Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a delightful and creamy dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your dinner table. This recipe combines tender chicken with a rich sauce made of cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all cooked to perfection in your trusted slow cooker. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.
Why We Love This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken recipe is a favorite for many, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of tender, shredded chicken with a luscious, creamy sauce is simply irresistible. Not to mention, you can set it and forget it! Just let your slow cooker do the work while you attend to other tasks or relax at home. With minimal preparation and only a handful of ingredients, this dish is both delicious and straightforward. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over pasta, rice, or alongside a fresh salad, making it a perfect option for any occasion.
Ingredients about Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
To prepare this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened and cubed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped or 1 teaspoon dried)
How to Make Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Directions
Making Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a breeze! Follow these instructions to create a delightful dish your entire family will love.
- Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. If you prefer an extra layer of flavor, you may sear the chicken in a skillet for about 2 minutes on each side before adding it to the crockpot. This step is optional but adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your dish.
- Place the seasoned chicken into your crockpot and drizzle olive oil over it. The olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking while adding a rich flavor.
- Next, sprinkle the minced garlic, diced onion, Italian seasoning, additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat) over the chicken. These seasonings will bring an enjoyable, aromatic flavor to your dish.
- Pour the low-sodium chicken broth around the chicken. This will create a moist environment for the chicken to cook in, helping it become tender and juicy.
- Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook, the more tender the chicken will become.
- Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. This method ensures that the chicken stays juicy and absorbs the flavorful sauce.
- Stir in the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese into the shredded chicken mixture. Allow these ingredients to melt and blend into a creamy sauce. You will start to smell the delightful aroma!
- Carefully add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves to the crockpot. These ingredients will bring vibrant colors and even more flavors to your dish. Cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Before serving, mix in the fresh basil. Give it a taste and adjust any seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your preference.
- Serve your delicious Crockpot Tuscan Chicken over pasta, rice, or alongside a crisp salad. Each bite will be a tasty experience!
How to Serve Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Plating your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken beautifully makes a significant difference in dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Pasta Delight: Serve the creamy chicken mix over a bed of your favorite pasta. Tagliatelle or fettuccine pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Rice Bowl: For a gluten-free option, ladle the Tuscan chicken over some fluffy rice. Jasmine or basmati rice would bring a nice touch.
- Fresh Salad: Pair it with a fresh side salad for a light meal. Use mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette to balance the creaminess of the chicken.
- Crusty Bread: Offer some warm, crusty bread on the side. You can use it to soak up the wonderful sauce and add a delightful crunch.
- Garnish: Sprinkle some extra freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil on top for a fresh presentation that also intensifies flavor.
By experimenting with different serving options, you can create a meal that suits any occasion!
Expert Tips: Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
To ensure your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken turns out perfectly, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will give you a rich flavor and remain juicier than breasts. However, either cut works well.
- Searing is Optional: Searing the chicken is not necessary but adds depth. If you’re short on time, feel free to skip this step.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow the chicken to cook long enough for the flavors to meld. Low and slow really brings out the richness of the dish.
- Adjusting Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you may reduce the amount of chicken broth initially added, or let the sauce simmer longer after adding the creamy ingredients.
- Storing Leftovers: Make sure to set aside your leftovers in an airtight container for a delicious meal the next day. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
How to Store Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Proper storage is essential for keeping your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken fresh and flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- Cool Down: Allow the Tuscan chicken to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes after cooking. This helps prevent condensation in storage containers.
- Airtight Containers: Transfer the chicken into airtight containers. Glass containers work great because they don’t retain odors and are microwave safe.
- Refrigeration: Store the containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they are tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken! Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will last for up to 3 months. Make sure to label it with the date for easy reference.
- Thawing: When you want to enjoy your frozen meal, move it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight, and reheat gently before serving.
Variation of Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
One of the joys of cooking is being able to customize your dishes. Here are some variations you might enjoy:
- Herb Infusion: Swap out the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to give your dish a fresh twist.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more nutrients and a change in texture.
- Spice It Up: If you like it hot, consider adding jalapeños or more red pepper flakes to enhance the spiciness of the dish.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or low-fat cream cheese to create a lighter version without sacrificing too much flavor.
- Vegan Version: For a vegan alternative, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and substitute coconut milk cream for heavy cream along with a plant-based cream cheese.
No matter how you choose to adapt this dish, the flavor-rich essence of the Tuscan Chicken will shine through.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a creamy dish made with chicken, garlic, cream, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, all cooked in a slow cooker.
How long does it take to make Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?
If you cook on low, expect to take 6-7 hours, or if you cook on high, it will take 3-4 hours.
What can I serve with Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?
This dish goes well with pasta, rice, or salad. Pairing it with crusty bread is also a lovely option.
Can I freeze leftover Crockpot Tuscan Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Using chicken thighs can enhance the richness and keep the dish extra moist.