Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the essence of Italy right into your kitchen. With tender chicken breasts bathed in a creamy sauce enriched with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, it’s a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let the magic happen while you go about your day.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe
What makes this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken recipe so beloved? First and foremost, it’s the incredible layers of flavor. The combination of Italian seasoning, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich, savory taste that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Secondly, the slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors, ensuring each bite is just as delightful as the last. Not only is it extremely flavorful, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Throw the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll return home to a delicious, home-cooked meal. Plus, it’s a great way to load up on healthy greens with the addition of baby spinach. Delightful and nutritious, this dish will soon become a family favorite.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
List of ingredients with measurements
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
How to Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Directions
Making Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is a straightforward process that anyone can master. First, you want to prepare your chicken. Start by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This step is essential as it sets the foundation for the dish’s flavor.
Next, the slow cooker comes into play. Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This is where the magic truly begins! After that, it’s time to make the sauce. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Once your sauce is mixed, pour it evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. This combination of ingredients will guarantee that your chicken becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks.
Set your slow cooker to low, and let it work its wonders for 6 to 8 hours. You’ll smell the amazing aroma filling your home as it cooks! Once the cooking time is complete, it’s time to add the finishing touch—baby spinach. Stir in the chopped spinach right before you’re ready to serve, allowing it to wilt slightly in the warm sauce.
Lastly, finish the dish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top. This will add a delicious creaminess that perfectly complements the other flavors. Serve this stunning dish over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that wonderful sauce!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Serving Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is where you can get a bit creative. You can enjoy it straight from the slow cooker, but there are several exciting ways to present this dish. One of the most popular options is to serve it over a bed of pasta. The smooth, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with your favorite noodle, whether it’s spaghetti, fettuccine, or even zoodles for a low-carb twist.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, consider serving the chicken on a bed of steamed or roasted vegetables. Not only does this enhance the nutrition of the meal, but it also adds a beautiful array of colors to your plate.
Another excellent choice is to serve the chicken alongside freshly baked bread. This can be a wonderful way to savor every drop of that creamy sauce! Don’t forget to garnish your dish with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an added touch of elegance.
You can also pair your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish. A light vinaigrette will complement the flavors and add a refreshing contrast. No matter how you choose to serve it, this dish is sure to impress!
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
To ensure your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips. First, always use high-quality chicken breasts. Fresh, organic options tend to be more flavorful and tender. Also, remember that not all slow cookers cook at the same temperature. If your slow cooker cooks fast, you may want to check your chicken at the 4 to 5-hour mark.
Another essential tip is to avoid overcooking the chicken. After about 6 hours, begin checking for doneness. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking it longer than necessary can lead to dryness, which is not what you want.
Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to match your palate. If you love garlic, add more minced garlic! Conversely, if you prefer milder flavors, reduce the garlic or Italian seasoning. You can also swap the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
Finally, if you want to lighten up the dish, you can easily substitute low-fat cream or milk in place of heavy cream. Just keep in mind that it may change the sauce’s consistency slightly.
How to Store Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Storing Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is simple and can help you enjoy leftovers at a later time. Once the dish cools, transfer it to an airtight container. It can safely be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was made.
If you want to store it for a more extended period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, and it will maintain its quality for about 2 to 3 months. Just remember to leave a little space at the top of the container before sealing, as liquids expand when frozen.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can warm it up on the stove over low heat, or you can reheat it in the microwave. If it seems a bit thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Variation of Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
While the original version of Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is delightful on its own, there are several variations you can try to keep this dish exciting. For a zesty twist, consider adding lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice to the sauce before cooking. This will brighten the flavors and add a fresh note that complements the creaminess.
You could also incorporate additional vegetables! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added along with the spinach for extra texture and nutrition. Simply chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients.
If you’re looking to make this dish a bit heartier, consider adding chickpeas or white beans. These can add protein and make the dish even more filling. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as beans and chickpeas need to be cooked through.
For a fun twist on the cheese, try using different kinds like feta or goat cheese. These cheeses can offer a tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
FAQ
What is Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken?
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. It’s perfect for busy days since it requires minimal hands-on prep.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken?
Cooking Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken typically takes between 6 to 8 hours on low. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.
Can I use other meats for this recipe?
While this recipe is primarily for chicken breasts, you can experiment with chicken thighs or even turkey. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time since different cuts can vary in cooking time.
Can I prepare Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before or in the morning. Just store it in the refrigerator in your slow cooker bowl and start cooking it once ready.
Is Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken healthy?
Yes! This recipe is rich in protein and can be adjusted to include more healthy vegetables. Using low-fat cream or milk can also make it lighter in terms of calories.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken?
You can serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken over pasta, rice, or even alongside bread. Pairing it with a fresh salad can also create a balanced meal.
With these insights and tips, you’re well-equipped to make and enjoy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken. Each bite is a celebration of flavor, convenience, and comfort. Enjoy every moment in the kitchen preparing this delightful dish!
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning homemade or store-bought
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, combine minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cooking
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours.
- Once cooked, stir in chopped baby spinach right before serving.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!