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
Scale
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