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Inspired by the sun-drenched flavors of the Italian countryside, this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken brings together tender slow-cooked chicken, wilted spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a gloriously rich parmesan cream sauce. It is the kind of recipe that looks and tastes impressive enough for a dinner party but is genuinely effortless to make any night of the week.
This creamy Tuscan chicken crockpot recipe is everything you love about Italian-inspired comfort food, made completely hands-off in your slow cooker.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy parmesan sauce packed with Italian-inspired flavors
- Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add color, texture, and nutrition
- Restaurant-quality results from a completely hands-off recipe
- Ready in under 6 hours with minimal prep
- Easily customizable with your favorite Italian add-ins
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 2 lbs |
| Sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained | 1/2 cup |
| Baby spinach | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 3/4 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup |
| Grated parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 cloves |
| Italian seasoning | 1.5 tsp |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh basil | For garnish |
Substitutions:
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce
- Kale can replace spinach for a heartier green
- Roasted red peppers are a good substitute for sun-dried tomatoes
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Step 2: Build the base
Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot. Add chicken broth, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes over the top.
Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours.
Step 4: Add cream and parmesan
In the last 30 minutes, stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan. Replace the lid and continue cooking.
Step 5: Add the spinach
In the last 10 minutes, stir in the baby spinach. It will wilt into the sauce within a few minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Serve whole chicken breasts or shred the chicken and stir into the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil.
Tips and Tricks
- Add the spinach in the last 10 minutes only it wilts quickly and overcooking turns it dark and mushy
- Freshly grated parmesan melts into the sauce much more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir in during the last 20 minutes
- A splash of dry white wine added with the broth deepens the Italian flavor profile significantly
- Artichoke hearts, chopped kalamata olives, or capers are excellent additions if you want even more complexity
Serving Suggestions
- Over fettuccine or pappardelle pasta
- With garlic bread to scoop up the creamy sauce
- Over polenta for a rustic Italian presentation
- With roasted asparagus or green beans on the side
- Over white rice as a simpler weeknight option
Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding spinach too early spinach added at the start of cooking becomes overcooked, dark, and loses its texture entirely. Add it only in the last 10 minutes.
- Using jarred sun-dried tomatoes in heavy oil without draining excess oil will make the sauce greasy. Drain and lightly pat them dry before adding.
- Adding cream at the beginning the cream can separate and curdle during long cook times. Always add it in the last 30 minutes.
- Not scraping the bottom of the crockpot the garlic and tomato paste can stick to the bottom. Stir periodically to prevent burning.
- Overcooking the chicken breasts check at the 4-hour mark on LOW to ensure the chicken stays juicy.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 405 kcal |
| Protein | 41 g |
| Total Fat | 23 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 510 mg |
Based on 5 servings. Values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Chicken thighs stay juicier through longer cook times and work beautifully in this recipe. Use the same quantity and adjust cook time slightly if needed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight. Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes. With approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving, this is an excellent option for low-carb diets. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it fully low-carb.
Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?
Absolutely. Sliced cremini or button mushrooms added at the beginning of the cooking time work wonderfully in the sauce.
Can I freeze Tuscan chicken?
Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing. If you plan to freeze, it is best to do so before adding the cream and spinach, then add them fresh when reheating.
Recipe Card
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 4 to 5 hours on LOW |
| Total Time | Approximately 4 hours 10 minutes |
| Servings | 4 to 5 |
| Calories | 405 kcal per serving |
| Course | Dinner |
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Focus Keyword | crockpot tuscan chicken |
| Related Keywords | slow cooker tuscan chicken, sun dried tomato chicken crockpot, creamy tuscan chicken recipe |
Make This Tonight
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is the slow cooker recipe that turns an ordinary weeknight into something that feels genuinely special. Rich, creamy, loaded with Italian flavors, and requiring almost no effort at all this is the kind of dinner that earns compliments every single time you make it.
Tried this recipe? Leave your rating below and let me know your favorite way to serve it in the comments. Save this to your Pinterest board and subscribe for more creamy slow cooker dinners every week.