Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with the rich and vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine. This one-pot meal not only simplifies your cooking process but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma as it simmers away in the slow cooker. With creamy textures, a hint of spice, and the nutritious addition of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe promises to satisfy your family and friends alike. Let’s dive into what makes this dish a favorite and how you can create it in the comfort of your home.
Why We Love This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
What sets Crockpot Tuscan Chicken apart is its ease and versatility. Busy schedules often leave us scrambling for meal prep ideas, and this recipe eliminates that stress. Simply place your ingredients in the crockpot, set it, and let it do the work for you! The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables creates a delicious one-pot wonder that complements a variety of side dishes. Plus, it’s a hit for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests at a gathering. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare a wholesome, flavorsome meal that everyone will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients about Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened and cubed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped or 1 teaspoon dried)
How to Make Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Directions
Creating your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is not only straightforward but also quite rewarding as you watch it transform into a comforting meal.
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. For a depth of flavor, you might consider searing the chicken in a skillet for about 2 minutes on each side. This step is optional but adds a delicious caramelized texture to the meat.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Next, add olive oil to your crockpot and layer the seasoned chicken on the bottom. The olive oil helps keep the chicken moist and adds flavor.
- Add Flavorings: Sprinkle the minced garlic, finely diced onion, Italian seasoning, additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes over the top of the chicken. These ingredients will infuse the chicken with Italian-inspired flavors as it cooks.
- Add Broth: Carefully pour the chicken broth around the chicken to ensure it doesn’t wash away the seasoning. This broth will keep the chicken juicy and create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Set the Temperature: Cook your meal on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This not only makes the chicken easy to serve but also allows it to soak in more of the sauce.
- Add Creaminess: Add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese into the crockpot. Stir everything until the cheeses melt and combine into a rich, creamy sauce.
- Incorporate Veggies: Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves to the mix. Cook on high for another 20-30 minutes. This final step ensures that the spinach wilts down and mingles perfectly with the other flavors.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, stir in the fresh basil. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.
This hassle-free method creates a mouthwatering dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite sides.
How to Serve Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
When it comes to serving your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken, you have several delicious options. This dish shines when served over a cozy bed of pasta, allowing the creamy sauce to envelop each strand. Alternatively, you might want to try it over fluffy rice or quinoa, which can absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the dish’s richness. Freshly baked bread is also a fantastic accompaniment, perfect for dipping into that luscious sauce. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a few additional basil leaves to add a touch of elegance to your presentation.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
- Chicken Choices: While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, you can use bone-in chicken pieces if you prefer. Just remember that the cooking time may vary slightly.
- Searing for Flavor: Searing the chicken before adding it to the crockpot enhances the flavor profile. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
- Cheese Swaps: If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a different taste.
- Spinach Variations: Fresh spinach gives a lovely color and taste, but you can also substitute with kale. Just be sure to chop it well to ensure it cooks down nicely.
- Spice Level: The red pepper flakes are optional; adjust this to suit your heat preference. You might even consider adding fresh or dried chili for additional spice.
How to Store Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
If you find yourself with leftovers or want to prepare this meal ahead of time, storing is easy! Allow the Crockpot Tuscan Chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk added to prevent drying out.
For longer storage, you can freeze your dish for up to three months. Ensure it’s sealed tightly to avoid freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, ensuring it’s heated throughout.
Variation of Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is versatile, meaning you can easily adjust ingredients based on your pantry or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version. Season them with the same spices for a flavor-packed twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re gluten-sensitive, make sure to use gluten-free pasta, rice, or quinoa when serving.
- Herb Variations: Apart from basil, you can experiment with other herbs like oregano or thyme, which also pair beautifully with the dish’s overall profile.
- Tomato Swap: In place of sun-dried tomatoes, try using fresh cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a slow-cooked meal that features tender chicken simmered with cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
How do I make Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?
Simply season your chicken, layer it in a slow cooker with the other ingredients, and let it cook until tender. Shred the chicken, add the creamy elements, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be aware that it may require additional cooking time to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature.
What can I serve with Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?
This dish is delicious over pasta, rice, or quinoa and pairs nicely with salad or crusty bread.
How do I store leftovers from Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?
Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with Crockpot Tuscan Chicken! This meal is sure to become a staple in your household for its ease and delightful flavor!
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) Use bone-in pieces if preferred, adjust cooking time.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Keeps the chicken moist.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced) Enhances flavor.
- 1 small onion (finely diced) Adds sweetness and aroma.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth Keeps the chicken juicy.
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Classic Italian flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for spice.
Creamy Elements
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened and cubed) For creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy cream Rich texture.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Controls the creaminess and flavor.
Vegetables
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped) Adds tartness and texture.
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves Nutrient-rich addition.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped or 1 teaspoon dried) Final fresh herb flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season your chicken with salt and pepper. Optionally, sear the chicken in a skillet for 2 minutes on each side for added flavor.
- Add olive oil to your crockpot and layer the seasoned chicken on the bottom.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, diced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes over the chicken.
- Pour the chicken broth around the chicken carefully.
Cooking
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot with two forks.
- Add cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, and stir until melted.
- Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Before serving, stir in fresh basil and adjust seasoning as needed.
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