Introduction
Oh, the aromas that fill the kitchen when you’re making something truly special! Does your mind ever drift back to cozy Sunday dinners or that one unforgettable meal at a little Italian place? Well, get ready to recreate some of that magic right in your own home with this incredibly simple Crockpot Tuscan Chicken. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for guests but is so ridiculously easy, you’ll find yourself making it on a Tuesday night. Trust me, this recipe is a winner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So Fast: Minimal prep means more time for you!
- Super Easy: Just a few steps and your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
- Perfect for Gifting: Make a batch and share the deliciousness with neighbors or friends.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds of this creamy, dreamy chicken.
Ingredients
Let’s gather our goodies! You won’t believe how few simple ingredients come together to make something so flavorful.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs) – These are the stars of our show!
- ½ teaspoon salt – Just enough to bring out the chicken’s natural flavor.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that screams “Tuscan”!
- ¼ teaspoon paprika – For a hint of color and a touch of warmth.
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper – A little pinch to round things out.
For the Tuscan Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream – This is where the magic happens for that luscious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Our secret weapon for a perfectly thickened sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced) – Because everything is better with garlic, right?
- ¼ teaspoon salt – A little more to season our wonderful sauce.
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper – Just a whisper of pepper.
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped) – These little gems pack a punch of sweet, tangy flavor!
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For that irresistible cheesy, nutty goodness.
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach – Adds a beautiful pop of color and a healthy boost.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get this party started! It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3… well, 8!
- Prep the Chicken: Grab your chicken breasts and give them a little love. Sprinkle them all over with that ½ teaspoon of salt, the Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper. Make sure they’re nicely coated!
- Into the Crockpot They Go: Gently place your seasoned chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Easy peasy!
- Whip Up the Sauce Base: In a medium bowl, pour in that glorious heavy whipping cream. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and give it a good whisk until there are no lumps. You want it nice and smooth.
- Flavor Town! Now, add the minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ⅛ teaspoon of pepper, those chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and the grated Parmesan cheese to your cream mixture. Stir everything together until it’s all well combined. Oh, the aroma already!
- Sauce Shower: Carefully pour this delicious Tuscan cream sauce evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure it covers everything beautifully.
- Let the Magic Happen: Put the lid on your crockpot. You can cook this on Low for 4-6 hours or on High for 2-3 hours. The goal is for the chicken to be cooked through and super tender. My slow cooker tends to run a little hot, so I usually check it closer to the 4-hour mark on low.
- Green Goodness: About 15 minutes before your chicken is ready, open up that lid and stir in the chopped fresh spinach. It will wilt down into the sauce, adding a lovely touch of green and freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy! That’s it! Your incredibly flavorful Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is ready. Spoon that luscious sauce over the chicken and get ready for some happy eaters.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is pretty fantastic as is, but I love how versatile it is! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Chicken: If you don’t have chicken breasts, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay extra moist. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
- Veggies: Feel free to toss in some halved cherry tomatoes or some sliced mushrooms along with the spinach for an extra veggie boost. Artichoke hearts are also a delightful addition!
- Spice: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving adds a lovely fresh finish.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks up my sleeve to make sure your Tuscan Chicken is absolutely perfect every time!
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken breast can dry out easily. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
- Cornstarch Slurry: If you find your sauce isn’t quite as thick as you’d like, you can make a quick cornstarch slurry by whisking 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water and stirring it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Ahead: You can mince your garlic and chop your sun-dried tomatoes and spinach the night before to save even more time on cooking day.
- Drain Those Tomatoes: Make sure your sun-dried tomatoes are well-drained. Too much oil can make the sauce a bit greasy.
How to Store It
Leftovers are a gift from the kitchen gods, and this Tuscan Chicken makes for amazing leftovers!
Let the chicken and sauce cool completely before storing. You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. I find it tastes even better the next day!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute and often stay even more tender and moist in the slow cooker.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can definitely cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently. The spinach is best stirred in during the last 15 minutes of cooking for the freshest flavor and texture.
What should I serve with Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?
This chicken is delicious served over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even with some crusty bread for dipping into that incredible sauce. A simple side salad or some steamed broccoli is also a great addition!
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all, unless you add red pepper flakes! The sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely tanginess, and the cream sauce is rich and savory. It’s wonderfully mild and comforting.
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 2 lbs
- 0.5 teaspoon salt for chicken
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
- 0.125 teaspoon pepper for chicken
For the Tuscan Cream Sauce
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 0.25 teaspoon salt for sauce
- 0.125 teaspoon pepper for sauce
- 0.333 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Grab your chicken breasts and give them a little love. Sprinkle them all over with that ½ teaspoon of salt, the Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper. Make sure they’re nicely coated!
- Into the Crockpot They Go: Gently place your seasoned chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Easy peasy!
- Whip Up the Sauce Base: In a medium bowl, pour in that glorious heavy whipping cream. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and give it a good whisk until there are no lumps. You want it nice and smooth.
- Flavor Town! Now, add the minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ⅛ teaspoon of pepper, those chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and the grated Parmesan cheese to your cream mixture. Stir everything together until it’s all well combined. Oh, the aroma already!
- Sauce Shower: Carefully pour this delicious Tuscan cream sauce evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure it covers everything beautifully.
- Let the Magic Happen: Put the lid on your crockpot. You can cook this on Low for 4-6 hours or on High for 2-3 hours. The goal is for the chicken to be cooked through and super tender. My slow cooker tends to run a little hot, so I usually check it closer to the 4-hour mark on low.
- Green Goodness: About 15 minutes before your chicken is ready, open up that lid and stir in the chopped fresh spinach. It will wilt down into the sauce, adding a lovely touch of green and freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy! That’s it! Your incredibly flavorful Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is ready. Spoon that luscious sauce over the chicken and get ready for some happy eaters.
Notes
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