Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Bring the rich, creamy flavors of Tuscany to your kitchen with this easy and delicious Crockpot Tuscan Chicken recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of Italian seasonings. Best of all, your slow cooker does the work for you, leaving you with a flavorful meal and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and sliced if in oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or baby spinach)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is well coated with the spices for maximum flavor.

2. Sear the Chicken (Optional):
For added flavor, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. This step is optional but recommended to enhance the dish’s flavor.

3. Assemble in the Crockpot:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic over the top.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.

5. Cook:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Add Spinach:
About 20 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the fresh spinach to the crockpot. Stir gently to incorporate it into the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce at this stage.

7. Serve:
Once the spinach has wilted and the sauce has thickened slightly, the dish is ready. Serve the Crockpot Tuscan Chicken over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips for Success

1. Choose Quality Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
2. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer flavor, but drain them well before adding to the recipe.
3. Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
4. Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a very thick sauce, let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10 minutes before serving to reduce the liquid further.
5. Add More Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or zucchini for a vegetable-packed variation.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless: With minimal prep and the magic of a crockpot, this meal practically cooks itself.
2. Flavor-Packed: The creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs create a restaurant-quality taste.
3. Versatile: Serve with your favorite sides or tweak the ingredients to suit dietary needs.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is guaranteed to impress family and guests alike.

Embrace the rustic charm of Italian cuisine without leaving your home with this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken. It’s an elegant yet easy dish that turns ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. Buon appetito!