Here’s a Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe in rich detail, with step-by-step instructions, tips, and customization ideas.
🐔 Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (on low) or 2–3 hours (on high)
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Texture & Flavor: Tender chicken in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach
📝 Ingredients:
Chicken
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning)
Sauce Base
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
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¾ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is best)
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
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1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
Vegetables & Add-ins
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
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2 cups fresh baby spinach (loosely packed)
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1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Optional: Brown the Chicken
Browning adds flavor but isn’t mandatory.
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Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
2. Prepare Sauce
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In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried herbs.
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker
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Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Scatter sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
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Pour the cream mixture over everything.
4. Cook
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Low: 4–6 hours
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High: 2–3 hours
Chicken is done when internal temp is 165°F (74°C) and tender.
5. Add Spinach
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About 15–20 minutes before serving, stir in the spinach. Cover and let it wilt.
6. (Optional) Thicken Sauce
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If needed, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir into the slow cooker.
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Let cook another 10–15 minutes until thickened.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
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Over pasta (fettuccine, penne)
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Mashed potatoes
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Rice or cauliflower rice
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With crusty bread to soak up the sauce
💡 Tips & Variations:
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Protein Swap: Use boneless thighs for juicier meat.
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Lighter Option: Use half-and-half and less cheese.
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Add Mushrooms: Sauté and add with tomatoes.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast (for a unique twist).