Creamy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
A soul-warming, slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy Tuscan-inspired sauce, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs Thighs stay juicier if you prefer.
- 1 cup chicken broth Homemade or low-sodium store-bought.
- 1 cup heavy cream Or half-and-half for a lighter option.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds savory depth.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped Sweet and tangy bursts of flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped For a sweet aromatic base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced The more garlic, the cozier the dish.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for a gentle warmth.
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach Stirred in at the end for color and nutrients.
- Fresh basil For garnish (optional).
Instructions
Preparation
- Lightly season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Optionally, quickly brown the pieces in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes per side.
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes over the top.
- In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream, softened cream cheese, Parmesan, and remaining Italian seasoning until mostly smooth.
- Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken.
Cooking
- Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the baby spinach until wilted and check seasoning.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid and let the crockpot cook on high for a few minutes to reduce liquids slightly.
Serving
- Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a bed of roasted vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Consider adding sun-dried tomato pesto or a splash of white wine for extra flavor. For a smoky twist, add roasted red peppers or smoked paprika.