Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken: Easy Comfort Food at Its Best!
If you’re looking for a rich, creamy meal that practically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is your new go-to.
With just a handful of ingredients—garlic, parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes—this dish delivers big flavors with minimal effort.
Simply toss it all in your slow cooker, and let the magic happen while you relax.
It’s the ultimate comfort food that’ll have you coming back for more!
For Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish, providing a tender and juicy base.
- Olive Oil – Used to sauté the garlic and infuse the sauce with a rich flavor.
- Garlic – Minced to give the sauce a fragrant, savory kick.
- Heavy Cream – Creates the creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting.
- Chicken Broth – Adds a bit of depth and helps balance the richness of the cream.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Gives the sauce a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the creaminess.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that gives the dish its aromatic Italian flair.
- Sea Salt – To taste, helps bring out all the flavors.
- Black Pepper – Adds a touch of heat and depth to the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These bring a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the richness of the sauce.
- Fresh Spinach – Chopped and added at the end to provide a fresh, green contrast to the creamy sauce.
For Slow Cooker Tuscan Sauce
- Heavy Cream – Used to form the base of the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Broth – Balances the creaminess and adds a savory depth.
- Parmesan Cheese – Stirred in to create a velvety, cheesy sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Adds a burst of umami flavor to the sauce.
- Spinach – Wilted in the sauce for added freshness and color.
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 6 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- ⅓ cup Chicken broth (reduced sodium)
- ¾ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- ½ cup Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups Fresh spinach, chopped and packed
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Add the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly (enough to coat the back of a spoon).
- Prepare the chicken: While the sauce simmers, place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season with Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Finish the sauce: Once the sauce has thickened a bit, reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Slow cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is covered with as much sauce as possible. Cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 6-8 hours.
- Wilt the spinach: Once cooking time is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. Turn the slow cooker to High, add the chopped spinach, and stir for a few minutes until wilted.
- Serve: Return the chicken to the slow cooker, spoon the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and sauce over the chicken, and serve.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can simmer the sauce longer before adding the parmesan cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- This dish reheats well in the microwave or on the Warm setting in the slow cooker.
Nutrition
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re more forgiving, staying juicy and tender in the slow cooker, and they’ll work just as well for this dish!
- Do I really need to sauté the garlic first?
Sautéing the garlic in olive oil brings out its rich flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can add it directly to the slow cooker. It will still be delicious, though a bit less fragrant!
- Can I skip the sun-dried tomatoes?
While sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely tang and depth, you can skip them if you don’t have them on hand. Try substituting with fresh tomatoes or a spoonful of tomato paste for a different twist.
- How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, simply reduce the chicken broth by a little or mix in a bit of cornstarch toward the end of cooking. You can also simmer the sauce on high for the last 30 minutes to reduce it.
- Can I add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers?
Yes! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or any other vegetables you love. Add them in with the chicken to cook, and you’ll have a more hearty dish.
