Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
A creamy, flavorful Crockpot Tuscan Chicken recipe blending tender chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a rich, luscious sauce. Perfect for busy nights, this slow-cooked dish offers effortless comfort food with healthy, versatile ingredients and minimal prep.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low, or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 to 2 lbs)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably oil-packed), chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Optional: ½ cup sliced cremini or button mushrooms
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste
Dairy & Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream or cream substitute (coconut milk or cashew cream for dairy-free)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing or drizzling)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup white wine for added acidity
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Optionally, heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden on both sides for extra flavor. Transfer the chicken to the crockpot.
- Assemble the Sauce Ingredients: Add minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and any optional ingredients such as red pepper flakes or mushrooms into the crockpot. Pour in the heavy cream (or substitute) and stir gently to combine flavors. Nestle the seasoned chicken into the sauce mixture.
- Slow Cook and Let Flavors Meld: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This slow cook time allows the creamy sauce and spices to deeply infuse the chicken.
- Finish with Parmesan Cheese: Once cooked, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and gently stir it into the sauce, allowing the cheese to melt and enrich the dish with a salty, umami finish.
Notes
- Choose uniform chicken pieces for even cooking and consistent tenderness.
- Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness or cream breaking.
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor over dry-packed varieties.
- Stir gently after cooking to maintain a creamy texture without shredding the chicken.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to brighten flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Crockpot, Tuscan Chicken, Slow Cooker, Creamy Chicken, Italian, Easy Dinner, One-Pot Meal, Healthy, Gluten Free