The Coziest Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe for Comfort Food
Picture this: a mouthwatering slow cooker tuscan chicken that whispers comfort right into your kitchen.
Hearty aromas will dance through your home, teasing your senses with robust Mediterranean flavors.
Creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender chicken pieces nestled in a rich sauce.
Each spoonful promises a delightful journey through italian countryside inspirations.
Fresh herbs and sun-ripened ingredients create magic in your trusty slow cooker.
Unexpected combinations of spinach, tomatoes, and garlic promise a meal that feels both sophisticated and effortless.
You’ll find yourself craving this recipe again and again, eager to share its delicious secrets with everyone around your table.
Why Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Is Full Of Flavor
What’s In Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Main Protein:Seasonings:Liquid and Creaminess:Easy Steps For Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Protein
Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Generously coat each piece with a blend of:These spices will infuse the chicken with mouthwatering Mediterranean flavors.
Step 2: Build the Dreamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:Pour this luscious mixture over the seasoned chicken, ensuring every inch gets covered.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Let the chicken simmer and absorb all those incredible flavors for 4-6 hours. The meat will become incredibly tender and fall apart with just a gentle touch of a fork.
Step 4: Final Flavor Boost
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle in some:This will add a gorgeous final layer of richness and aroma.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Pair with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’ll make everyone at the table swoon.
Tips For Better Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
How To Store Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Pairing Options For Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Try These Twists On Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Questions About Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a creamy, flavorful dish with minimal effort. The slow cooker helps the chicken become incredibly tender and allows the seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat.
While fresh chicken is recommended, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are completely thawed before cooking and add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to guarantee thorough cooking.
Absolutely! Slow cooker Tuscan Chicken is perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a large batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
The combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper creates a classic Tuscan-inspired taste profile. These simple spices work together to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor and give the dish its authentic Mediterranean feel.
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Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 4-7 hours
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Succulent Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your dinner table with creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Flavoring and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for optional searing)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Serving Suggestions:
- Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Gently massage the chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
- Nestle the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker, creating a single layer that allows even heat distribution.
- Layer sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves around and between the chicken pieces, creating a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired base.
- Whisk together cream cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream until smooth, transforming the mixture into a luxurious, velvety sauce.
- Pour the creamy sauce directly over the chicken and vegetables, making sure to cover all ingredients evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender and juicy over the next 4-5 hours.
- Once cooking is complete, gently shred the chicken using two forks, letting it absorb the rich, creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the dish, adding a final layer of savory depth and complexity.
- Serve the Tuscan chicken hot, preferably over a bed of al dente pasta or fluffy rice, garnishing with additional fresh spinach leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Tenderize chicken breasts by gently pounding them to an even thickness before seasoning, ensuring uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to reduce cooking time and maintain a lean protein profile, perfect for health-conscious meals.
- Use high-quality Italian seasoning blend or create your own mix with dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a more authentic Tuscan taste experience.
- If watching sodium intake, choose low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt, allowing herbs and spices to enhance the dish’s natural flavors without excess salt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours (high) / 6-7 hours (low)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 563
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 883 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 171 mg
Emily Morgan
Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.
Education
New York University
Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.
Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.
Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.