When it comes to effortless, flavorful meals that bring a taste of Italy right to your kitchen, Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is a standout choice. This dish captures the essence of Tuscany with its creamy sauce, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and lush spinach, all enveloped around tender chicken breasts. Utilizing a slow cooker, this recipe allows you to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. Sit back, relax, and let your slow cooker do the magic, filling your home with delicious aromas!
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken recipe. Firstly, the combination of ingredients showcases a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce brings richness, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a delightful tang. Plus, the vibrant spinach gives a pop of color and nutrition to the dish. This recipe is not just about taste; it’s about simplicity and convenience. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can prepare a comforting meal that feels gourmet. Moreover, the versatility of this dish allows you to serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread, making it adaptable to your dining preferences.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
To whip up this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
Gathering these components will set you on the right path to creating your scrumptious Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken!
How to Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Directions
Preparing Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is straightforward and rewarding. Start by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with Italian seasoning, onion powder, Kosher salt, and black pepper. This initial step infuses the chicken with wonderful flavor right from the start.
Next, place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layering it this way allows the chicken to absorb all the delightful juices and flavors from the ingredients you will add next. In a separate bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. This mixture will serve as the aromatic sauce that makes this dish truly special. Once combined, pour the sauce uniformly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Now, it’s time to set your slow cooker. Adjust the setting to low and allow it to cook for 6 to 8 hours. The long, slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
As the cooking time nears its end, take a moment to prepare the finishing touches. Before serving, stir in the chopped baby spinach into the slow cooker. This will give a fresh note to the dish and vibrant color that makes it visually appealing.
To top off this delicious meal, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish. The cheese will meld into the creamy sauce, adding a rich, savory finish. Your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Serving Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is as much a part of the experience as the cooking itself. This delectable dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. You can serve it over pasta, allowing the creamy sauce to beautifully coat each bite. Alternatively, a mound of fluffy rice or a chunk of crusty bread makes for excellent accompaniments. The bread is particularly great for soaking up the luxurious sauce, ensuring you don’t leave a drop behind.
Consider garnishing your dish with extra Parmesan and maybe even a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, to add a touch of color and freshness. This dish not only nourishes the body but also pleases the eyes, making it perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
For the best results with your Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken, consider these expert tips:
- Select Quality Chicken: Opt for high-quality chicken breasts to enhance the overall flavor and texture. Fresh or organic chicken can make a noticeable difference.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Ensuring your chicken is generously seasoned will elevate the flavors significantly.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your slow cooker model, cooking times may vary. Always check the internal temperature of your chicken to ensure it reaches at least 165°F to guarantee it is fully cooked.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to experiment with the sauce by adding other ingredients, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to personalize the dish.
- Thicker Sauce Option: If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) in the final hour of cooking.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll create an unforgettable Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken every time!
How to Store Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Storing your leftover Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is simple. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect option for meal planning.
If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing it. Just place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring you remove any excess air. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can gently warm it through on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream as needed to maintain its creamy consistency.
Variation of Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
While the classic version of Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is delicious on its own, consider these variations for a new twist:
- Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Mushroom: Incorporate sliced mushrooms into the sauce mix for a hearty addition that complements the sun-dried tomatoes beautifully.
- Spicy Variation: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a touch of heat that can really elevate the dish.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to infuse a fresh aroma into the chicken as it slow-cooks.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts for added moisture or swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream to create a dairy-free dish.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add olives and capers for a Mediterranean flair, enhancing the flavor with briny goodness.
These variations can bring creativity to your cooking, ensuring that you never tire of this delightful meal.
FAQs
What is Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken?
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is a flavorful dish made with chicken breasts, a creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach, cooked slowly to create a tender and delicious meal perfect for serving with pasta, rice, or bread.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken?
It typically cooks for 6 to 8 hours on low heat in a slow cooker, ensuring the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Frozen chicken may require additional time to cook thoroughly.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken?
It’s delicious served over pasta, rice, or with pieces of crusty bread, allowing you to enjoy the creamy sauce.
How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw before reheating.
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Use high-quality chicken for better flavor.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Generously season for enhanced flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Kosher salt and black pepper Adjust according to your preference.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 0.5 cup chicken broth Can use low-sodium if preferred.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese For garnish.
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped Add at the end for a fresh touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, onion powder, Kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Place seasoned chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Mix well.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cooking
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped baby spinach.
Serving
- Serve the chicken with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Enjoy over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
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