Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken is the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy Italian trattoria while requiring barely any hands-on effort. With tender chicken slow-cooked in a velvety sauce of tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and spinach, every bite is bursting with rich flavor and hints of garlic and herbs. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or simply scoop it up with some crusty bread, this dish is guaranteed to become your new weeknight hero. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll have a hard time waiting for leftovers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken is how a handful of simple, nourishing ingredients come together to create magic. Each one has a starring role—whether for depth, creaminess, or a punch of color—and leaving any out just wouldn’t be the same.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite, but thighs stay extra juicy after slow cooking.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sear extra flavor onto the chicken before slow-cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all the savory notes in the chicken and sauce.
- Onion: Offers subtle sweetness and aromatic depth as it softens into the sauce.
- Garlic: Four cloves may sound like a lot, but their flavor mellows and becomes irresistible.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): They create that juicy, saucy base with a touch of acidity.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and intensifies the meaty richness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chewy, tangy, and a little mysterious—they’re the secret ingredient everyone will be asking about.
- Dried basil and oregano: Bring a taste of Tuscany straight to your kitchen, no plane ticket required.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a bit of a kick, a pinch goes a long way!
- Heavy cream: Provides that dreamy, creamy body everyone craves in a comforting sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a deep umami savoriness and rounds out the sauce perfectly.
- Fresh spinach: A pop of green and a boost of nutrients—add as much as you’d like!
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A final flourish of freshness and color.
- Cooked pasta or rice (optional, for serving): Great for soaking up every last drop of sauce!
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts (or thighs—don’t be afraid to swap!) generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, then give your chicken a quick, golden-brown sear for two to three minutes per side. This extra step takes just a few minutes but builds phenomenal flavor, creating those little browned bits that turn into pure magic as the chicken slow cooks. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but I promise it’s worth it!
Step 2: Build the Sauce Base
Once the chicken is nestled in the slow cooker, add the diced onion and minced garlic right on top. Then, pour in the drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and all of your dried herbs—basil, oregano, and don’t forget the optional pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a little heat. Stir everything gently until the flavors are mingling together, smelling like dinner’s already halfway done.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for four to six hours, or high for two to three hours. During this time, the chicken turns irresistibly tender as it soaks up all those herby, garlicky flavors. There’s nothing like setting it and forgetting it, especially when your whole house starts to smell incredible by the end.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
When the chicken is cooked through and practically falling apart, take it out and set it aside for a moment. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese right into the sauce. Let it cook for another ten to fifteen minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes absolutely luscious. Go ahead and taste it—add more salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle more Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent.
Step 5: Shred and Finish
Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken—do it roughly for larger pieces, or finely for a more saucy consistency. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, then stir in the chopped fresh spinach. The heat will wilt it within a minute or two, giving your Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken a gorgeous pop of color, freshness, and nutrition.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the creamy, herby chicken over your favorite cooked pasta or fluffy rice, or keep things simple and serve as is. Top with more freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, and get ready for smiles all around the table.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken
Garnishes
Shower your Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkling of Parmesan right before serving. These simple touches add brightness and a little visual flair that makes each plate look restaurant-worthy. A quick crack of black pepper on top is a favorite final flourish too.
Side Dishes
This chicken craves something to help you soak up all that gorgeous creamy sauce. Buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta all work beautifully. If you want to keep things light, pair it with steamed veggies or a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for a tangy balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, pile the Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken onto a platter over a bed of pasta or rice and let everyone help themselves. Or, for a fun twist, spoon it into toasted sandwich rolls for Tuscan chicken melts, or tuck it into baked potatoes for a cozy lunch. You can even serve it as an elegant main alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a special dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to three or four days, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or dinner later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—just keep in mind that cream-based sauces may separate slightly after freezing, but a gentle stir while reheating brings it back to its creamy glory.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. You can also microwave individual servings in a covered microwave-safe container, stirring every 30 seconds until piping hot. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice for Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken because they stay extra juicy and become beautifully tender during slow cooking.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy free?
Yes, you can substitute coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor will be a little different, but the sauce will still turn out rich and satisfying.
Do I need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Searing isn’t strictly necessary, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor and helps to lock in juices. If you have time, go for it; if you’re rushing, it’s fine to skip and just add the raw, seasoned chicken straight to the slow cooker.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything comfortably. You may need to add a little more time to ensure the chicken cooks through if your slow cooker is filled to the brim.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken is super versatile—try tossing it with pasta, piling it onto toasted bread for sandwiches, or using it as a topping for baked potatoes. The flavors only get better as they meld!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken as I am to share it. With its comforting flavors and effortless prep, it’s a recipe that never fails to impress while making life easier. Gather your ingredients, let your slow cooker do the magic, and get ready for a new family favorite!
Print
Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Tuscan-inspired slow cooker chicken dish. Tender chicken cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, finished with a luxurious cream and Parmesan cheese blend. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or more, to taste)
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked pasta or rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season and sear the chicken before transferring to the slow cooker.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients: Combine onion, garlic, tomatoes, broth, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and spices in the slow cooker.
- Cook the Chicken: Slow cook until tender.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in cream and cheese to thicken the sauce.
- Shred the Chicken: Shred and add spinach.
- Serve: Enjoy over pasta or rice, garnished with parsley and Parmesan.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a more tender, juicy result.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish can be served with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
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