Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Introduction
There’s something truly special about coming home to the inviting aroma of a rich, savory meal simmering away in a slow cooker. It whispers comfort, warmth, and nostalgia, instantly bringing back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my beloved recipe for Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken. This dish, infused with bright herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy goodness, is not only a comforting dinner but also the perfect indulgent treat for those chilly evenings. Picture sitting down at the family table, the delicious fragrance wrapping around you like a warm hug—that’s exactly the moment we create with this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken stands out for so many wonderful reasons:

  • Effortless and Easy: Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! Perfect for busy weekdays.
  • Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The creamy, herb-infused sauce can transform any type of chicken into a flavorful feast.
  • Brings Families Together: This dish creates moments of connection around the table, inviting laughter and conversation.
  • Versatile: It can be served over pasta, rice, or even polenta for a different twist.
  • Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein and vibrant veggies, it’s a dish you can feel good about!

Ingredients with Notes
To create this delightful Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juiciness)
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (for a tangy kick)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (a burst of color and nutrients)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or swap Greek yogurt for a lighter touch)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (adds depth and richness)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (for that aromatic depth)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (the heart of Tuscan flavors)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (for a fragrant lift)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (for a beautiful finishing touch)

Prep and Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low / 3-4 hours on high
  • Total Time: About 6-8 hours

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and the rewarding flavor it delivers with minimal effort. You can set it in the morning and come home to a comforting meal that feels like it was cooked all day.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping the sun-dried tomatoes. Mince the garlic until fragrant—this is where the magic begins!
  2. Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. You’ll want to make sure they’re close together.
  3. Add the Tomatoes and Spinach: Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken, followed by the fresh spinach. Imagine the vibrant colors blending together—so inviting!
  4. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. This creamy concoction is the heart of your dish.
  5. Pour the Sauce Over: Gently pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies. You’ll start to see the ingredients swimming together—pure joy!
  6. Cook: Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. As it cooks, your kitchen will be filled with the most mouthwatering aroma.
  7. Finish and Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken with forks right in the slow cooker. Stir everything together to coat in that rich sauce. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Tips and Variations

  • Healthier Swaps: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
  • Seasonal Twist: Add seasonal vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Flavor Upgrade: A splash of white wine can elevate the sauce even more, giving that rustic Italian flair.

Serving Ideas
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy polenta. Pair it with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce or a fresh garden salad for a light balance. I can picture it now: gathering around the table on a cozy evening, laughter echoing, and plates filled with this hearty dish. As you savor each bite, it becomes more than just a meal—it’s a cherished moment.

Storage and Reheating
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist and delicious.

Chef’s Pro Tips

  • Let the chicken rest before shredding for juicier results.
  • Try adding a touch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
  • Finish with freshly chopped herbs just before serving for a pop of freshness.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of chicken? Yes! Thighs will yield a juicier dish, while breasts are leaner.
  • Is it okay to substitute for dairy-free options? Absolutely! Consider using almond milk or coconut cream.
  • How can I spice it up? Add crushed red pepper or a splash of balsamic vinegar for enhanced flavor.

Conclusion
As you gather ingredients to make this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken, remember that cooking is about creating moments—moments filled with love, warmth, and shared experiences. I encourage you to try this recipe, pass it around the family table, and create your cherished memories. There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a homemade meal with loved ones, and this dish is sure to become a cozy favorite in your home. Enjoy the happiness it brings!

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

A creamy, herb-infused dish featuring chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juiciness) Thighs add moisture.
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped Provides a tangy kick.
  • 1 cup fresh spinach Adds color and nutrients.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup chicken broth Enhances depth and richness.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Provides aromatic depth.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Key in Tuscan flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil For fragrance.
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • to garnish Fresh basil For a beautiful finishing touch.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Gather all your ingredients and chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Mince the garlic until fragrant.

Layering

  • Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, making sure they are close together.
  • Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken, followed by the fresh spinach.

Mixing the Sauce

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  • Gently pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies.

Cooking

  • Set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Finishing and Serving

  • Once cooked, shred the chicken with forks right in the slow cooker and stir everything together.
  • Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Healthier Swaps: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. Seasonal Twist: Add seasonal vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, for added flavor. Flavor Upgrade: A splash of white wine can elevate the sauce.
Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family Meal, Slow Cooker Chicken, Tuscan Chicken
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Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest

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