Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your table. It combines tender chicken breasts with creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for busy days or special gatherings, providing a hearty meal that requires minimal effort.
Why We Love This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
This recipe captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine with a rich blend of flavors. The simplicity of preparing this dish in your crockpot makes it a favorite among home cooks. You can set it and forget it, freeing up time for other tasks or simply relaxing. The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings creates a luscious sauce that perfectly complements the chicken. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some healthy greens with the addition of baby spinach. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients about Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Homemade Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
How to Make Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Directions
Making Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is both straightforward and rewarding. Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with the homemade Italian seasoning, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. This step is crucial as it forms the base of flavor for your dish.
Next, spray the interior of your crockpot with non-stick spray. This will help ensure that the chicken doesn’t stick and make for easier cleanup later. Layer the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisking these ingredients together will create a creamy mixture that will pour over the chicken, enveloping it in flavor. Carefully pour this mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
Now, cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours, depending on your time constraints. As it cooks, the chicken will become tender, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
About 10 minutes before serving, take a moment to add the chopped spinach into the crockpot. Place the lid back on to allow the spinach to wilt down within the sauce. This additional ingredient adds not only nutrition but also vibrant color to your dish.
Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Now, you can serve your velvety, rich Crockpot Tuscan Chicken over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread. Each bite is guaranteed to be flavorful and satisfying.
How to Serve Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
When it comes to serving your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken, there are several delicious options to consider. One of the most popular choices is to serve it over al dente pasta. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the noodles, making each bite a delightful experience. You can also pair it with fluffy rice, allowing it to soak up the sauce intricately as you savor every mouthful.
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, consider serving the chicken with a fresh garden salad on the side. The crisp greens and fresh vegetables create a wonderful contrast with the rich flavors of the dish. Additionally, crusty bread is an excellent accompaniment. You can use it to soak up any remaining sauce, ensuring not a drop goes to waste.
Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving for an added touch of flavor. Whether for an everyday meal or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
To make your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken even better, consider the following expert tips. First, when seasoning your chicken breasts, ensure you coat them thoroughly for maximum flavor. You can also marinate the chicken overnight in the spices to enhance their taste further.
Using high-quality sun-dried tomatoes can elevate the dish. The flavor they bring is unmatched, so try to find the best ones you can. Since different crockpots may cook at varying rates, check the chicken for doneness towards the end of the cooking time. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix in a bit of cornstarch dissolved in water 30 minutes before serving. This will give your sauce a beautiful, velvety consistency.
Finally, feel free to experiment with additional seasonings or vegetables. Artichokes, bell peppers, or olives can also complement the dish well and add even more depth to the flavor.
How to Store Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is simple and convenient. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Proper storage will help preserve the flavors and texture of the chicken and sauce.
You can store the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just ensure your container is well sealed to prevent moisture loss and keep the dish fresh. If you want to save it for a longer period, consider freezing the chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until warm throughout.
Variation of Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to enjoy it in various ways. If you’re looking for a twist, you might want to try adding different vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. These will not only enhance the flavor profile but also provide added texture and color to your dish.
For a spicier version, consider tossing in some red pepper flakes along with the garlic. This will infuse the dish with a gentle heat that complements the creamy sauce wonderfully.
If you’re following a specific diet, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative. This can be particularly helpful for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan lifestyle. Just ensure you adjust the seasoning to taste as some alternatives may bring their unique flavors into the mix.
Lastly, you can serve this dish in various ways. Try it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a nutritious spin. With each variation, you’ll find a new favorite way to enjoy Crockpot Tuscan Chicken!
FAQ
What sides pair well with Crockpot Tuscan Chicken? You can serve it with pasta, rice, a fresh salad, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker? Mix cornstarch in water and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a thicker sauce.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but make sure to adjust the cooking time. It might need a longer cook time to ensure the chicken reaches the proper temperature.
How do I meal prep with this recipe? Crockpot Tuscan Chicken stores well in an airtight container, making it great for meal prep. It lasts for up to 4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini can be great additions to enhance both flavor and nutrition.
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Homemade Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the homemade Italian seasoning, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Spray the interior of your crockpot with non-stick spray.
- Layer the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk together.
- Carefully pour the mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours.
- About 10 minutes before serving, add the chopped spinach into the crockpot and replace the lid.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serving
- Serve the Crockpot Tuscan Chicken over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread.
- Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
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