Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe

If you crave rich, creamy Italian flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is about to become your new weeknight favorite! Tender chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce come together effortlessly in your slow cooker for a dish that’s pure comfort with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken recipe earns its spot, layering in flavor, texture, and gorgeous color. You won’t need anything fancy—just a handful of classic Italian staples come together to create weeknight magic.

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These stay super tender and soak up the flavors, but chicken breasts also work if you prefer.
• Baby spinach: Adds a burst of color and a pop of freshness right at the end.
• Parmesan cheese: The secret to the creamy, nutty, and salty richness of the sauce—use freshly grated for best results.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce ultra-silky and indulgent; you can sub with half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: These little gems are packed with sweet, tangy flavor that transforms the whole dish. Don’t forget to use a bit of the oil from the jar!
• Chicken stock: Helps bring the sauce together and keeps things moist.
• Garlic: Four cloves, minced—because you can never have too much garlic in a Tuscan-inspired dinner.
• Unsalted butter: For flavor and creaminess when making the sauce base.
• Oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes: Infuses the sauce with a little extra oomph—don’t skip it!
• Dried parsley, basil, and oregano: These dried herbs evoke that “classic Italian kitchen” aroma and flavor.
• Salt & pepper: Just enough seasoning to highlight all those beautiful flavors.

Variations

The beauty of Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is how easy it is to tweak—swap out proteins, change up the veggies, or make it suit your needs with what’s on hand. There’s so much room to play and make it truly yours!

• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and your favorite plant-based parmesan for a creamy, satisfying sauce without the dairy.
• Try chicken breasts: Prefer white meat? Substitute an equal weight of boneless, skinless chicken breasts—just keep in mind they can cook a bit faster!
• Add mushrooms or artichoke hearts: Toss in a handful of sliced mushrooms or drained artichoke hearts for extra veggies and Tuscan flair.
• Go low-carb: Omit the sun-dried tomatoes and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a satisfying, lighter meal.

How to Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Start the Sauce

You’ll start by melting butter and a splash of that amazing sun-dried tomato oil in a saucepan, then briefly sautéing the garlic until it smells irresistible—just 20 seconds! Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, and let it simmer to thicken and concentrate the flavors.

Step 2: Add Parmesan for Creaminess

Once your sauce base is thickened, whisk in the parmesan cheese and let it gently melt into the sauce. This is where that signature silky texture happens—take a moment to marvel at how quickly it comes together!

Step 3: Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker

Add the chicken thighs to your slow cooker insert and season them with all those fragrant dried herbs, plus salt and pepper. Layer the sun-dried tomatoes right on top, then pour the creamy sauce over everything. The anticipation builds!

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on high for 3 hours (or low for about 6 hours), until the chicken is fork-tender and practically melts in your mouth. There’s nothing better than that slow-cooked aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Spinach

Once the chicken’s cooked, remove it and stir baby spinach into the sauce. Pop the lid back on for a few minutes until the spinach is wilted and vibrant—then nestle the chicken back in or serve with the sauce spooned over top.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Garnishes

For a gorgeous finishing touch, top your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken with extra grated parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a few extra sun-dried tomato slices. A drizzle of the silky sauce makes it extra inviting—the kind of plate-bound presentation that’s guaranteed to tempt every diner at the table.

Side Dishes

This dish shines over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or twirled up with al dente pasta (think fettuccine or penne for classic comfort). For a lighter pairing, try zucchini noodles, steamed broccoli, or simple roasted green beans—it’s a true Italian chameleon!

Creative Ways to Present

When entertaining, slice the chicken and arrange it in shallow bowls over pasta, finished with a swirl of sauce and fresh herbs on top. For a rustic vibe, serve right from your slow cooker in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves—family-style always wins hearts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken keeps beautifully! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You’ll find the flavors become even more melded and savory the next day—a real treat for speedy meal prep.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken—let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to keep the sauce creamy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce gets a bit too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken stock to bring back its velvety texture—don’t rush, and you’ll be rewarded with that original creamy magic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of big flavor and comfort but need something fuss-free, give Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken a try. It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again—warm, creamy, and just downright delicious. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with every last bite!

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