Some days just call for an easy dinner. You know the ones. The calendar is full, the energy is low, and the thought of cooking something complicated is just too much. That is when I turn to my slow cooker. It feels like having a little kitchen helper, bubbling away while I handle everything else.
If you are searching for amazing Crockpot Recipes that deliver big flavor with little fuss, you have found a real gem. This creamy Tuscan chicken is a wonderful dish. It is warm, comforting, and feels special enough for guests but is simple enough for any Tuesday night. It has quickly become a family favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this dish. Honestly, it is one of those recipes that just works every single time. It is a star in my collection of Slow Cook Recipes for a few key reasons.
- Incredibly Flavorful. The combination of sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning creates a rich, savory sauce that is just so good.
- Minimal Effort. After a quick sear on the stovetop, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. This gives you more time to relax.
- Tender Chicken. Using chicken thighs ensures the meat stays moist and tender, even after hours of slow cooking. It practically falls apart.
- Versatile Meal. You can serve this over pasta, with rice, alongside mashed potatoes, or even with some crusty bread for dipping. It fits into many Healthy Dinner Recipes plans.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for this dish is simple and full of pantry staples. You likely have many of these items on hand already, which makes it one of the easiest Crockpot Recipes to whip up.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6 thighs)
- ½ cup chopped shallots
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
- ⅓ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Step By Step Instructions
Following these steps will give you a delicious meal every time. Let’s walk through it together. It is simpler than you think to create wonderful Crockpot Dishes like this one.
Step 1: Brown The Chicken
First, heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. While it is warming up, pat your chicken thighs dry and sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper. This helps get a nice golden crust.
Once the pan is hot, carefully place the chicken thighs in. Let them cook for about 2 to 4 minutes on each side. You are not trying to cook them through, just get some nice color. This browning step adds so much flavor. After browning, move the chicken to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté The Aromatics
Now, lower the heat under your skillet to medium. Add the chopped shallots to the pan. Sauté them for about a minute, stirring them so they do not burn. They will smell amazing. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it is fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze The Pan
Here is a fun part. Pour the chicken broth into the hot pan. As it bubbles, use a spoon or spatula to gently scrape up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where so much of the dish’s deep flavor comes from. Let it simmer for a minute, then turn off the heat.
Step 4: Combine In The Slow Cooker
Carefully pour the contents of the skillet, broth and all, over the chicken in the slow cooker. Add the Italian seasoning, the rest of the salt and pepper, and the chopped sun dried tomatoes. Give it a gentle stir to get everything acquainted.
Step 5: Cook Low And Slow
Put the lid on your slow cooker. You have a choice here. You can cook it on high for 2 to 2.5 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Low and slow cooking is what makes so many Slow Cook Recipes so good.
Step 6: Make It Creamy
In a small separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until it is smooth. This mixture is called a slurry, and it will thicken our sauce beautifully. Stir this creamy mixture into the slow cooker. Add the chopped spinach at this time too.
Let it cook for another 5 to 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken up slightly and the spinach will wilt. The aroma at this stage is just wonderful. This is a key step for many creamy Crockpot Recipes.
Step 7: Serve And Enjoy
Give the sauce a taste. Does it need a little more salt or pepper? Adjust it to your liking. Now you are ready to serve. Spoon the chicken and sauce over your favorite base, and if you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, they store very well. Allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
When you are ready to eat it again, you can gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might want to add a small splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as it reheats. It tastes just as good the next day.
Tips
Here are a few little suggestions to make this one of your go to Crockpot Recipes. These simple ideas can help you customize the dish to your family’s tastes.
- Onion Swap. If you do not have shallots, do not worry. You can easily substitute a half cup of chopped sweet yellow onion instead.
- Extra Saucy. If your family loves a lot of sauce for dipping or pouring over pasta, feel free to increase the chicken broth to 1 1/2 cups and the heavy cream to 1/2 cup. Also bump up the Italian seasoning, salt, and garlic a bit.
- Dairy Free Option. To make this dish dairy free, simply substitute the heavy cream with full fat coconut milk from a can. It adds a lovely richness.
- Serving Suggestions. This meal is so versatile. It is wonderful with egg noodles, rice, quinoa, or even zucchini noodles for a lower carb option. A side of crusty bread is always a good idea.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A truly simple yet impressive meal that your slow cooker helps you create. It is a testament to how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be. This dish is solid proof that you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to make a memorable dinner.
I hope this Tuscan chicken becomes one of your favorite Crockpot Recipes. It is a wonderful meal to have in your rotation for busy weeks, lazy weekends, or anytime you want something warm and satisfying. Give it a try, and enjoy every single bite. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs?
Yes, you certainly can. Chicken breasts will work, but they are leaner and can dry out more easily. I would recommend reducing the cooking time slightly. Check them on the low setting around the 3 to 4 hour mark to ensure they stay juicy and tender.
Can I Make This Dairy Free?
Absolutely. As mentioned in the tips, you can substitute the heavy cream with full fat canned coconut milk. It creates a creamy, delicious sauce. Also, be sure to omit the optional Parmesan cheese for serving to keep it fully dairy free.
What Should I Serve With These Crockpot Dishes?
This dish is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with pasta like penne or fettuccine. It is also great over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or simple steamed rice. For a lighter meal, serve it with zucchini noodles or a fresh green salad.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Of course. This is a great base recipe to build on. Sliced mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or even some chopped kale would be wonderful additions. Add heartier vegetables earlier in the cooking process, and delicate ones like kale with the spinach at the end.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This creamy Tuscan chicken is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for guests or a weeknight meal. It’s incredibly flavorful, requires minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker, and features tender chicken in a rich, savory sauce.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Sear chicken for 2-4 minutes per side until golden, then transfer to a slow cooker.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add chopped shallots and sauté for 1 minute, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour chicken broth into the hot skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a spoon or spatula. Let simmer for 1 minute, then turn off the heat.
- Pour the skillet contents over the chicken in the slow cooker. Add Italian seasoning, remaining salt and pepper, and chopped sun dried tomatoes. Stir gently.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-2.5 hours, or on low for 4-5 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this creamy mixture and chopped spinach into the slow cooker. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and spinach wilts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately over your favorite base, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
If you don’t have shallots, you can substitute a half cup of chopped sweet yellow onion instead.
For extra sauce, increase the chicken broth to 1 1/2 cups and the heavy cream to 1/2 cup, adjusting seasonings as desired.
To make this dish dairy free, substitute the heavy cream with full fat canned coconut milk and omit the optional Parmesan cheese.
This meal pairs wonderfully with egg noodles, rice, quinoa, zucchini noodles, or a side of crusty bread.
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