Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the aromatic flavors of Italian cuisine with the convenience of slow cooking. This creamy, savory recipe features tender chicken breasts swimming in a luscious sauce made from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, all enhanced with fresh spinach. As you prepare this meal, the enticing scent will fill your kitchen, inviting your family to gather around the table to enjoy a homemade feast.
Why We Love This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
The beauty of this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken recipe lies in its simplicity and irresistible flavor. You can start your day with very little prep work, allowing the slow cooker to do all the magic while you go about your daily routine. The creamy sauce, infused with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a gourmet meal. Moreover, it is versatile enough to pair perfectly with various sides, making it a family favorite. You’ll love the fact that this recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also fits into your busy lifestyle, offering a delicious win-win for any night of the week.
Ingredients about Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Homemade Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
How to Make Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe Directions
Creating this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is incredibly easy and can become a soothing routine in your kitchen. To start, take the boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides evenly with homemade Italian seasoning, onion powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. This seasoning blend builds a robust base flavor that’s essential for the dish.
Once seasoned, spray the interior of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick to the bottom during cooking. Layer the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, making sure they’re snugly positioned.
Next, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. This creamy mixture is what will envelop the chicken, so you want it to be smooth and well-combined. Pour this luscious sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure every piece is adequately covered; this is where the magic begins.
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld beautifully, and the chicken will become exceptionally tender, allowing it to soak up all the delicious goodness of the sauce.
As you approach the final minutes of cooking, about 10 minutes before serving, toss in the chopped baby spinach. Its vibrant green color and subtle flavor will elevate the dish, adding freshness and nutrition to this creamy delight. Don’t forget to replace the lid, letting the spinach wilt gently into the sauce. Lastly, give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
When the time is up, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Serving your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is just as easy as making it! The creamy sauce paired with the tender chicken makes for a satisfying and decadent meal that your whole family will love. A great way to serve this dish is over a bed of cooked pasta, which beautifully complements the sauce, capturing every drop of flavor. You can also consider serving it over rice or alongside crusty bread, perfect for soaking up that creamy goodness.
Enhance your presentation by garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese. A simple side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish, ensuring a well-rounded meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is sure to be a hit and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
To ensure your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken turns out perfect every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Chicken Quality: Choose high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. Organic or free-range options often yield a more flavorful result.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you prefer a more intense flavor, feel free to add more Italian seasoning or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Creamy Consistency: If you want a thicker sauce, you can blend a little cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce halfway through cooking. This will create a creamy and luscious texture.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time, as overcooked chicken can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Storage for Leftovers: If you find yourself with leftovers, they can be easily stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
By following these expert tips, your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken will shine as the star of your dinner table!
How to Store Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Storing your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is straightforward and can extend the life of this delicious dish. Allow the leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Make sure to separate the chicken from the creamy sauce if possible, as keeping them together can lead to sogginess.
In the refrigerator, your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken will stay fresh for about four days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish; it can last for up to three months when properly stored. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it up on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. This method preserves the texture and flavor, ensuring that you can enjoy this meal even days later.
Variation of Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
While the classic Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a fantastic dish on its own, there are several variations you can try to mix things up and keep your meals exciting:
- Mushroom Addition: Consider adding sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce. Just toss them in with the other ingredients at the beginning of the cooking process.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs such as basil or oregano can bring a new dimension to the dish. Add them during the last hour of cooking to maintain their fresh flavor.
- Low-Fat Version: If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap the heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative, like Greek yogurt or a reduced-fat cream. This will create a slightly different consistency but will still allow you to enjoy the creamy essence.
- Vegetable Medley: Add in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots at the beginning of the cooking process for added nutrients and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Options: Serve the chicken over gluten-free pasta or rice for a delightful meal that accommodates those with dietary restrictions.
Exploring these variations allows you to adapt the recipe to your family’s preferences, making it a versatile staple in your kitchen.
FAQ
What is the best way to prepare Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?
The best way to prepare Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is by seasoning the chicken breasts well and layering them in a sprayed crockpot. Ensure to make a creamy sauce using chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Cook it low and slow to enhance the flavors.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?
Cooking Crockpot Tuscan Chicken typically takes 3 hours on high and 5 hours on low. The slow cooking allows the chicken to tenderize and absorb all the rich flavors.
Can I use frozen chicken in this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, it is recommended to cook on high for around 4-5 hours instead of 3 hours to ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.
What can I serve with Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is delicious served over pasta, rice, or even with crusty bread. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or a refreshing salad to balance the richness of the dish.
How should I store Crockpot Tuscan Chicken leftovers?
To store leftover Crockpot Tuscan Chicken, let it cool completely and transfer it to airtight containers. It will remain good in the refrigerator for up to four days or can be frozen for up to three months.
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Homemade Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with homemade Italian seasoning, onion powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
- Spray the interior of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours.
- About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped baby spinach and cover to let it wilt.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serving
- Serve over a bed of cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
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