker

Place the seared chicken into your slow cooker. Add the minced garlic around the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the thawed, drained spinach. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Arrange them around the meat.

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker tightly. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. Or, cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken needs to be cooked through. It should easily shred with a fork. This slow cooking method makes it super tender.

Finish the Creamy Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, stir things up. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking. If you want a thicker sauce, cook uncovered. Simmer until the sauce is hot and thickened. Add red pepper flakes now. This is perfect if you like a little spice.

Serve Your Tuscan Delight

Your Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is ready! The sauce should be perfectly creamy. The chicken is wonderfully tender. Serve it over pasta. It’s also great with rice. Or, have some crusty bread. Enjoy every last, delicious bite.

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How to Store Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

After your delicious Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is made, let it cool down. Once cooled, put it into an airtight container. This will keep it fresh in your fridge for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for later. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. It can stay frozen for 2 to 3 months. Gently reheat it on the stove. Microwaving works too. Just heat until it’s warm all the way through.

Tips for Success

• Always drain spinach thoroughly. This prevents a watery sauce.
• Searing the chicken first is key. It boosts flavor and texture.
• Tweak sun-dried tomatoes. Adjust to your personal taste.
• Need a thicker sauce? Try a cornstarch slurry. Add it near the end.
• Resist overcooking the chicken. It can get dry easily.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Gathering the right tools makes cooking a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need for this Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken:

• A trusty 6-quart slow cooker is ideal.
• You’ll need a large skillet.
• Tongs are helpful for searing.
• Measuring cups and spoons are essential.
• A cutting board and chef’s knife are a must.
• Paper towels are needed for drying chicken.
• Airtight containers are great for storage.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over your favorite pasta, like fettuccine or penne.
• Enjoy with fluffy white rice or quinoa.
• Pair with crusty bread for dipping.
• A simple side salad offers a light, fresh contrast.
• Steamed or roasted broccoli is a perfect veggie side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?

Oh, definitely! Chicken thighs are super forgiving in slow cookers. They often turn out even more tender. Just make sure they’re fully cooked through. This usually takes about the same time as the breasts.

How can I make the sauce thicker if it’s too thin?

If your sauce looks a bit thin, no worries! Make a slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this into the slow cooker. Do this in the last 30 minutes. Let it simmer until it thickens up nicely.

Can I prepare this Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken ahead of time?

You can totally prep ahead. Chop your garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. But, the very best flavor happens when the sauce is finished right before serving. Cook the chicken and broth mixture. Then, add the cream and cheese later.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

No sun-dried tomatoes? That’s okay! Jarred roasted red peppers are a great swap. Drain them well and chop them finely. Add them to the slow cooker. The flavor will be a little different. But, they add wonderful sweetness and color.